News feeds are starting to come in as Australian state capitals host “Say yes” rallies in support of the government’s proposed carbon emissions tax. Here’s one feed featuring a speech by World Vision CEO Tim Costello: Australia ‘seen as climate freeloader’. The timing of the rallies clashed with this morning’s church services, but we finished givingContinue reading “Climate change rallies around Oz today”
Category Archives: Personal
A teaser from tomorrow’s harangue…
We can try and create events that proscribe the words of Jesus’ deepest and most intimate prayer. We set up councils and events and programmes to “promote” Christian unity. This is good and necessary work, even when frustrations put stumbling blocks in the way. It is not through the structures we create, however, but itContinue reading “A teaser from tomorrow’s harangue…”
Aaaaarghhh!…
… is a very helpful term. Especially when the toner runs out mid-run and you find the cartridge you thought you had on standby is the one that’s just run out. Especially when the courier bringing the replacements neglects to take a few extra steps to the office door and, in stead, leaves a “CollectContinue reading “Aaaaarghhh!…”
They wish they hadn’t…
… invited me to step into Bob’s art class at church today. The subject was “extension” – a device of exaggeration that cartoonists use to create caricatures. So here’s the result with the aid of some technology. Everyone’s ducking for cover now for fear that I might “do” them next!
Religion & the Secular State
In the light of the current discussions on the nature of the “secular” in relation to religion in the public arena, particularly where government funding of religious programs in state schools is concerned, or even access of religious groups within the education system, it’s sometimes helpful to hear a voice from outside. See Thio Li-ann: ReligionContinue reading “Religion & the Secular State”
A puzzling question about carbon taxes…
How come Cate Blanchett is vilified for speaking into the carbon tax debate and ever-so-much-more-wealthy mining barons are free to complain loudly while media companies sycophantly bend over backwards to ensure they are heard?
Vegemite and Ice Hockey
Not often I endorse commercial products, but I grew up on this and I’m still a Vegemite kid! This is one of a series of marvelous ads that, like the spread, only Aussies could appreciate. The rest of the world scratches its head and wonders what planet we are from!
Churches where no wheelchairs go – Eureka Street
Here is a timely reminder for churches old and new: Churches where no wheelchairs go – Eureka Street. Universal access should be on the agenda of any community group that pursues compassion and hope as core values – and that surely includes church communities. It would be good for church board/ vestry/ management groups toContinue reading “Churches where no wheelchairs go – Eureka Street”
When saying and hearing “sorry” is hard work…
‘We need to forgive and be forgiven, every day, every hour — unceasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family.’ Henri Nouwen Today is Sorry Day, which now commemorates and builds on the 2008 parliamentary apology to Australia’s indigenous people for past policies thatContinue reading “When saying and hearing “sorry” is hard work…”
Teach, don’t preach: how to do religion in schools – ABC Religion & Ethics – Opinion
I’ve made my own arguments along similar lines. Ronald Noone, chaplain at Melbourne Grammar, adds some interesting points that, in my view, have potential to de-polarise the debate and de-wedge the issue. Teach, don’t preach: how to do religion in schools – ABC Religion & Ethics – Opinion.
Wondering Pilgrim 