Section Archive: Opinion

Words that matter

I wish I knew the words that could achieve world peace. Each day, I write about consequential matters, but the words that could solve the problems in Gaza escape me.

Posted on: September 10, 2025

May synodality and the revolution of love prevail

There are two stories at play in our world, and each is vying for our allegiance: one is death-dealing while the other is life-affirming, writes Good Samaritan Sister Patty Fawkner.

Posted on: May 19, 2025

Is there a place on earth for honest, respectful dialogue?

At a time when lying has become accepted, even respectable, who among the world’s religious leaders will call us to a new place of honest dialogue, asks Clare Condon SGS.

Posted on: March 18, 2025

What is to be done?

Indignities, atrocities and acts devaluing human life cannot be ignored or forgotten, but the roads to justice, hope and reconciliation are paved by beginning conversations of respect, writes John Haren.

Posted on: March 18, 2025

Is there an ‘Order of Love’?

When US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that an ‘Order of Love’ was a Christian concept, he dismissed Jesus’ fundamental message in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Posted on: February 18, 2025

WATAC (Women and the Australian Church) looks to the future

WATAC began as a grassroots effort to address the role of women in the Australian Catholic Church and broader society. How will its inclusive vision be sustained, asks Andrea Dean.

Posted on: February 18, 2025

Remembering the saints is a source of energy and hope

As the feast al All Saints approaches, I wish to develop a personal canon of female saints who will help me live faithfully in a violent world, writes Patty Fawkner.

Posted on: October 15, 2024

Building a culture that is resistant to spiritual abuse

Spiritual abuse has no place in a synodal Church, where respectful mutual relationships are integral, and the voices of lay people and the ordained are honoured equally, writes Patty Fawkner.

Posted on: September 17, 2024

We give thanks for our friendships, both in delight and disappointment

Following his recent remarks about women deacons and homosexuals, it occurs to me that Francis’ signature commitment to synodality has been compromised, seriously compromised, writes Good Samaritan Sister Patty Fawkner.

Posted on: June 15, 2024

Honouring women who see need and run towards it

This year’s International Women’s Day honoured women who care and who will continue to care, women who will see need and run towards it, and it will be at cost.

Posted on: March 17, 2024

Can God's will be beyond a yes or no? Reflecting God’s will in a synodal Church

The Synod of Bishops is underway and as we dive deeper into seeking a synodal approach to religious interaction the end goal can remain nebulous and intangible, writes Nimmi Candappa.

Posted on: October 16, 2023

Finding my voice

Our world depends on all people having the opportunity and the courage to use our collective voices to discover our common humanity, writes John Haren, winner of our Writers’ Award.

Posted on: September 19, 2023