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 🙂
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Station XV: Episode 134 — Security, Celibacy, Identity and Charity
The Church in the United States, New Zealand and Germany is grappling with a number of big issues, with the southern US border and the impending New Zealand Royal Commission into child sexual abuse headlining this month’s show. The German bishops are looking at the issue of celibacy, framing their rethink of the discipline as a response to the abuse crisis. In New Zealand, Catholic schools are trying to find authentic, pastoral responses to the issue of gender dysphoria, while back in America, a priest is enjoying spreading some Christmas joy — all year long. Join Anna, James and Gavin, and the returning Don, for this globetrotting episode.
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Station XV: Episode 133 — Christ, Christmas; Jesus, Justice
In our December episode, there’s a little Christmas spirit, but there’s a little bit of the Grinch as well. In New Zealand, new research has found that churches — Catholic and Protestant — aren’t all that popular, but Jesus remains so. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte is trying to find out if suggesting people kill Catholic bishops is popular. But don’t worry; it’s just “hyperbole”. On either side of the Tasman Sea, justice is being considered following an overturned conviction for an Australian Catholic bishop and in New Zealand on abortion laws. But, as Christmas approaches, shouldn’t we all be worrying about whether Santa is real or not? Just another month — and another year — for The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 132 — Investigation, Implementation, Immigration and Invocation
After lobbying from the Catholic Church and others, the New Zealand Government’s inquiry into child sexual abuse in institutions will include faith-based organisations. In the US, the Bishops have delayed implementing new abuse protocols after the Vatican asked them to wait until after the February gathering of presidents of bishops’ conferences. Also in Rome, the Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment concluded with calls for the Church to listen more carefully to youth and for young people to trust Church leaders — despite acknowledgements some leaders haven’t always been worthy of that trust. Anna, Gavin and James also consider the case of a Melbourne mum in immigration detention that can’t have her child baptised in a nearby church. In Florida, meanwhile, a church has been barred from serving as an election place in future after the pastor got a bit too political. All in a month’s work for the 15th Station crew!
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Station XV: Episode 131 — Convention, Confession, Confusion and Consternation
It’s a fairly heavy — and sombre — episode of The 15th Station this month, as Anna, James and Gavin survey the fairly challenging landscape for Catholics in most parts of the world, as the sexual abuse crisis continues to loom large over this era and this papacy. Pope Francis has called a meeting of the presidents of bishops’ conferences, while the Church in Australia has responded to the forensic examination it (and other institutions) received during the Royal Commission. In New Zealand, voices are being raised to defeat euthanasia legislation and there are new stats about annulments — but what do they mean? And, in the Czech Republic, what do spooky, ghostly figures in a Catholic church mean?
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Station XV: Episode 127 — Crosiers, Cardinal, Criticism and Climate
There’s more cause for celebration in New Zealand, with a second bishop ordained in quick succession. Bishop Michael Dooley is a local boy who has swapped his farmer’s crook for a bishop’s crosier. Across the Tasman in Australia, Cardinal George Pell has been ordered to stand trial on historical sexual offences, making him the highest-ranking cleric to be charged. The Cardinal entered his “not guilty” plea in a clear and firm voice. In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has chosen to unleash his power on an Australian religious sister, who has been speaking up on behalf of the poor and the marginalised. Meanwhile, the bishops of Oceania — Australia, New Zealand and many Pacific island nations — have also called for protection for those who are in danger, including from climate change. All in a month’s work for the panel of Anna, James and Gavin on The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 125 — Two Bishops, One Pope, 1,900 Young People and a Persecuted Minority
The Catholic Church in New Zealand — especially on its South Island — is celebrating the ordination of one bishop and the appointment of another. Considering there are only two bishops there, that’s a big deal. The five-year anniversary of Pope Francis is also a big deal, but how are people assessing that period? And how do young people assess the Church and its engagement with those under the age of 30? There’s more news of terrible persecution of Christians, with Rome highlighting their plight at the Colosseum. And singer Ed Sheeran doesn’t want the Colosseum, but he does have eyes for a new chapel on his UK property. Anna, James and Gavin gather for this month’s episode. Thanks for listening.
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