Pope enters minefield of Mideast politics

JERUSALEM — The question of whether Pope Benedict XVI would dare enter the minefield of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was answered within minutes of him touching down in Tel Aviv. He indeed dared, calling for a Palestinian homeland. Not using the political phrase “two-state solution” — he’s a pilgrim not a politician — but saying “a homeland of their own, within secure and internationally recognised borders.” Welcome news to Palestinian Christians, but they’re a tiny minority. Many Palestinians wonder what difference a spiritual leader can make if leaders of the United States and much of the international community haven’t managed to accomplish much yet. read more here.

Auto-Tune the News #2: pirates. drugs. gay marriage.

very clever use of music and current events...

JibJab.com - Famous Mothers

Happy mother's day.

A little Vanier for today...

The value of efficiency, power, money and pleasure have become all-important in our world today. They tend to eliminate the values of compassion, humility and presence to the powerless. The mass media nourish and encourage this vision rooted in force, in which exteriority and appearance are more important than interiority and being. We constantly need people to remind us of where true inner freedom and peace are to be found.

People who are less capable intellectually, who cannot fend for themselves, are endowed with sensitive hearts. They cry out for love, for recognition, for heart-to-heart relationships. They could change the world if only we would listen to their cry, open our hearts, and discover that we can only be healed by love.

Jean Vanier (founder of L'Arche- In 1964, through his friendship with Dominican priest Father Thomas Philippe, Vanier became aware of the plight of thousands of people institutionalized with developmental disabilities. Vanier felt led by God to invite two men, Raphael Simi and Philippe Seux, to leave the institutions where they resided and share their lives with him in a household in Trosly-Breuil, France. He named their home L'Arche. From this original community in France, 130 other communities have been founded throughout the world in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America.)

10 Most Important Faith Moments...

To commemorate President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office, U.S. News & World Report documented what it considers to be the "10 Most Important Obama Faith Moments."

interesting photo campaign...

I was thinking of another shot with SA soldiers spartan like holding up the shields... something celebratory. After all - we are about Good News.

Fairtrade Fortnight.

Don't miss it! A great opportunity to promote fairtrade in your school, workplace or community.
Great resources available from fairtrade.com.au