I can't believe I was so naive. The idea of being part of a live nativity scene in the Community Carols 'event' seemed reasonable enough.

In his intriguing new book Urban Tribes, Californian journalist Ethan Watters argues that, in fact, young adults are forming their own significant communities in place of traditional family units; and finding in these groups some of the benefits that family life offers. Watters claims he discovered the mass phenomena of the Urban Tribe almost accidentally.

St Andrew's Cathedral will be open from 9am until 9pm on New Year's Eve. On a day which is traditionally reserved for celebration and parties, the Dean of Sydney, Phillip Jensen will open the Cathedral for special prayers for the victims and countries affected by the recent earthquake disaster.

In the past twelve months 18 year old Joshua has become a 'father' of three and joined the swelling ranks of Sydneysiders fighting for full time work.

Christmas hasnt always been a time of joy for Matt and Nicole. But this Christmas represents a genuine fresh start for the family from Campbelltown.

You just know Colin Buchanan is involved when the Archbishop of Sydney puts on a blond wig and throws a plastic crocodile into the audience.

Just how much influence did the voting choices of committed evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic voters have upon the final results in the recent Australian and US elections?

When I was asked some time ago to present this years Parliamentary Reflection on personal faith and public life I must admit, in the great tradition of St Thomas, to having great doubts about doing so.