Australia
Sarah Young, publicity-shy superstar author of ‘Jesus Calling,’ dies at 77
By Bob Smietana — September 3, 2023
(RNS) — First published in 2004, the devotional has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
Civil case over Cardinal Pell abuse allegations allowed to proceed against church in Australia
By Rod Mcguirk — August 25, 2023
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — An Australian court on Friday allowed a civil case to proceed against a Catholic archdiocese involving child sex abuse allegations against late Cardinal George Pell.
Australian ex-priest has prison sentence extended to 40 years for molesting 72nd child victim
By Associated Press — August 17, 2023
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The prison sentence has been extended eight times over the decades as more victims have come forward.
Brian Houston acquitted by Australian court in sexual abuse cover-up case
By Roxanne Stone — August 16, 2023
(RNS) — Houston was charged with concealing his late father, Frank Houston's, sexual abuse of a young man.
Ex-principal of Jewish school found guilty of sexual abuse
By Associated Press — April 5, 2023
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Malka Leifer, 56, a Tel Aviv-born mother of eight, was convicted on 18 counts, including rape, and acquitted of nine other charges.
Cardinal Pell will be interred in Sydney crypt in February
By Associated Press — January 19, 2023
SYDNEY (AP) — Pell will lie in St. Mary’s from Feb. 1 before he is interred in the cathedral’s crypt the next day, Sydney’s Catholic Archdiocese said in a statement.
Pell’s ‘catastrophe’ memorandum stains his legacy
By Thomas Reese — January 17, 2023
(RNS) — Pell was cowardly and disloyal in authoring an anonymous memorandum attacking Pope Francis.
Cardinal George Pell, conservative force at the Vatican, dies at 81
By Claire Giangravé — January 10, 2023
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pell was praised for his forceful efforts to reform Vatican finances, but his life and career were marred in recent years due to sexual abuse allegations in his native Australia.
LDS Church is under fire in Australia
By Jana Riess — October 31, 2022
(RNS) — If the reports are true, the government of Australia has every right to be angry. This kind of financial practice looks terrible for the church. It feels covert and deceptive.
2nd Australian state bans public displays of Nazi swastikas
By Associated Press — August 11, 2022
SYDNEY (AP) — The law allows for the swastika to be used in academic, historical or educational settings, thereby paving the way for its display by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains for whom it holds religious significance.
Parent sues Australian cardinal over child sex abuse charge
By Associated Press — July 14, 2022
(AP) — Both boys were 13 years old at the time.
The ‘sonnenrad’ used in shooters’ manifestos: a spiritual symbol of hate
By Helen A. Berger — June 30, 2022
(The Conversation) — The far-right today shares more than just ideas with white supremacists of yesterday – they also share some pagan-inspired symbols.
Sister Janet Mead, who turned the Lord’s Prayer into a ’70s rock hit, has died
By Bob Smietana — January 27, 2022
(RNS) — Sister Janet Mead wanted to reach young people so she started singing rock music — but she was never comfortable with fame and devoted her life to charity work.
Baptist watchdog flunks Forever 21, praises H&M in annual ‘ethical fashion’ report
By Kathryn Post — October 19, 2021
(RNS) — Nearly 100 companies earned a low average score of 33.6 out of 100.
Pope replaces Australian bishop in alleged misconduct probe
By Associated Press — August 30, 2021
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday replaced an Australian bishop who stepped down amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
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