1. April 1998

“News From The Pews”, [No.1], 14-04-1998, St Stephen’s Cathedral
Item 1: Apparent Breach Of First Commandment In St Stephen’s
Reproduced below is the text of a letter sent to His Grace, Archbishop John Bathersby one month
ago. Apart from a short reply indicating that the Archbishop had “taken note”, to date there has
been no response.
Please pray for His Grace, Archbishop John Bathersby, that the Lord will give him the light
and the strength to do what has to be done.
His Grace Tim Pemble-Smith
Archbishop John Bathersby 3 – 111 Central Avenue
Archbishop’s House Indooroopilly
790 Brunswick Street QLD 4068
New Farm, Brisbane home: 3871 2047
QLD 4005 12 March 1998
Your Grace,
I am writing to you concerning the shrine “The Human Search For God” located in St Stephen’s
Cathedral. Attached (overleaf) is a copy of the notice which hangs at the shrine.
Among the troublesome aspects of this shrine is the series of paintings representing the “spiritual tradition in
Australia which extends back through 40,000 years”. The paintings contain images representing an aboriginal
spirituality which is unambiguously pagan.
These are precisely the sort of pagan symbols and representations which in Sacred Scripture
are described as an abomination before God. They appear in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the
Lord’s Own house, enshrined.
This clearly is a matter calling for urgent amendment, indeed repentance. The Church in
Brisbane is shamed and scandalised by this alien presence in St Stephen’s Cathedral.
The notice which appears by this shrine mentions the “Christian tradition” once and “Christ” once. The
reference to “Christ” appears in such terms as to leave his divinity ambiguous. The references to “God”,
further, appear in such a way as to leave God’s identity open, an approach reminiscent perhaps of the
well-known masonic artifice which allows men of different creeds to swear allegience to a
Supreme Being whose name is not specified nor revealed to initiates and whose identity in
unclear.
There are many other objections which could be taken regarding the shrine and the notice which accompanies
it. Suffice it to say, the shrine is unambiguously and unarguably out of place in a Catholic or
indeed Christian Cathedral.
One positively blanches when considering the sort of thinking which allowed such a shrine to be brought into
existence in St Stephen’s.
I hope that the frankness of my language on this matter does not offend. The matter, however, is not one
which permits of anything other than plain talk. To mince words on an issue like this would be to
run the risk of leaving one without Catholic and Christian integrity.
Your Grace, our prayers and total support are with you.
Yours Sincerely,”
Signed/TPS
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“THE HUMAN SEARCH FOR GOD
This shrine in three parts will centre on our search for God in this country.
The first part, already completed by aboriginal artist, Ms Fiona Foley, gives us a glimpse of the
spiritual tradition in Australia which extends back through 40,000 years.
To this land already rich in its quest for spiritual meaning, comes the Christian tradition. The search
for God in Christ will be represented in the second, central part of the shrine.
The third part will speak of the continuing search in the local church for the presence of God in our
own time and place.”
Item 2: Prayer Card Banned in St Stephen’s
As many Cathedral-goers are aware, distribution of the prayer card “Alight with Devotion” (copy
below) was stopped in St Stephen’s some weeks ago. By way of explanation, the Administrator,
Father Peter Dillon, indicated that he had “found it necessary to re-introduce the policy of denying
any such requests (to distribute prayer cards in the Cathedral) because of the often conflictual
spiritual messages that present to our large visitor and parishioner population … I am not able to
give permission, having denied it to at least four groups already.”
Since then, I have personally been given prayer cards on three separate occasions in the Cathedral.
Some Cathedral-goers are beginning to wonder if the stated policy is not being selectively applied.
Father, what possible harm could come from the distribution within St Stephen’s of the simple,
humble, totally Catholic prayer card, “Alight with Devotion”? Why not reconsider and “un-ban”
the card? This controversy might seem faintly silly, Father. Still, you’re the one who banned the
card … Regards, TPS and friends.
Traditional scene: “Alight with devotion” … Shrine of Our Lady, Mother
of Perpetual Succour, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, circa 1988.
[Back of card]
PRAYER INTENTION
St Stephen’s Cathedral has a long and proud
history as a centre of Catholic devotion in the
heart of Brisbane.
We pray for the flourishing of St Stephen’s
Cathedral, as a centre of:
• worship of Jesus substantially present in the
Holy Eucharist; and
• veneration of Mary, Mother of Perpetual
Succour.
Please pray for the above intention and also for
our priests, bishops and the Holy Father.
[More cards available from: Tim Pemble-Smith, 3 – 111 Central
Avenue, Indooroopilly, Q 4068, or call (07) 3871 2047, after
hours.
Passing on cards by hand is the suggested method. Cards
should be left in the Cathedral or on church property only if you
have been granted permission by the relevant church authority.]
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