Roundup: Somalia, global warming, aged care, school discipline, same-sex marriage

Somalia famine spreads to 3 new regions, UN says

More than 12 million are facing starvation, and children are particularly vulnerable. The crisis is likely to spread across the country and into parts of Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, the UN says.

United over global warning

The Mid-North Coast Climate Alliance brings together Wauchope’s Uniting Church in Australia, Unions Hastings Macleay, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and the Hastings, Manning and Clarence branches of Climate Change Australia.

Agencies continue with Somalia relief despite dangers

Christian relief agencies providing aid to millions of people facing drought in Somalia face security issues in the war-torn country, where humanitarian officials say operating is difficult, but not impossible.

Pay key in push to lift care standards

An overhaul of the aged care sector must not only address the demographic shift to a much older population, but also the immediate issue of inadequate care for the elderly.

School discipline

Uniting Care Burnside is campaigning in New South Wales against increasing rates of school suspension periods away from school that are not, the agency says, “in the interest of those children”.

An alternative Christian view on same-sex marriage

Support for legalising same-sex marriage is running high in the Australian community at present, as opinion polls and media commentary are all confirming. So why the hesitancy from politicians from the two major political parties, usually so quick to capitalise on public opinion?

The Bible and homosexuality … once again

The recent debates in the Australian parliament over gay marriage have followed the same wearisome pattern seen in so many other countries. See also No right to marriage for same-sex couples.