Religions
13 May 2013
Most Anglicans, Catholics, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs back change in law, but majorities of Muslims and Baptists do not. Large majorities of believers are in favour of legalising assisted dying. Photograph: Alamy A major survey of religious opinion shows that large majorities of believers are in favour of legalising assisted dying. The poll, carried out by YouGov for the Westminster Faith Debates and involving nearly 4,500 people, reveals that only among Muslims and Baptists are there… read more »
3 May 2013
(CNN) – Proposed new legislation won’t change Ireland’s general ban on abortion, Prime Minister Enda Kenny said Wednesday, but is about “saving lives” when pregnant women are in danger. Ireland’s government published the controversial draft measure late Tuesday to clarify what happens when there’s a threat to the mother’s life, including a risk of suicide. The government wants the legislation, the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013, to become law before the summer recess at… read more »
15 April 2013
Pope Francis graduated as a chemical technician before moving on to study philosophy, psychology and theology. STORY HIGHLIGHTS The Vatican is urging a rethink of the “mischaracterization” of its relationship with science Monsignor Tomasz Trafny says Catholics should feel they can embrace science The Vatican is hosting a conference on stem cell research, beginning April 11 But a genetic scientist says some elements of Church teachings remain “unrealistic” (CNN) – Dropping to his knees before the… read more »
Churches and other religious communities that are recognised as such by the Austrian state enjoy a large number of financial and other privileges. The most glaring examples are those, which were agreed with the Catholic Church before the second world war by the then Austro-fascist government and included in a separate treaty, a so-called konkordat, which is still in force! The Austrian Freethinkers have published these privileges and several others in a long list comprising… read more »
5 April 2013
Pontiff’s call dismissed by victims’ groups as simply rhetoric designed to try and woo back disgusted Catholics to the church Pope Francis consulted senior cardinals over the clergy sex abuse scandals. Photograph: Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis Pope Francis has directed the Vatican to act decisively on ecclesiastic sex abuse cases and take measures against paedophile priests, saying the Catholic church’s credibility was on the line. The announcement was quickly dismissed by victims’ advocates as just more talk. “Once… read more »
22 February 2013
(Reuters) – The Roman Catholic Church in Germany said on Thursday it would permit certain types of “morning-after pill” for raped women, after two hospitals provoked an outcry for refusing to treat a rape victim. The German Bishops’ Conference said church-run hospitals would now ensure proper medical, psychological and emotional care for rape victims – including administering pills that prevent pregnancy without inducing an abortion. Archbishop Robert Zollitsch said a four-day meeting of German bishops in the… read more »
19 February 2013
The next Pope : reformist or traditionalist ? 13/02 13:54 He took over at the head of the Church replacing a globe-trotting Pope who defended traditional values. Elected in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI worked as the guardian of a Church which is fighting a drop in the number of its faithful in Europe. He wanted to shift the focus back to the values of the Church, haunted by sex abuse scandals. Criticised by some, applauded by others… read more »
13 February 2013
European Humanist Federation “EHF welcomes a brave decision of the ex-pontifex” Let’s be fair, Joseph Ratzinger’s resignation announcement proves the courage of a man who has become aware of its limitations. We must now hope that Catholics – at least those who still pay attention to the voice of the pontifex maximus – will be guided with more inspiration in the future. Joseph Ratzinger used his influence to impose dogma and faith as the bases… read more »
11 February 2013
Pope’s Statement : Dear Brothers, I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this… read more »
22 November 2012
On 14 November 2012, the European Parliament President met several representatives of churches and non-confessional organizations, including the European Humanist Federation (EHF) and the Belgian Centre d’Action Laïque (CAL) for a dialogue meeting on “intergenerational solidarity”. This meeting took place within the framework of Article 17 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which provides an open, regular and transparent dialogue between the EU institutions, churches, religious communities and non-confessional organizations…. read more »