Section Archive: Opinion

Call to extend compassion to people on Bridging Visas

Australia has a long history of compassion towards asylum seekers. The recent announcement that 19,000 people would receive a pathway to permanency was greeted with much joy, writes John Haren.

Posted on: March 14, 2023

Global Project of Conversion: Continental Stage of Synod on Synodality

It is helpful to imagine the Synod on Synodality as a project of conversion. A project that involves the entire Church being led by the Holy Spirit, writes Elissa Roper.

Posted on: March 14, 2023

And still we pray and long for peace

As we approach Advent, preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I am mindful of so many situations in which we long for peace, writes Good Samaritan Sister Catherine McCahill.

Posted on: November 15, 2022

Flourishing together

Rev Dr Josephine Inkpin offers a perspective on how developing faith-filled pathways with sexually and gender diverse people will support the discernment and celebration of the gifts of LGBTIQA+ lives.

Posted on: October 17, 2022

Do we dare?

It is our responsibility to promote a world where self-interest is abandoned and the wellbeing of all peoples is at the heart of our political, social, environmental and economic action.

Posted on: June 14, 2022

'Only Connect!'

In meeting someone or something, we put self-centred desires on hold to connect and acknowledge that we are not impermeable fortresses but participants in a grand unity, writes Rita Glennon.

Posted on: June 14, 2022

Parable for a pandemic

The Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke’s Gospel specifically opens our eyes to the experience of humanity from the perspective of compassion, calling us to action, writes Heather MacKenzie.

Posted on: December 13, 2021

A parable for the 21st Century

During the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees and asylum seekers have been declared ineligible for any financial assistance from the government, depriving them of a lifeline in desperate times, writes Carmel Lillis.

Posted on: December 13, 2021

Fly me to the Moon

My journey to the Moon began many moons ago, many, many moons! I remember Frank Sinatra crooning this tune and flew to the Moon with him, writes Mary McDonald.

Posted on: August 18, 2021

The Sydney Statement interfaith charter calls us to be neighbour

The Sydney Statement launched on February 9 is particularly relevant to Christians who have for too long been enclosed in our tribal religious silo, writes Rev Dr Patrick McInerney SSC.

Posted on: February 19, 2021

Read, watch, listen: TGO’s top picks to bring in the New Year

In the December edition, The Good Oil has gathered recommendations from some of our readers and writers on what to read, watch and listen to in the New Year.

Posted on: December 16, 2020

So this is Easter… a moment in history, a moment like none other

Like the women at the empty tomb we, too, go in faith. We wait to see the risen one in the midst of this global pandemic, writes Catherine McCahill SGS....

Posted on: April 22, 2020