Papal citizenship, Catholic social teaching, and the politics of conscience By Rod Benson The confirmation that Pope Leo XIV voted in the November 2026 United States midterm elections raises a question that is at once historical, canonical, theological and diplomatic. The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope believes participation in democratic processes to …
Old stories, new voices: The art and ambiguity of literary adaptation
By Rod Benson At its best, literature is a conversation across cultures and generations. Writers inherit plots, characters, genres and conventions, then reshape them for different audiences. Yet contemporary retellings of Shakespeare, myth and the novel provoke a genuine question: do they tend to reveal neglected possibilities and navigate unexplored depths in classic works, or …
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Morning prayer for Wednesday 28 October 2026
Invocation + In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his faithful love endures for ever (Ps 106:1). Pause for reflection Good morning, heavenly Father.We worship you, the creator and sustainer of the universe. Good morning, Lord Jesus.We worship …
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Ryu Murakami (1952–2026): Literary modernity, alienation, and a theology of hope
By Rod Benson The death of the Japanese novelist and filmmaker Ryu Murakami on 17 October 2026, aged 74, brings into focus one of the most unsettling and inventive literary careers of the past half-century. Across more than four decades of publication, Murakami joined formal experimentation to a sustained examination of violence, estrangement, consumer culture …
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35 online resources for prayer and worship leaders
Finding words to express your heart for God By Rod Benson Leading congregational prayer, regardless of how many people are present, is an act of pastoral and theological responsibility. The words we choose help a faith community to understand and articulate the greatness and goodness of God, recognise and engage with fellow worshippers, express grief …
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