No Accountability

The ABC reports that courts in Italy and the US have halted separate cases that involved allegations about illegal rendition and torture.

The US Supreme Court upholds the dismissal of a German citizen's case because of 'state secrets'. The executive branch has declared itself not accountable, and the judicial branch has refused to hold the executive accountable for this declaration.

This decision reminds me of the ridiculous situation under Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen in which the list of books banned in Queensland was itself banned. 

Dead Man Walking

Sister Helen Prejan, author of the book which was adapted into a play, then a movie and now an opera, spoke recently with Andrew Denton and Rachel Kohn. Much of what she had to say - always in a lively, entertaining, and world-wise way - to both interviewers made me think of recent discussions of incarnational ministry. 

Two particular things really stood out:

Firstly, the readiness with which the death row inmates accepted Sr Helen's coming alongside them. Initially she didn't seek out the prisoners or the families of their victims, but now actively does - and while embrace may be too strong a word to describe the average reaction, it sounds as though it's far from a rebuff.

Secondly, the seriousness with which Sr Helen believes - and actually accordingly lives - basic Christian doctrines. She does see the image of God in people, she does demonstrate grace to both the unloved and the unloving, she does speak the truth in a way that sets people free. Her story is an inherently - one could say exclusively - Christian story, yet it is so filled with faith, love, and hope that not only do many want to hear it, but also many want to tell it. And with each telling and hearing and retelling - whether in a play, book, film, opera, interview, or even (I hope) blog post - echoes of Jesus' story, the gospel, are heard.

Here is a model of ministry worthy of imitation! Now I must see this film (not really into opera), and of course hear the soundtrack with Tom Waits among other fine artists.

Liberalism and Communism

The Communist Party of China, not content to prohibit senior Tibetan Lamas from reincarnating without permission, has also taken to writing 'Christian' theology. Stephen Crittendon, presenter of the Religion Report on ABC Radio National mentioned in passing that as part of their increasing interest in religion, state-sponsored texts require patriotic Christians to not beleive in salvation by faith or the resurrection.

Our Man in Pyongyang

Having read Seymour Hirsch's latest in the New Yorker about the US's war plans for Iran, I was struck by the Greene-esque title of this article. And indeed, Egan is an antihero worthy of Greene. Had he not missed the draft, gone bankrupt roofing and started a hotdog joint-cum-steakhouse he may have just as easily ended up selling vacuum cleaners or running a hotel. The entertaining feature is fantastic read, though not always for the right reasons.