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Silenced are the peacemakers
THIS newspaper unequivocally backs Israel’s right to exist peaceably and securely within internationally recognised boundaries. Whatever moral legitimacy assertions to the contrary may have, Israel is unalterably a sovereign state, bearing the rights and obligations that apply to all sovereign states. Read more…
A dilemma that begs for answers
Everyone knows that beggars cannot be choosers—but does it necessarily follow that we cannot be choosers of beggars?
This is a problem with which I am faced on an almost daily basis. You see, I was brought up by the Christian Brothers in Pretoria to believe that anyone who comes to my door hungry or naked should be fed and clothed. Read more…
Shout it from the airwaves
The opening of Radio Veritas’ new studios—judged by broadcast experts as being among the best of their kind in South Africa—is a momentous event for Catholic media in South Africa. Read more…
Editor’s top God tracks
The editor of The Southern Cross is a big music fan. So it was natural that we should ask him about his favourite Christian music. Günther Simmermacher says he likes all sorts of music: “Rock, R&B, acoustic, jazz, opera…anything except trance and death metal.” Read more…
Lindsay McGuire – The Innocence Of…
CD Review
South African rock music is in a good state, if the sophomore album by Durban trio Saints of Bliss is any indication. Read more…
Flying the flag
The football World Cup in Germany has ended, but for Germans the event will symbolise a turning point for how the nation sees itself. Read more…
Lessons from a crooked staff
Recently I joined a group of widowed people on a retreat outing, off into the countryside. After the initial input we were invited to go off alone and reflect. “No talking now, mind you!” we were admonished.
So I went walking. The first thing I always do is to find myself a stick, not to beat off attackers, but as a staff to support and guide me lest I fall. The best one I could find was a rather miserable crooked one, so I reflected on that image and on Psalm 23, the version I like which reads: “You are there with your crook and your staff, with these you give me comfort.” The words became “your crooked staff”, which, I acknowledged, still gives comfort in its own crooked way. Read more…
Preserve family life
Guest Editorial by Michael Shackleton
In the past month, important statements have been made by the South African government and the Vatican. Although not directly connected with each other, they both express concern about the way in which urbanisation, development and consumerism are undermining family and social values. Read more…
Death in my family
When days are dark, sisters and brothers are light. This is what I felt when my sister died in May.
This was the first death in 40 years in my immediate family. When my brother called to announce the news of her passing, I had never thought death would steal one of my siblings. Read more…
