Politics courting religion: Religion courting politics
An open letter to the Coalition leadership There has been a growing trend for Conservative politics in the US and in Australia to double down on support from conservative expressions of Christian religious faith. These religious views are not consistent with the values of most Australians, they are divisive. They do not represent the views of those with faith, like me, who find them at odds with the life and teaching of Jesus.
Recent articles in Religion
11 May 2025
The New Pope – Leo XIV
I thought it might be third time lucky, but I was wrong again. I backed the wrong horse as pope!
8 May 2025
Tackling Christian extremism in Australian politics
The election campaign was fraught. Reports of violent interactions at booths have circulated in recent polls.
8 May 2025
Sino-Vatican ties likely to survive Pope Francis' passing
The death of Pope Francis on 21 April triggered widespread grief. A humble man whose political skills stood him in good stead, he inspired many. Although his doctrinal stances often upset traditionalists, few doubted his integrity.
8 May 2025
Catholics, social policy and the Common Good
The federal election campaign of 2025 was an interlude. Politicians, advocacy groups and the commentariat all had their lists of issues, but where were the big initiatives? The grand narratives?
7 May 2025
Will the new pope be a Francis clone?
The 133 cardinals under the age of 80 have been in formal regular sessions in the Vatican most days listening to each other’s speeches and, more importantly, getting together in informal meetings in ecclesiastical colleges, restaurants, embassies, apartments, and pizza parlours in the Borgo near the Vatican.
6 May 2025
Pope Francis' parting gift to the Church: a messy conclave
Eighty-nine. That's the magic number. It will take at least 89 cardinals to elect Pope Francis' successor. [The author has returned to UCA News after a year away].
5 May 2025
Andrew Bolt's cynical attack on faith
On Sky News (22 April), Andrew Bolt credited Anthony Albanese with a brilliant, if devious, election ploy.
3 May 2025
'Never again' for Jews, Palestinians and all humanity
A picture is worth a thousand words.
30 April 2025
A peace reflection after Easter, remembering Pope Francis and Anzac Day
After resurrection, Jesus gives peace to those who are anxious about their lives. [John 20.19] This divine peace is a beautiful gift and one to be shared.
29 April 2025
Six Easter days, 2025
Monday Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the man who became Pope Francis, died just after the Roman dawn. The news reached Australia as the evening newscasts began. His death dominated every bulletin. It seemed anomalous, a rent in time, even though rationally expected.
29 April 2025
Aussie cardinals in short supply at papal conclave
The election to take place in the Vatican from next week is probably a lot more consequential than the one now taking place in Australia, even if there is a good chance that white smoke will be coming from the chimneys at the Australian Electoral Office earlier than those from the Vatican Apartments.
26 April 2025
The legacy of a Jesuit pope
Francis was a pope prepared to blur the edges of doctrine, or at least its application, opening the doors of the Church to all those seeking love, mercy and forgiveness.
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