Under church law, the only artwork permitted in a church is that which promotes worship, piety and religion, that is, only holy or sacred art which is in harmony with a church’s sacred, devotional character. A church, set aside and reserved for the worship of God, is no place for non-sacred or "profane" artwork, much less artwork specifically honouring pagan traditions and practices.

In the case of "The Human Search For God", the artwork extends to representations and symbols relating to ancestors, fertility practices, the totemic dingo, the invocation of spirits, magical power and the like. All this is clearly "contrary to the sacred character of the place". The breach of church law could scarcely be more evident and undeniable.

One can only wonder if the reason for the lack of a response from church authorities is - simply - that there is no credible response available.

There can be no real doubt that church authorities know that only art which is sacred is permissible in a Catholic church. Church law, tradition, the statements of Vatican II and biblical precedent speak with one voice in this respect.

It can safely be taken that the church experts who were involved in the design and installation of the shrine "The Human Search For God" were fully aware of the church’s requirements. So how did this "shrine" get to be where it is?

Perhaps this is a question which His Grace Archbishop Bathersby could raise with those responsible. The answers would be likely to be of more than passing interest not just to His Grace but to many Cathedral-goers.

Cathedral-goers will also be interested to know that the artist’s own records indicate that the commission for the shrine is dated to 1987, some two years before the revamped St Stephen’s Cathedral was re-opened. Details of the "shrine" appear not to have been offered for public consumption throughout the period. The commissioning and installation of the shrine appears to have been taken forward in an atmosphere wherein information was restricted. The shrine appears to have been installed as a "fait accompli".

For the record, "News From The Pews" fully accepts and supports the teaching of the Catholic Church concerning the human search for God, as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the various pronouncements of the Holy Father. "News From The Pews" fully supports all that the teaching holds regarding indigenous peoples and the human person’s right to freedom of religion.

As outlined in previous issues, the object of "News From The Pews" attentions has been and remains the issue of Christian and Catholic integrity in relation to St Stephen’s Cathedral. Readers will note that the biblical strictures concerning breaches of the first commandment were not aimed primarily against the pagans whose beliefs and practices were in question.

Rather, the biblical strictures were directed first and foremost at the unfaithful Israelite people of the Covenant who were compromising themselves through inappropriate honouring of false pagan beliefs and practices. It is one thing for a pagan to be involved in false beliefs and practices; it is entirely another and more serious matter for the People of God to be so involved.