The Catholic Church in Australian Society
Problems within the Church
Some of the Problems of the Church
Currently the Catholic Church are having to discuss a number of issues dealing with the rights of the catholic society. These include:
- Abortion/Birth Control
- Gay Marriage/Homosexuality
- The role of Women the the church
Abortion / Birth Control
Abortion Kills
The Catholic Church has always labelled abortion as 'evil'. In 1995, Pope John Paul II announced that the Church’s view on abortion "is unchanged and unchangeable. The authority which Christ conferred upon Peter and his successors . . . I declare that direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being. No circumstance, no purpose, no law whatsoever can ever make licit an act which is intrinsically illict."
Pope Benedict XVI: Abortion is never a Solution In this video Clip the reporter outlines the Pope's outlook on Abortion, that it is not necessary and it affects both the mother and the baby. |
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Gay Marriage / Homosexuality
A Supporter of Same Sex Marriage
The Catholic Church takes a very high view of marriage and human sexuality. As the account of Genesis shows, marriage and sexuality were created by God and given to mankind as gifts for our benefit.
As described in a Herald Sun News article, Catholic teaching holds that homosexuals should be respected and treated with dignity but that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered." The Vatican also opposes same-sex marriage, insisting on the sanctity of marriage between a man and woman as the foundation for society. This is one of the most discussed issues within the Australian Catholic Church.
As described in a Herald Sun News article, Catholic teaching holds that homosexuals should be respected and treated with dignity but that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered." The Vatican also opposes same-sex marriage, insisting on the sanctity of marriage between a man and woman as the foundation for society. This is one of the most discussed issues within the Australian Catholic Church.
The Role of Women in the Church
A Lady Reading at Her Local Parish.
The Role of women in the Australian Catholic Church is definately limited, with women unable to become Priests. The reason being that only men can be ordained.
However, this does not limit thier opportunities to be involved in thier local parishes. In particular with liturgies, as they are able to become eucahristic ministers, pray readers and sponsors children for thier first communion.
World Youth Day
World Youth Day 2008, Sydney
World Youth Day (WYD) is a Catholic organised event which aims to bring youth from all around the world together regardless of cultural, social or religious backgrounds. Whilst it is easy to reflect on the negative issues of the Church, this event is definitely a positive experience for the Church to look upon. So far, it has been held in the Phillipines (1995), Sydney (2008), Madrid (2011) and is scheduled to be held in Brazil in 2013. It is a popular event and attendance is only going to sky-rocket over the next decade.