Quakers Australia are posting here ongoing updates on decisions and resources to support Friends and their local meetings in caring for one another and their neighbours during this health crisis.
Hinduism: COVID 19 and the Herd Instinct
Dr Robert Svoboda, well-known speaker and author, Ayurvedic practitioner and guide to Hinduism, writes about the Mind and keeping calm in this time of “catching” emotions and thoughts from others. In this climate of uncertainty however many people are freaking out, and acting in ways that will ultimately benefit neither them nor their loved ones, in particular buying up everything they can.
Coronavirus Response: Melbourne Buddhist Centre
The Melbourne Buddhist Centre encourages people to continue their practice – within the parameters of the State of Emergency for Victoria declared by the Premier. Buddhist Practitioners are encouraged to be self-aware and take care of themselves – especially if vulnerable – and to care for others whom they practice with.
Coronavirus: Rabbinical Council of Australia and New Zealand and UPJ
The Rabbinical Council of Australia and New Zealand and the Union for Progressive Judaism both give advice to Jewish Australians on davening in a Minyan and congregating in Shules (attendance at worship). There is also advice for UIA Progressive Appeal, and a notice on live streaming of one event at Temple Beth Israel.
Victoria: Jewish Community Response to Coronavirus
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria, the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, Progressive Judaism Victoria, and the Council of Orthodox Synagogues Victoria have formed a covid-crisis-response group to provide Shules, Schools and community organisations with advice and guidance on the current Coronavirus emergency.
Australian National Imams Council advice on Coronavirus
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) is currently considering the best advice to give to Imams, Sheiks, Mosques and Islamic Communities of Australia. The situation regarding Friday Jummah is fluid, although some states have already decided not to proceed with Friday prayers. Please read on.
Australian Catholic Bishops Advice on Coronavirus
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has given one advice about liturgical celebrations and other paraliturgical events and assembly of peoples at church related gatherings, retreats, etc. There is an online version of the Mass available for those unable to attend services.
Greek Orthodox Response to Coronavirus
Archbishop Makarios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia has given guidance to Orthodox Christians in the practice of the faith and attendance at Sunday worship services.
LDS: Gatherings of Church Members Temporarily Suspended Worldwide
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent the following letter March 12, 2020, to Church members worldwide. Also see the latest updates on how COVID-19 is impacting Latter-day Saints around the world.
Updated – Translated resources – coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Victoria Department of Health and Human Services, Australian Government Dept of Health and SBS provide a range of translated information Coronavirus – COVID-19 for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, health professionals and industry. Information includes factsheets, self-isolation guides, Stay at Home Guides and Treasury Factsheets – Jobkeeper Payments and Youtube Video. — 50 languages covered.
Call to Prayer
The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change issues a Call to Prayer: Let us each pray in our own tradition that communities everywhere will pull together with a common sense of purpose to slow the spread of the coronavirus, enough to allow hospitals to cope and a vaccine to be developed. May this crisis bring … Read more
New Zealand Bishops’ Committee for Interfaith Relations letter on Christchurch tragedy anniversary
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Interfaith Relations has written a letter for parishes and the wider Aotearoa communities, reflecting on the tragic events in Christchurch a year ago.
The letter expresses feelings of a powerful call to be people of peace; a call that crosses all divides. It is written in the context that we recall the events of March 15, 2019 so that such a thing may never happen again.