Author Archives: Schutz

One of the best bits of advice I have heard on the matter of how to talk about the issue of Islamicist violence is that “There are ways and ways of telling someone that their tie is crooked.” By which … Continue reading →

Peregrinus left a comment on my blog about the LCA Quo Vadis Re WO which I think bears listing for all to read and see. Far be it from me to pontificate about discernment in the Lutheran Church of Australia. … Continue reading →

PASTORAL STATEMENT ON THE MATTER OF THE ORDINATION OF WOMEN As the proposal to ordain both men and women has not gained the required vote, the public teaching of the Lutheran Church of Australia continues to state that men only … Continue reading →

Tom Pietsch, at Always Yes, gives this report: My sources tell me that the vote at Synod was recently announced with the following figures:Yes 194No 169Abstain 20Informal 1Non voting 1This will be reported either as 50.39% ‘yes’ votes out of … Continue reading →

I have just posted a new entry on my “Year of Grace” conversion retro-blog. It is a record of my experience at the 2000 LCA General Pastors Conference when they voted on the issue of Women’s Ordination. Ironically, the whole … Continue reading →

Tom Pietsch, Lutheran Seminary student and blogger at Unto This Last, has this report on his page: My sources tell me that Pastors voted 50.9% in favour and 49.1% against the ordination of women. As two thirds are usually needed … Continue reading →

Well, we are back in Casa Schütz-Beaton again after two weeks away, which included a delightful stay at Watson’s Bay with Bishop Anthony Fisher (that’s him with my two little inkblots in the picture), an overnight stay in the historic … Continue reading →

The Mormons have given Cardinal Cassidy the “John Simpson Standing for Something(?)” award. I wonder how he reacted? I wonder if he had to turn up to the award giving ceremony? I wonder how he felt? If it were me, … Continue reading →

My friend, the inestimable and inobscure Fraser Pearce, often asks me why the Holy See doesn’t issue far more excommunications than it does to those who bring its reputation into disrepute by teaching and actions incompatible with the faith. I … Continue reading →

You don’t expect high philosophy from television script writers turned comic novelists. But that is what I found only a few pages into Ben Elton’s 2005 novel “The First Casualty” (found on the shelf of mine host). This is a … Continue reading →