New missal edges closer   The introduction of the new English translation of the Latin Missal edged another step closer, with a November secret ballot by Australia's bishops giving the required canonical approval to a number of liturgical texts. [More] Bishops, nuns, devils dropped from dictionary Citing dropping church attendances and the growth of multiculturalism, Oxford University Press has confirmed that its editors have removed a number of words associated with Christianity from the latest junior edition. [More] Where have all the fathers gone? Hickey laments   The absence of fathers is the biggest family and social problem in our society, Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey says in his Christmas Message for 2008. [More] Brennan to head human rights consultation   The Federal Government has appointed Jesuit ACU Professor Frank Brennan to head a public consultation on whether Australia needs a human rights charter. [More] Paris Cardinal skirts sexism complaint   Fifteen women known as the "Skirt Committee" have withdrawn a sexism charge lodged at the Paris Diocesan Tribunal against Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois after he apologised for his choice of words over the role of women in the Church. [More] Bonuses no answer: Quinlan   Bonuses to pensioners and other social security benefit recipients are welcome but are "not a long term solution to the adequacy of entitlements and pensions," Catholic Social Services head Frank Quinlan says. [More] Featured Website - Jacques Maritain Center   French Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain was one of the original drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, has dedicated a research centre to his work. [More] Feature - Freedom from hunger a fundamental human right   Food is the most basic of human needs. After all the extras are cut out, and then the necessities - clothes, shelter, education - only food is left. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the right of every person to have adequate food. Article 3 enshrines the right to life. But this year, more than 9.1 million people have died from hunger and poverty. - Paul O'Callaghan, The Age [More] Opinion - Maintaining the UN's moral gold standard   Sixty years on, it is fashionable to describe the Declaration of Human Rights as a peculiarly western, individualistic conception. It was not. Now is the time for Australia to discuss how best to make the State attentive to the still, small voice of conscience. - Frank Brennan SJ, Eureka Street [More]