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Traditionally, Catholic-Labor links have been so strong that wits described the Church as 'the Labor Party at prayer'. NSW Labor Premier Kristina Keneally represents a growingly assertive Catholicism which might be described as progressive, rational and independent.
The Australian Anglican Church is divided on questions of women's ordination, sexuality, lay presidency and liturgical texts. But the recent assembly in Melbourne was relatively polite, although the question of the conservative, evangelical Sydney Diocese's relationship with the rest was never far from the surface.
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.
When it comes to asylum seekers, both Labor and Liberal leaders spruik policy that taps into negative community feelings toward 'the other'. Fr Francis D'Sa offers an alternative vision embracing multiculturalism and religious pluralism.
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.
Fr Frank Brennan's address to the Melbourne College of Divinity Centenary Conference, Trinity College, University of Melbourne, 6 July 2010.
Eureka Street carries many articles about minority groups whose dignity as human beings is not respected. Those who endorse Catholic teaching on sexuality and the value of human life should rejoice when they see this. To insist on the dignity of those most disregarded in our society is a thoroughly Catholic thing to do.
When Fr Julian Tenison Woods was no longer welcome in the south, he came and conducted scientific expeditions and parish missions in Queensland. In 1881, he conducted a parish mission in Maryborough, where he got Martin Brennan, my great-grandfather, off the grog and back to church.
Fr Frank Brennan SJ's address at the Commemoration of Julian Tenison Woods Park, Penola SA, 23 Mary 2010
'Tonight I want to reflect in light of the National Human Rights Consultation how we as Church can do better in promoting justice for all in our land. Full text from Frank Brennan's 2010 McCosker Oration, 'The Church as Advocate in the Public Square: Lessons from the National Human Rights Consultation'.