Station XV: Episode 129 — Confession, Concession, Courts and Confusion
The Catholic Church in New Zealand and Australia is under pressure to change the way it approaches the seal of Confession, with governments in both countries wondering if removing the seal would stem child sexual abuse. Bishops in both countries have a clear answer: “No.” In the US, President Trump is pushing ahead with his second Supreme Court nominee in Catholic Brett Kavanaugh. Another president, Filipino Rodrigo Duterte, is also making headlines for his name-calling and his curious theology, while the NZ bishops are also wondering how their theology is helping (or hurting) the Church’s evangelisation efforts. A Baptist church, however, is just wondering how they can show the face — and body — of Jesus to the world, literally. Join Anna, James and Gavin for this month’s episode of The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 128 — Conviction, Courage, Communion and Commando (priest)
The conviction of an Australian archbishop of failing to disclose child sexual abuse leads this month’s show, with Anna, James and Gavin seeking to navigate the complex case of Archbishop Philip Wilson. In New Zealand, in Rome and in South America, there’s a call for courage — among Kiwi seminarians, but also among those seeking to find solutions to the priestly shortage in places like the Amazon. Pope Francis has called for the German bishops to think again about their plans to allow inter-Communion for the spouses of Catholics, while in the US, a priest is showing off his spirit, as well as his physical gifts, in the show Ninja Warrior. It’s another eclectic journey through the Catholic Church.
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Station XV: Episode 126 — Exhortation, Examination, Information and Profanation
Pope Francis has issued his third apostolic exhortation, calling on people to consider how they can lead a life of holiness under the title of (in English) “Rejoice and Be Glad”. There’s not much rejoicing in New Zealand, as child abuse again dominates headlines, but an investigation in that country appears set to exclude churches from its scope, despite Catholic and Anglican leaders calling for their inclusion. Back in Rome, a gathering of young people has produced a document that — to a large extent — calls for the Church to better explain why it believes what it believes. In the US, Facebook has acknowledged some errors in deleting Catholic content, while in Brazil, it is others who are calling out the errors of the ways of a parish that went a bit overboard in modernising the liturgy. Join Anna, James and Gavin for a journey through a month of Catholic news and insights.
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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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Station XV: Episode 124 — Criticism, Canada, Christchurch and Chile
As the euthanasia debate heats up in New Zealand, so has criticism of some of the advocacy, including material found in a Catholic cathedral. In Canada, people of faith have much to be critical about in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s edict about government funding for a summer jobs program. In Christchurch, a city still recovering from devastating earthquakes several years ago, a new church has offered a ray of sunshine, but it’s not so positive for Pope Francis when one looks at his work to tackle child sexual abuse — highlighted again on his recent trip to Chile. As always, Anna, Don, James and Gavin offer something a bit lighter after an intense but important discussion about some of the big Catholic stories of the month.
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Station XV: Episode 123 — Instruction, Inquiry, Immigration and Identification
As 2018 gets under way, Pope Francis has been very clear in his advice to Vatican ambassadors — uphold the family and protect all life. He’s also been clear about people’s obligations to refugees and asylum-seekers, while acknowledging that some people can fear “the other”. In New Zealand, there’s a call for an inquiry into child abuse to include religious organisations, and in Australia, a new sculpture is causing a little confusion, but also raising awareness. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin for the first episode of the year.
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Station XV: Episode 122 — Christchurch, Christ’s prayer, Christianity and Christmas fun
In the final episode of 2017, there is cause for celebration, but also cause for concern. In New Zealand, Catholics welcomed the appointment of a new Bishop of Christchurch. But there was also fear that attempts to legislate euthanasia might be successful in the country, though there are many hurdles before that can happen. In Europe, Pope Francis is wondering aloud if the Lord’s Prayer might be confusing people, while the new Polish leader wonders how Christianity might again shape Europe. But when it comes to pure fun, our Anglican friends seem to have it sorted, with a toboggan ride in an English church. Just another fun Christmas episode of The 15th Station. Wishing all our listeners and your loved ones a happy and holy Christmas.
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Station XV: Episode 121 — Protesting, Praying, Poverty and Poor Choices
The Catholic and Lutheran Churches have marked 500 years since Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of a German cathedral, reflecting on the shared faith and expressing a desire for unity. In the new New Zealand Parliament, there’s talk about a reformation of the opening prayer, removing references to God and Jesus Christ. In Rome, Pope Francis will celebrate the first World Day of the Poor with several hundred people living in poverty, while in Wellington, the Sisters of Compassion are waiting for a miracle — or two. And finally a Hollywood star reflects on his hopes that God is a movie fan, but also forgiving of poor role choices. Join Anna, Donald, James and Gavin in this month’s episode of The 15th Station.
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Station XV: Episode 120 — Sadness, Solidarity, Social and Celebrity
Tragedy has struck again, this time in Las Vegas, where the local Catholic bishop urged locals and tourists alike to band together in solidarity to support the mourning, the injured and the suffering. Pope Francis has acknowledged the inadequate response to the scourge of clerical sexual abuse, saying the Church was too late to recognise the gravity of the situation. The Pacific bishops are trying to avoid being too late to support the local economies and a New Zealand-born Australian bishop wants to make sure it’s not too late to reach people’s hearts and minds via social media. If that fails, the power of music and the Eucharist might work — or at least that’s maybe what some Colombian worshippers concluded. Enjoy the musings of Anna, Don, James and Gavin in this month’s episode.
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Station XV: Episode 117 — Election, Collection, Reflection and Connection
Pope Francis has offered the influential world leaders at the G-20 summit some important reflections, including on their responsibility to look after their own people, as well as their brothers and sisters around the world. The New Zealand Catholic Bishops similarly urged their flock to consider the most needy when New Zealanders vote in the national election later this year. There are two big stories from Australia in this month’s episode. The most recent Census has shown that the number of people stating they have “no religion” has increased significantly, meaning Christians are now barely a majority in the country. And in news that grabbed headlines around the world, former Archbishop of Sydney and Melbourne, Cardinal George Pell, has been charged with historical sexual abuse offences. Also in Australia, a motorcycle club is taking to the streets to connect with others and share the story of Jesus. A typically diverse and fast-paced episode awaits. Enjoy the show.
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