Author Archives: David Timbs

David Timbs

About David Timbs

David Timbs now lives in retirement after having taught in secondary schools for many years. He reads a great deal and even writes a little from time to time. He also maintains a keen interest in the evolving preparation for the National Plenary Council of the Catholic Church in Australia.

The Polding House Push and The Catholic Weekly Bugle.

By David Timbs | On 20 August 2020

Over the past year in particular, Australian Catholics have become convinced that their bishops, with some exceptions, are playing games with them in the lead up to the national Plenary Council which is now scheduled to start in October 2021. … Continue reading →

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Bishops and branch stacking: the second oldest profession

By David Timbs | On 13 July 2020

Branch stacking scandals are not new to Australian politics of whatever colour. Nor is the phenomenon new to the Catholic Church. In fact, the caper originated within Jesus’ inner circle and it hasn’t let up since.

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DAVID TIMBS. Archbishop Comensoli needs to cut the ecclesiastical umbilical cord.

By David Timbs | On 9 September 2019

Peter A Comensoli has been the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne for just on a year. So far he has demonstrated very little understanding of the disastrous situation he inherited. Nor has he shown any clear indication of the kind of … Continue reading →

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DAVID TIMBS. Australia’s bishops are presently visiting the Pope. . What are they telling him and will Aus tralia’s ordinary Catholics ever find out?

By David Timbs | On 1 July 2019

Australia’s bishops are currently in Rome for their regular ‘ad limina’ visit to the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul . Their last visit was in 2011. While there they will meet Pope Francis, have meetings with many of the … Continue reading →

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DAVID TIMBS. The Pax Romana and the Gospel of Disturbance.

By David Timbs | On 18 December 2018

The first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, is synonymous with a new age of optimism and hopefulness for the peoples of the Empire. This era of unprecedented peace, stability and prosperity came to be known as the Pax Romana. Jesus of … Continue reading →

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DAVID TIMBS. The priest shortage and the elephant in the room.

By David Timbs | On 22 September 2018

Twice in recent weeks, Fr James Clarke, Chair of  the National Council of Priests (NCP), has stated that the majority of Australian priests and probably most laity support a comprehensive examination of all aspects of the Catholic priesthood and pastoral … Continue reading →

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DAVID TIMBS. The Catholic Church in Australia. Who has the Moral Authority?

By David Timbs | On 17 May 2018

For many of Australia’s Catholic bishops ‘business as usual’ meant denial that the culture, structures and processes of the Church were part of the problem. They had cut themselves off from the lived experience of ordinary Catholics and what they … Continue reading →

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David Timbs. The Synod of Bishops.

By David Timbs | On 13 January 2015

Catholic lay people face a very difficult task in attempting to influence the members of the 2015 Ordinary Synod of Bishops.  Firstly, they will have a challenge in finding bishops to listen to them. Secondly, they will have a challenge … Continue reading →

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