Authentic Catholicism: an antidote to clericalism...
Friday, 1st December 2006

Dear friends,

Cliff Baxter is indisposed at the moment and has taken a couple of week's break. As a fill-in for Cliff's commentary today I came across an excellent argument last night by blogger, Michael J Bayly, entitled "Authentic Catholiciam – an antidote to clericalism". I'm taking a risk here re-publishing his blog on our site without express permission. I emailed Michael last night but have not yet heard back from him. I'm sure many of the supporters of Catholica though will be very sympathetic to the arguments that Michael advances.

Have a great day wherever you happen to be ... in life, and in our world. Up here in the mountains the air is heavy with smoke again and I can't see beyond the third ridge from the deck outside my office.

Renewal within Catholicism Michael J Bayly argues: "As Benedict XVI breathed the air and walked the ancient streets of Istanbul, my hope is that he was similarly moved and inspired to usher in a "renaissance" within the Catholic Church — a new era marked by creativity, tolerance, and the inclusion of the experiences and insights, hopes and aspirations of all. Just as Mehmed II revitalized Istanbul, may Benedict XVI facilitate a renewal within Catholicism. This "renewal" could be initiated by the Pope's convening of a truly ecumenical council — perhaps in Istanbul!" [more]

DID YOU KNOW? Today is World AIDS Day. According to www.aids.net.au website he common lemon has a significant role to play in the battle against HIV infection. Despite humanity's best efforts HIV/AIDS is claiming more lives than the sum total of all wars, famines and floods. [more]

Brian Coyne
Editor and Publisher
Catholica Australia