Matthew Fox's The Pope's War and the Return from Medugorje

I returned from Medugorje this afternoon only to find Matthew Fox's explosive new book, The Pope's War, waiting for me in the mailbox. The timing could not be more providential, coming right on the heels of a week's retreat...

Read More

Medugorje Day Three: Peace and Reconciliation

Well, after the lull of yesterday (though the church was packed all through the day and night) the crowds have returned to Medugorje,the streets are bustling and the cafes are, well, at least half full. I've yet to find a quiet moment alone in the church this visit, which wasn't the case a year ago. My final reflections on this pilgrimage will have...

Read More

Medjugorje Day Two: Crossing the Threshold

Last evening's 7pm 30th anniversary celebratory Mass was a profoundly moving experience, with record crowds of about 150,000 people spilling out of the amphitheater proper and spreading out over the green fields beyond. Many, many, many children running about freely, this was very much a family affair, and a notable number of 'progressive'...

Read More

Report from Medjugorje: Day One

Have just arrived in this great Marian shrine city and it is truly wonderful to be here (With News of New York's breakthrough victory for gay marriage ringing in my ears). The place is absolutely hopping, cafes are full to the brim, streets are mobbed with friendly, happy tourists, the whole spirit of the place is upbeat. 100,000 people are expected...

Read More

Return to Medjugorje with the Blessings of Sainte Foy

Tomorrow I leave for Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina and the beginning of a seven day retreat, which I'm spending partly on the sea south of Split and partly in the village of Medjugorje, the site of Marian apparitions since...

Read More

The Power of Faith

just read these moving words in Chris Hedges' latest column at Truth Dig, in which he speaks of the trial and sentencing of Tim Christopher, environmental activist recently convicted of two felonies for disrupting an auction of public lands. Read the full story here at Peaceful Uprising. DeChristopher, who attends a Unitarian church in Salt Lake City,...

Read More

The Starchbishop vs. the Governor: Gay Sera, Sera

Thanks once again to Maureen Dowd of the New York Times for another incisive commentary on the sad absurdities of Roman Catholic leadership: With his cigars, blogs, Jameson’s and Irish affability, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan prides himself on his gumption. Certainly his effort to kill the gay marriage bill, just one vote away from passing...

Read More

Tongues of Fire Burning the Building Down

 (Mother of the New Pentecost:: taken from the wonderful site St. Andrei Rublov Icons) I've been reflecting today on the wonderful interview given by Matthew Fox, regarding the publication of his new book,  The...

Read More

US California Anglican Bishop ends ban on blessing of same-sex couples.

Nice bit of news from the Guardian today: US bishop ends ban on blessing of same-sex couplesGay marriage still unauthorised but California bishop gives support to same-gender civil marriages, domestic partnerships and relationships. A bishop in the US Episcopal church has authorised the use of blessings for same-sex couples, breaking a ban on one...

Read More

Through a Glass Darkly: The Silence of God

The Harrowing Effects of Religious Hypocrisy: I've just finished Ingmar Bergman's magnificent trilogy exploring the dimensions of faith, which is composed of three very beautiful, but rather austere films; Through...

Read More