Station XV: Episode 145 — Sorrow, settlement, synod, Scripture
It’s truly a bumper episode of The 15th Station for our Christmas episode, as the panel considers some of the big stories from home and abroad. The White Island volcano tragedy leads the show, as New Zealand tries to deal with another disaster. In Australia, one debate over religious freedom has concluded, with a rugby player and his employers reaching a settlement over a social media post paraphrasing Scripture. In Germany, the Church has embarked on a “synodal journey” that is offering both hope and concern, depending on who you ask. And back in NZ, plans are coming together for the construction of a new Catholic cathedral in Christchurch. From the 15th Station family (Anna, Donald, James and Gavin) to you and yours, we wish you a happy and holy Christmas.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 144 — Canberra, Rome, Amazon, Wellington, Whangamomona
The Station 15 crew was in the courtroom for one of the biggest announcements in the Church’s legal history, as the High Court of Australia agreed that it would hear arguments why Cardinal George Pell’s child sexual abuse convictions should be overturned. It wasn’t quite that exciting for the New Zealand bishops, but they recently made their Ad Limina visit to Rome, meeting with Pope Francis and his key advisers. The bishops were there as the much-reported Synod on the Amazon unfolded, but it was hard to find the facts among the hysteria. Back in New Zealand, there’s a push from a Maori organisation to get Pope Francis to apologise for the Church’s role in colonising the country back in the 19th century. Things have been a bit quieter in Whangamomona, where a 100-year-old Catholic church has seen its last hurrah — as a place of Catholic worship, at least. A typically diverse episode awaits.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 143 — Resignation, Canonisation, Ordination, Consultation and Condemnation
The resignation of Palmerston North Bishop Charles Drennan for inappropriate behaviour with a young woman was a great shock to the Church in New Zealand — and the Station 15 panel. That big story leads this episode, which (as always) traverses the globe. This month, the panel ventures to Rome via Oxford, with the canonisation of St John Henry Newman, and then to the Amazon via Rome, as a Synod of Bishops considers the life of the Church in the Amazon. Back in New Zealand, abortion legislation is on the political agenda. But is the Government playing fair? It’s certainly not fair to steal a church’s air conditioner, but is it OK to condemn that person to hell? Yes, it’s an episode as diverse as it sounds. Enjoy 🙂
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 142 — Appeal, Schism, Renewal, Technology
Cardinal George Pell’s unsuccessful appeal on his conviction for historical child sexual abuse leads this month’s episode. Anna, Don, James and Gavin consider the outcome and what might come next. Pope Francis has spoken about the prospect of schism within the Church, while in New Zealand a Marist priest is more focused on renewal. And technology — the Australian bishops’ statement on social media and the emergence of robotic preachers — rounds out the show. Thanks for listening and tell a friend 🙂
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 141 — Happy birthday, unhappy topics
As The 15th Station team celebrates its 12th birthday, it’s not an entirely happy occasion as topics like abortion, an earthquake-ravaged cathedral, mass shootings and clerical sexual abuse all feature in one way or another. Although that probably reflects some of the more regular topics that the show has covered during those years. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin as they review those stories and reflect on 12 years of podcasting. And thanks for being part of the Station 15 family over these years.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 140 — The Conundrum Episode
It’s an episode of head-scratchers and what analysts often refer to as “wicked” policy problems. How should we — society generally, and Catholics — respond to the plight of desperate people seeking a new home? How should bishops respond to changing demographics and the needs of the faithful? Should the Church allow its facilities to be memorial sites for survivors of child sexual abuse? The seal of Confession and attempts to sanctify a crime-ridden city seem somewhat straightforward by comparison. Join Anna, Donald, James and Gavin for our latest episode.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 139 — Cardinal, Pope, Politician, King
Cardinal George Pell was convicted last December on child sexual abuse charges. The panel discusses his appeal process, which unfolded this month (without an outcome) and what might happen next. In Italy, changes to the translation of the Our Father have caused some consternation — mostly in English-speaking countries, where no change is expected. In New Zealand, a proudly Catholic MP has worn his faith on his sleeve in his first speech in Parliament, while the Maori King, visiting the Vatican, has invited Pope Francis to come to New Zealand. Maybe that can happen with the Holy Spirit’s help, assuming said Spirit isn’t too busy assisting drivers in Europe. That’ll make sense when you listen to the show.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 138 — Sri Lanka, Paris, Israel and the Vatican
There are some heavy topics to cover this month, with Anna, Don, James and Gavin discussing the horrific Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, the heroism that emerged from the Notre Dame fire and the battle over religious freedom in Australia. Pope Francis has also issued new guidelines on investigating and reporting child sexual abuse. Do they go far enough? And this month’s “light” story shows that even good deeds can sometimes have negative unintended consequences. Thanks for joining us for another episode of The 15th Station.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 137 — Future Church, future leaders, future laws, future Easter
It’s Holy Week, and the panel reflects on Pope Francis’ call for Catholics to be humble in their lives and to know when it’s appropriate to keep silent. Campaigners against euthanasia in New Zealand have certainly not been quiet as they seek to bring an end to efforts to legislate for the practice. Back in Rome, Pope Francis has written to young people and given them encouragement to embrace the faith, something Cardinal John Dew is trying to do in Wellington as the Church goes through some significant changes. The non-robotic group of Anna, Don, James and Gavin usher you through those topics and more.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Station XV: Episode 136 — Sentence, Summit, Sacrifice and Signature
The conviction and sentencing of Australian Cardinal George Pell dominates this month’s episode, with Anna, Don, James and Gavin grappling with the complexities of the case and a range of emotions. The show also looks at the Vatican summit on child protection and the Pope’s Lenten message for 2019. The panel considers the dearth of “local” vocations to the priesthood in New Zealand and wonders what to make of Donald Trump signing Bibles in Alabama. Spanning the globe and a broad range of topics on this month’s 15th Station.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Follow Us!