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Charity Finance

Vinnies welcomes new protections for vulnerable consumers

The St Vincent de Paul Society has welcomed the Senate’s passage of reforms to protect consumers from spiralling debt through payday loans and consumer leases.

Advent Vatican

Creche helps us rediscover true richness of Christmas: Pope

Stopping to gaze at and perhaps pray before a Nativity scene is one of the best ways to remember the real meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said. Source: CNS.

Cost Of Living Welfare

Social security payments get biggest lift in decades

Young people, students and carers will receive the biggest boost to their social security payments in decades on New Year’s Day, but social welfare advocates say it is still not enough. Source: The Guardian.

First Nations Social Justice

Commission calls for age of criminal responsibility to be raised to 14

Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission has called for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised from 10 to at least 14, to help stop vulnerable Indigenous children getting “lost in the pipeline” of child protection and criminal justice systems. Source: The Age.

Coronavirus Religious Freedom

Force used on religious groups violating COVID-19 worship restriction

A new Pew Research Centre analysis finds that nearly a quarter of 198 countries and territories analysed used police and government force on religious groups who disobeyed COVID-19 worship restrictions. Source: The Christian Post.

Europe

Italy’s southern bishops gear up to support anti-mafia priests

Italy’s bishops conference for the southern region of Campania, notorious for its mafia activity, has announced the establishment of diocesan commissions to support and guide anti-mafia priests. Source: Crux.

Euthanasia

Chief Minister says euthanasia could become law in ACT by 2024

The ACT’s Chief Minister Andrew Barr says voluntary euthanasia could be made lawful in the territory by the end of 2024. Source: Canberra Times.

Disability Pope Francis

Churches need more than wheelchair ramps to be inclusive: Pope

Making churches accessible and services understandable is important but having wheelchair ramps and sign-language interpreters is not enough for a parish to call itself “inclusive”, Pope Francis said at the weekend. Source: CNS.

Opinion Volunteers

Vinnies celebrates its unsung heroes on Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of St Vincent de Paul Society members and volunteers to Australian life and society, writes national president Claire Victory.