Roundup: Scotland and same-sex relationships, no Israel boycott, Sorry Day, detention centres and the future of the local church

Church of Scotland signals ‘trajectory’ on gays

There will be many around the world taking an interest in how this ‘mother church’ to so many Presbyterian churches around the world, deals with this issue.

Churches, marriage and same-sex relationships

The question of whether it is right to ordain a man or woman who seeks to live openly in a stable, supportive same sex relationship seems irrelevant to the big questions. But, of course it is a significant point, touching as it does on the ordering of human relationships; a fundamental question of great moment in any society.

Kirk boycott resolution scuppered by Israeli legal ‘intimidation’

A resolution calling for a UK ban of goods from unlawful Israeli settlements has had to be withdrawn as a result of the threat posed by proposed legislation in Israel which could make such a call a criminal offence subject to judicial and financial punishment.

Sorry Day stands as a reminder of the need to do more

Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has called on Australians on national Sorry Day today to remember the grief, sorrow and ultimate resilience experienced by members of the Stolen Generations.

Self-harm and suicides in immigration detention are major concerns

The apparent suicides of three men at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre last year and high rates of self-harm should sound urgent alarm bells about the impacts of Australia’s immigration detention system, the Australian Human Rights Commission said today.

Magic carpet a threadbare memory

The Muslim world’s perceived propensity to be swept by suddenly-appearing sects led by charismatic redeemers is part of our Western stereotype of Islam. It goes back a long way.

Five predictions for the future of the local church

How we worship, when we gather, what is said, who is leading and where the gatherings happen will all undergo scrutiny and debate.