Benedict's World Day of Peace statement - misses the mark? by Bruce Duncan. (posted 24 December 2008) '[D] evelopment experts may not be entirely happy with the 2009 statement. Possibly reflecting internal debates in Rome, it fails to grasp fully the significance of the environmental issues and their consequences for the population'.

Catholic bishops call for fresh efforts for social justice in Australia. 2008 social justice statement, in Pathways (Catholic Religious Australia), November 2008
by Bruce Duncan
'No one quite knows how the world will muddle through the current crisis, but one thing is very clear: we need stronger commitments to rework policies to enhance social justice and greater equity in sharing goods and resources.'

'Why Church social thought matters': the social justice statements, A Little Yeast, 5 November 2008
by Bruce Duncan
This article asks if Christians 'have largely failed to develop convincingly' how their social traditions might help develop better economic structures. It also considers how US neo-conservatives have systematically challenged preogressive Church voices in the public forum.

'Reality check for antisocial Church', Eureka Street, 2 October 2008
by Bruce Duncan
Despite many positive aspects, the main events of WYD neglected to highlight the relevance of the Gospel for today's urgent social issues of justice and peacemaking, climate change, hunger and poverty. This was doubly puzzling, given Pope Benedict's insistence on promoting Church social thinking.

'The SIEVX: Insidious Conspiracy or Fortuitous Tragedy?' 9 September 2008
by Emmy Silvius
As we approach the seventh anniversary of this maritime tragedy in which 353 people (mainly women and children) lost their lives, many questions remain unanswered. This article brings together the events surrounding the heart-rending disaster of 19 October 2001 and points out some of the lingering suspicions.

'New Form of Trafficking in Human Persons' 26 August 2008
Summary by Emmy Silvius
Earlier this month Chief Magistrate John Pascoe presented a paper in Cairns on the trafficking of unborn children.

'Brisbane non-violent protest against Raytheon and Iraq War' 6 August 2008
by Bruce Duncan
Pope Benedict urges active non-violence, as protesters faced trial for 'exorcisms' against the arms giant.

'Benedict XVI and Proportionalism' 31 July 2008
by Brian Lewis
En route to Australia, Pope Benedict puzzled many with his reference to 'Proportionalism' being possibly linked with pedophilia. Australian moral theologian, Brian Lewis, explains the moral theology of 'Proportionalism' but points out that no theologians claimed it supported pedophilia.

'The disturbing peace of God' WYD talk, Sydney, 17 July 2008
by Bruce Duncan
Christ’s promise of peace is a serious summons to help transform our world.