Spiritual Practices
Supporters demand sainthood for Benedict as Pope Francis leads funeral
Pope Francis has led the funeral of former Pope Benedict before tens of thousands of mourners, with some calling for the late pontiff to be made a saint.
NZ Catholics honour 'brave and courageous' Pope Benedict XVI
The Catholic Church in New Zealand has been remembering former Pope Benedict XVI as an "influential" leader of the community.
Remember the war-weary and the poor, pope urges for Christmas
Pope Francis led the world's Catholics into Christmas today, saying in an apparent reference to the war in Ukraine and other conflicts that the level of greed and hunger for power was such that some…
A service from the East Tamaki Church of Samoa celebrating Christmas
This Christmas service from the EFKS (Ekalesia Fa'apotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa) Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in East Tamaki, Auckland, is conducted by Rev. Eperone Futi Audio
Why halal butchers made the immigration Green List
The Meat Industry Association is applauding the latest addition to the government's immigration Green List. Audio
Bookmarks with Friar Peter Murnane
Today's Bookmarks is with Dominican Friar Peter Murnane. Murnane has been a Dominican priest for over 60 years, but has repeatedly stood out from the pack for his willingness to stand against… Audio
Memorial to mark 75 years since Ballantynes fire
It's 75 years since a fire tore through the Ballantynes department store in Christchurch, killing 41 people.
A memorial service is being held at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral this evening… Audio
Anke Richter: delving into the world of cults and control
A chance meeting with a former resident of Bert Potter's Centrepoint community started journalist Anke Richter on what became a decade-long deep dive into groups that exert high levels of control on… Audio
Hijab head coverings - a woman's choice
First Person - The choice of women to wear hijab has been highlighted by protests in Iran. Mahvash Ikram reflects on it - and the sense of freedom a hijab gives her.
'Alarm bells were going off' - Complainants warn against 'sacred sexuality' courses
Some students and teachers of so-called "sacred sexuality" courses say those running them are turning a blind eye to predators. Warning: Contains sexual references
Church unapologetic about new design at Taranaki Cathedral
The dean of the Taranaki Cathedral is making no apology for the contemporary Māori design of the new Te Whare Hononga recently revealed at its historic New Plymouth site.
The whare, which has been… Audio
When a loved one leaves the earth, they can now really leave the planet!
When a loved one dies and chooses to be cremated the challenge becomes finding a meaningful place to scatter or preserve their ashes. Now a new company is sending ashes into space! Audio
Mass walkout at Abuse in Care Inquiry
A mass walkout was staged at the Abuse in Care inquiry yesterday, after comments from Cardinal John Dew - New Zealand's most senior member of the clergy.
John Dew had reiterated comments from Father… Audio
Esther Perel: helping couples find clarity and responsibility – together or apart
Belgian-American psychotherapist Esther Perel talks to Kim Hill about the modern religion of romance and the "relationship accelerator" that is Covid-19. Video, Audio
Gloriavale leader appears at Abuse in Care Inquiry
One of Gloriavale's leaders, Howard Temple, has admitted to the Abuse in Care inquiry that victims would be asked to forgive their abuser, sometimes in front of the whole congregation.
The… Audio
Gloriavale to appear at Abuse in Care Inquiry
The Gloriavale Christian Community will appear for the first time at the Abuse in Care Inquiry when it resumes in Auckland today.
It's the last public hearing for the Royal Commission, which started… Audio
'It was pretty hairy': 501 deportee turned evangelist chaplain spends time on Ukraine front line
A 501 deportee, turned Evangelist Chaplain promised god he would never fire another gun - a promise that became near impossible to keep when he ended up working on the front line in Ukraine.
After… Audio
Gloriavale woman describes leadership's power in court
A Gloriavale woman has described how her husband got in trouble with the Christian community's leadership for writing and distributing a book without their knowledge. Sarah Standtrue has told an… Video, Audio
Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner on RSE expansions
Advocates for seasonal workers want to see the horticulture and viticulture industries held to account for any mistreatment of workers.
The government has increased the quota of workers allowed under… Audio
Gloriavale mother tells court leaders did not know of abuse
A Gloriavale mother has told a court she does not believe the leadership knew about sexual abuse at the Christian community.
Purity Valor has also denied being downtrodden and subjugated, at an… Audio