Episode 1

Compass presents a special program for Easter. A time for all of us, believers and non-believers alike to reflect on sacrifice, renewal and hope.

Good Friday Special

It has been a secret war between two rival faiths that has lasted for eighty years. For the Communists, the vision was of workers' paradise here on Earth; for the Catholics it was a heavenly paradise promised after death.

Rivals for Paradise (Part 1)

An intriguing look at the powerful alliance of Church and State - between Roman Catholicism and the American Government that destroyed the Soviet Empire.

Rivals for Paradise (Part 2)

Black Sea : Voyage of Healing mixes environmental issues, nationalist economic issues, mass tourism issues, and Orthodox Church politics into a program which is as much a tourist's travelogue as an information piece.

Black Sea : Voyage of Healing

The Commitment

Filmed over three weeks at St Christopher's Hospice in South East London, it follows the last weeks of Kevin, Hazel and Doris, who are all dying of cancer.

The Time to Die

Who will be the next Pope? As the papacy of John Paul II enters its final phase, there is much speculation about who is likely to succeed him.

Papabile

The Slaves Of God is a video journey to the all-male "enclosed" Russian and Greek Orthodox Christian monks of this famed peninsula, Mount Athos, in northern Greece.

The Slaves Of God

Joanna Lumley In The Kingdom of The Thunder Dragon

He is forthright... He has strong convictions... His controversial leadership style has caused friction among his flock. Join Geraldine Doogue for a frank conversation with the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, George Pell...

George Pell

Hinduism is proportionately, the fastest growing religion in Australia today. Whether due to an influx of Hindu migrants of Indian extraction or the increasing involvement of Australians from a Judeo-Christian background.

Three Million Gods

Compass heads to India in search of the hidden spiritual message behind one of the world's most elegant wonders.

Ancient Voices Part 1 - The Mystery Of The Taj Mahal

The extraordinary violence and beauty of the Aztec Empire. Behind this artistic and ordered society were Gods who demanded human sacrifice on a massive scale... a story of "Blood and Flowers"...

Ancient Voices Part 2 - Blood And Flowers

The search for El Dorado, the legendary golden kingdom of South America. Did cultural misunderstanding foil the quest for untold riches?

Ancient Voices Part 3 - The Lost World Of El Dorado

Compass peels back the centuries to investigate the ancient Nubian Empire of North Africa.

At its height it challenged the power of the Egyptian pharoahs, but archaeologists have found it may also be one of the earliest examples of a mass suicide cult.

Ancient Voices Part 4 - Empire Of Death

In this special Compass series we look at a quiet global revolution now underway, a new emphasis on the role, significance and power of voluntary, non-profit, community, or non-government organisations, now often called civil society organisations (CSOs).

The Philippines is regarded as having one of the strongest and most vibrant civil societies worldwide.

People Power Part 1 - Civil Society in The Philippines

The second in our series on People Power, the quiet but profound revolution underway on how we might meet modern community problems better. It envisages a whole new approach to the spread of power and responsibility within the community....with a shift towards volunteer and non-government groups.

People Power Part 2 - Civil Society and Volunteering

The last in our three part series on the emergence of a new era of Civil Society. A time of new prominence and power for community and volunteer groups, non-profit and non-government organisations.

People Power Part 3 - Civil Society, Government and Corporations

We've all read about East Timor , we've seen the Television Footage, heard the results of inquiries, and maybe in some ways , even started to become a bit desensitised to the whole thing.

The Martyrs Of Timor

The man at the centre of controversy this weekend as he is installed as Australia's newest Church Leader.

Carnley

Two years ago the government disbanded the CES (Commonwealth Employment Service) and put unemployment services out to tender. Since then Church employment agencies have been major contract winners.

For God Or Caesar

Buddhism is enjoying increasing popularity in Australia. Compass goes on retreat with one of the foremost teachers of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, Sogyal Rinpoche.

A Buddhist Retreat

Compass examines the role of Churches and Missions in separating Aboriginal children from their families.

Stolen Children

Part one looks at the conflicts and clerical politics triggered by the simultaneous arrival at St. Paul's of its new Dean, Dr. John Moses, and its first woman priest, Rev. Lucy Winkett on the occasion of the cathedral's 300th Anniversary.

St. Paul's Part One: The New Man

We Need Money surveys the difficulties encountered by the new Dean to balance the Cathedral's finances and downsize its institutional staff. In his pursuit of his fiscal obligations, the Dean reveals how Christian humanism may take second place to commercial realities in attending to worldly concerns.

St. Paul's Part Two: We Need Money

In the final of our series on St. Paul's Cathedral, we examine its major human resource, the childrens choir...and the trials and tribulations as young choristers aspire to be the best.

St. Paul's Part Three: Me Or The Music

Heroin injecting rooms... Are they the answer to Australia's worsening drug problem or a perpetuation of it? With trials to begin shortly in Sydney's Kings Cross, we look at the heated debate surrounding the involvement of the Uniting Church in the project.

Trial Of The Cross

On the 14th of July an exhibition of the Dead Sea Scrolls will open at the Art Gallery of NSW. For the first time Australians will have the opportunity to view some of these documents which represent one of the most important archaeological finds ever.

The Dead Sea Scrolls Part 1 - The End of Days

A Common Heritage explores what the scrolls reveal about early Judaism and the origins of Christianity.

The Dead Sea Scrolls Part 2 - A Common Heritage

A study of modern service and altruism, an account of Amnesty International.

Amnesty

Opus Dei enjoys favoured status within the Roman Catholic Church...but its secretive recruiting methods and strict control of its members lives and beliefs have led some to liken it to a cult...

Opus Dei

The appearance of the first all Jewish float in this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gra Parade polarised opinion in the Jewish community. We examine conflicting interpretations of religious law, when Gay Jews challenge tradition.

Being Jewish But Gay

On Compass we join the national leaders and youth representatives of Australian Christian Churches on a journey of reconciliation to the centre of Australia.

Pilgrimage To The Heart

Thousands of Australians are spending big dollars on personal development courses in the pursuit of success and self-esteem. Do they change people's lives for the better?

The Price Of Self Esteem

This two-part British series outlines the nature of depression, its human impact on families and individuals, its damaging influence on the human spirit, and its current treatments. The series is hosted by biologist Professor Lewis Wolpert, himself a former sufferer of depression.

A Living Hell (Part 1)

In Part Two of our revealing series on modern depression:

Is it a physical illness? Is it genetic?

A Living Hell (Part 2)

Is non-human life important and if so, why?

Paws For Thought

Marijuana, an ancient herbal remedy can help sufferers of epilepsy, arthritis and glaucoma but it is still on the illegal drug list in most countries.

Reefer Madness 2

A new four part series which will take us on a journey of religious discovery around the globe.

For God's Sake (Part 1)

In Part Two of this four-part series Frederic Raphael travels to Thailand and Malaysia where Buddhism and Islam have both absorbed and been transformed by older beliefs and customs.

For God's Sake (Part 2)

In this episode Frederic Raphael travels to Spain and Mexico to see this devotional intensity first-hand.

For God's Sake (Part 3)

In Part Four our series closes with Frederic Raphael going back home... journeying deep into the United States to explore the American way of religion in it's Bible belt heartland.

For God's Sake (Part 4)

Contact surveys the contemporary phenomenon of reports of alien abduction, UFO visitations and similar paranormal experiences in Canada and the USA. With several first-hand claims of abduction and descriptions of alien visits, the program canvasses the North American climate of Ufology...cults such as the Raelians who base their religion on extraterrestrial intelligence, plus psychiatric interpretations of this disposition towards the paranormal.

Contact

In this edition of Compass, the role of the mainstream churches in the global environment crisis... and whether theology should be responding.

The Greening Of God

In this edition of Compass, the growth of church schools and the nature of religious education.

Passing On Beliefs

When disaster strikes, many turn to religion for solace, and for answers. But catastrophe can also cause drastic change in beliefs, or total abandonment of faith.

Trauma & The Spirit

Christianity has produced some of the greatest works of art of all time, in which believers and non-believers alike can explore the great themes of life and death. It is the language in which Leonardo and Michelangelo, Dali and Rembrandt speak to us all about love and suffering, loss and hope.

Seeing Salvation (Part 1)

As Christmas approaches we are bombarded with images of the baby Jesus in the manger, one of the quintessential expressions of the Christmas story.

Seeing Salvation (Part 2)

At the core of the Christian faith is an image at once powerful and harrowing the figure Jesus on the Cross.

Seeing Salvation (Part 3)

On Christmas Eve, as the Christian world prepares to celebrate the 2000th birthday of Jesus of Nazareth, this edition of Compass takes a final tour through some of the greatest works of Christian art.

Seeing Salvation (Part 4)

Geraldine Doogue's panel of notable Australians discuss themes of the 2000th Birthday of Jesus, the end of the Jubilee Year, and the true advent of The Third Millennium.

Christmas Special

As Australia welcomes in the Chinese New Year, Compass explores what it all means. As well as marking the beginning of the lunar year, it’s a time when the Chinese community pays respect to their elders, and when good fortune is abundant.

A Chinese New Year

Evelyn Lowah, a respected Torres Strait Islander and born-again Christian, is a popular radio presenter in Cairns in far north Queensland. She and her cousin Thomas Seveka play Gospel music and talk with local people about what’s going on in their community.

Kingdom Airwaves

As the world grapples with the Global Financial Crisis, Compass asks: Should our lives be ruled by the almighty dollar? In the 21st century money has become the measure of all things, but what does money really mean to us?

The Almighty Dollar

A powerful film that explores how five American Christian families have handled having a gay child. Among them are the parents of the first openly gay Episcopal Bishop in the US, Gene Robinson.

For the Bible Tells Me So

Is Judaism Christianity's guilty secret? Leading British writer Howard Jacobson, himself a Jew, examines the origins and consequences of Christian belief.

Christianity: A History - Jesus the Jew

British journalist, former Conservative Party politician and lapsed Catholic Michael Portillo investigates the legacy of the Roman Emperor Constantine. He was the first Christian Roman emperor and he transformed Christianity.

Christianity: A History - Rome

British theologian Dr Robert Beckford explores how warring pagan tribes in Britain became one nation under a single religion - Christianity. In this extraordinary story, which begins with the fall of the Roman Empire 400 years after the birth of Jesus, he charts the precarious survival of Christianity in the Celtic West and Ireland.

Christianity: A History - Dark Ages

Acclaimed war correspondent Rageh Omaar examines the effect the 900 year old Crusades have had on the world today. In the West, he argues, the Crusades are a chapter of Christian history that has little impact on our everyday lives, but in the Middle East many believe that the Crusades are happening again.

Christianity: A History - Crusades

There’s a modern day revival in the age-old habit of pilgrimage, and parishioners from St Joseph’s Church in Subiaco, Perth have created their own, Camino Salvado. Compass joins the inaugural pilgrimage for a six day walk from Perth to the Benedictine Monastery at New Norcia.

Camino Salvado

The extraordinary story of one of world’s great, lost masterpieces: Caravaggio’s "The Taking of Christ". This film traces the painting's journey from its birth in Rome in 1602 to its amazing re-discovery in 1990.

Private Life of an Easter Masterpiece: The Taking of Christ

The last place you might expect to find a chaplain is dodging bullets in Afghanistan. This film follows two British Royal Marine chaplains as they travel around 'their parish' bringing faith to the frontline.

Commando Chaplains

Examines the covert Catholic ritual of exorcism in Italy where half a million people are turning to exorcists for help each year. Pope Benedict XVI recently hailed the importance of the rite and for the first time the Vatican is backing a course to prepare a new generation of exorcists.

The Return of the Exorcists

This Anzac special follows Sister Susan Connelly’s campaign to have East Timor’s unique wartime contribution recognised, with a ‘Companion of the Order of Australia’. During WW2 the Timorese risked their lives to help the Australian Commandos known as “Sparrow Force”.

Remembering Timor

What if you were highly intelligent, but remained trapped within a disorder that made others see you as inarticulate, odd or disabled? This film explores the line between ability and disability by following four Australian adults who are autistic.

Alone in a Crowded Room

Nearly 400 years after being tried by the Roman Catholic Inquisition, Galileo again faces charges of heresy. Leading scientists, scholars, barristers, politicians and churchmen take part in a unique performance event staged by the University of NSW and filmed by Compass.

The Trials of Galileo

Melbourne psychiatrist Sidney Bloch returns to South Africa, the country of his birth, with his teenage son. Sid has been plagued by guilt for “not doing enough” when segregation was introduced during the apartheid era more than 40 years ago.

Wrong Side of the Bus

This program explores the Catholic Church in Australia during one of the most dynamic periods in its recent history, the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). Vatican II challenged elements of Catholicism unquestioned since the 16th century.

Challenge, Change, Faith: Catholic Australia and the Second Vatican Council

Three Nigerian Catholic priests are sent to save Tasmania’s struggling church. But will the dwindling congregations and the resistance of the local clergy prove too hard a cross to bear?

In episode 1, Beginnings, Fathers Christopher, Felix and Kene arrive in Tasmania on its coldest winter’s day. It’s a whirlwind of ‘enculturation’ Tassie style as they encounter Tasmanian Devils, colonial villages and snowfields. There’s the even colder reality of elderly congregations in largely empty churches and an aging local priesthood. Fr Kene goes to Launceston where the harsh reality and loneliness of being an African in Australia starts to bite. Fr Felix, sent to Tasmania’s isolated West Coast, struggles with a church culture vastly different to his own. Fr Christopher stays in Hobart’s Cathedral Parish, where it’s clear his mentor doesn’t believe importing priests is the solution to Tasmania’s clerical crisis.

The Mission: Part 1 - Beginnings

Three Nigerian Catholic priests are sent to save Tasmania’s struggling church. But will the dwindling congregations and the resistance of the local clergy prove too hard a cross to bear?

In episode 2 – Reaching Out, the three young Nigerian priests are struggling with Australian life, homesickness, and confronting the reality of a Church in decline. There are new housemates to contend with and not everyone is getting along, so life isn’t getting any easier. As a rural church closes its doors after more than 100 years it’s a profound shock for the new missionaries, and triggers an unexpected revelation from one.

The Mission: Part 2 - Reaching Out

Three Nigerian Catholic priests are sent to save Tasmania’s struggling church. But will the dwindling congregations and the resistance of the local clergy prove too hard a cross to bear?

In episode 3 – Worlds Apart, the three Nigerian priests, now six months into their mission, are part of a Catholic community looking for solutions to churches closing down, congregations dying out and no priestly vocations. Questions arise as they discover that Aussie celebrations for Christmas are festive, and not necessarily reverential. Even Fr Kene’s unshakeable faith is rocked by the sudden numbers of ‘once a year Catholics’. Will the cultural divide prove too hard to cross as the priests go deeper into their mission in a distant land?

The Mission: Part 3 - Worlds Apart

Three Nigerian Catholic priests are sent to save Tasmania’s struggling church. But will the dwindling congregations and the resistance of the local clergy prove too hard a cross to bear?

In episode 4 – Out There, the three Nigerian Fathers celebrate the first anniversary of their roller coaster ride of faith, dedication and culture shock. For the Tassie priests working with them and the communities they are reaching out to, there are inspiring surprises and even dangerous encounters in store. As they all come together to celebrate the Nigerian priests’ first year in Australia, it is clear the experience is difference for each of them. While for their mentor priests, the experiment has produced more questions than answers.

The Mission: Part 4 - Out There

Filmed before, during and after his final days on the High Court of Australia this documentary explores the personal, moral and spiritual convictions of Michael Kirby – one of the country’s greatest legal minds. It charts his formative years, his Christian faith and his 40 year relationship with his partner Johan van Vloten.

Michael Kirby

In the final week of the World Cup, Compass presents the story of the team that never played. In the 1970s South African soccer players were among the best in the world, but because they supported the international sporting bans against the apartheid regime, these unsung masters never had the chance to play on the world stage.

The Team That Never Played

A provocative series examining the history and impact of Christianity through the personal views of leading British figures. In this episode former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe explores the Reformation.

Christianity: A History - Reformation

This programme reveals how Christianity became the world's largest religion despite, rather than because of, Western missionary zeal. British writer and Christian Kwame Kwei Armah begins his journey in Latin America to understand why Christianity is so successful there.

Christianity: A History - Dark Continents

For more than 1500 years Christians saw the Bible as the primary source of knowledge, but in the 17th Century a scientific revolution challenged the Christian view of the world. Eminent scientist Colin Blakemore interviews scholars and churchmen in order to understand how science transformed Christianity over the last four centuries.

Christianity: A History - God and the Scientists

Leading British lawyer and committed Catholic Cherie Blair investigates Christianity over the last 100 years and explores its future prospects. She examines the challenges posed by war, and political oppression in the 20th century which culminated in the Holocaust.

Christianity: A History - The Future of Christianity

This is the story of three women who were once nuns. Although they took their vows for life, they found they couldn’t keep them.

The Nuns' Story

Ahead of Saturday’s federal election Geraldine Doogue talks to four high profile politicians at the forefront of their political parties. Featured are the Liberal Party’s Joe Hockey; The Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce; the Labor Party’s Tanya Plibersek; and, The Greens Senator Christine Milne.

Faith in Politics

Compass investigates the rules about sex within three different faiths. For Muslims sex within marriage is seen as an act of worship, although in the public arena the emphasis is on de-sexualising the body.

Sex, Faith and Marriage

Everyone thinks they know more about sex than the previous generation. But is this true?

Sex, Kids and The Classroom

Sex sells, and it’s everywhere like never before. Think of the detailed coverage of Tiger Woods’ misadventures, or even the International Air Sex Championships.

Sex, Lies & Cyberspace

Should ethics be offered to school students as an alternative to Religious Instruction or Scripture Classes? When public schools offer scripture classes students who opt out may sit idle.

Schools of Thought

As we reach retirement age, more and more of us want to ensure this period of our lives is fulfilling and rewarding. Good health and strong personal relationships are important.

Work, Later On

Some cultures believe it is your duty to look after your elderly family members. But in Australia today expectations are changing, dictated by the realities of modern life.

Family, Later On

Home and community are vitally important, and often become more so as we get older. In northern Europe, housing models for seniors have been designed to allow them to maintain connection with their communities, and to stay in their own homes for longer.

Home, Later On

Next Sunday Australia’s first saint Mary MacKillop (1842 – 1909) will be canonised by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. It will be a highly significant event for Australia, and its five million Roman Catholics.

Mary, Miracles and Saints

Geraldine Doogue presents a Compass special on the canonisation of Mary MacKillop from the Vatican in Rome. This program includes highlights of the ceremony in St Peter’s Square presided over by Pope Benedict XVI, and attended by more than 8000 Australian pilgrims.

Mary: Canonisation Special From The Vatican

Compass investigates support and opposition to the growing number of chaplains in our state schools. Since the Federal Government’s National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) was announced in 2006, the number of chaplains in government schools has grown to over 2700.

Challenging the Chaplains

An Australian intensive care doctor explores moral and ethical questions about ongoing life-support for our elderly. Over the past decade hospital intensive care wards in Australia have been filling up with elderly patients in their 80s, and 90s with no realistic chance of recovery.

In The End

From our remote north, the remarkable story of the first traditional aboriginal woman to become a priest. In 2009 Yulki Nunggumajbarr became the Anglican Church’s first remote area indigenous woman priest.

Yulki: Arnhem Land Priest

The story of Ted Noffs, a maverick Methodist minister, whose groundbreaking work with the young and destitute in 1960s Australia lives on through his son and grandsons. But with one major difference - the Christian message is no longer part of the mission...

The New Noffs

In our globalised world the trading of children for sex or forced labour is a burgeoning industry. It is estimated as many as 23 million children are slaves in various countries around the world.

Sold - Fighting the New Global Slave Trade

Three unique choirs all with one aim: to bring Christmas to those who aren’t really looking for it. Music plays a big part in creating the sound and spirit of Christmas.

Sounds Like Christmas

This Christmas feast of readings, carols and anthems is performed by the St Mary's Cathedral Choir and orchestra. It was recorded in the lead up to Christmas 2010 at the newly renovated St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, Australia’s oldest.

Carols from St Mary’s

The life and legacy of outgoing Pope Benedict XVI who surprised the world by resigning after less than eight years at the helm of the Catholic Church.

A Farewell To Benedict

As the world waits for Benedict XVI's successor Australian Catholics are considering what they'd like from their new Pope.

The New Pope: What Australians Want

St Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland, is also one of the world's most popular saints, but does his life live up to his legend?

Patrick: The Renegade Saint

Compass is an Australian weekly news-documentary program screened on ABC Television on Sunday nights. Originally presented by Geraldine Doogue, the program is devoted to providing information about faith, values, ethics, and religion from across the globe.

All Episodes of Compass

Season 1

Episode 1

Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 2/7/1988