Andrew Hamilton SJ

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POLITICS

Beyond the selfish election  

The churches, with their tradition of recognising the deeper values in human beings and society, can play an important part in generating a richer vision of Australian society. They'll need to cooperate with other groups who decry the self-interested focus in Australian politics.

EDITORIAL

We're to blame for election shocker  

We are wrong to assume our involvement in the political process ends with the casting of votes. If the experience of a fetid election campaign, of leadership abdicated and of a hung parliament leads us to offer more modest local forms of participation and leadership, all Australians will gain.

POLITICS

Politics must be more than noise  

The public sphere is often spoken of as debate, conversation, market place, or theatre. The dominant image this election campaign suggests have been of monologue and static. There is not much point in a public space if you can't hear yourself think there.

POLITICS

Cheap targets this election hunting season  

This election campaign has been reminiscent of the Italian hunting season, where it becomes dangerous to go out of doors when so many guns are pointed into the air. Elections are like the shooting season. High fliers are safe. Low fliers are not.

POLITICS

Bishops' voting advice needs grounding in dignity  

In an election campaign characterised by the avoidance of commitment to any principle that might cost votes, the Bishops' advice avoided bagging particular political parties and enunciated broad humane criteria to guide voters. It could have offered more.

RELIGION

Women's ordination and other crimes of passion  

The naming of participating in women's ordination as a crime against faith os disconcerting. I recently attended the ordination of a woman friend in another church. The celebration was prayerful and joyful, and promised to be the prelude to a fruitful ministry by faithful and committed candidates. 

SPORT

Aker sacking an example for political parties  

It seems appropriate that Jason Akermanis was sacked in the middle of an election campaign. The tensions between conflicting interests that led to his sacking have also been exhibited in the election campaign. But in politics they have been negotiated much more disreputably.

BOOKS

Elegy for a priestly life  

In contrast to Luther, John Molony never discovered the grace that would free him from the guilt and anxiety caused by his not meeting expectations. Nor did he reject the pattern of church relationships and theological assumptions that endorsed these expectations. He simply lost hope that he could live as a good priest.

APPLICATION

The strengths and shortcomings of Church apologies  

Archbishop Denis Hart's letter of apology for sexual abuse by Catholic priests drew a variety of responses. Some expressed gratitude, others found it inadequate. The letter and responses invite broader reflection on the place of letters of apology by leaders of churches.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Not the Pacific Solution  

Julia Gillard insists that the centre in East Timor centre would be properly 'run, auspiced and structured'. For the Australian Government to ensure that such a centre respects the human dignity of asylum seekers will be difficult. Similar arrangements with Indonesia were not satisfactory.

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