What happens when you take six Jewish teens and six Catholic teens to Israel? They return with a deepened understanding of their own faith and an appreciation of another faith.
Gandhari Buddhist Manuscripts from 1st BC to 3rd AD handed over to Pakistan
A large collection of Gandhari Buddhist manuscripts which date back to the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD and originate from present-day Pakistan were handed over to Pakistan during an official ceremony organized at the University of Sydney.
Australia returns stolen artefact to Nepal
In a move to repatriate stolen national relics, The Government of Australia has returned a 13th-century tundal (wooden temple strut) that was stolen from Ratneshwar Temple, Sulima Square, Patan. The 13th-century strut, which was reported to be stolen in 1975, arrived at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australia, in the year 2000 through a bequest by the Australian-British art collector Alex Biancardi.
In Asia, the Virgin Mary transcends religious boundaries
Most people know that the Virgin Mary is very popular among Catholic and Orthodox Christians. But what they usually don’t know is that the Mother of God is also venerated by devotees from other faiths such as Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. She might not be necessarily part of the official teaching of these traditions but she still attracts devotees. As new research shows, Mary is the most universal religious figure of our contemporary world.
Canberra’s first Thai Buddhist Temple
Wat Dhammadaro in Lyneham, ACT, was originally established in 1993, but a major expansion has been underway for the past 13 years. Project manager Tip Muangsaen has recently submitted the final inspection request to the ACT Government, with hopes the temple will open its doors later this year.
‘Leave No one Behind: The Role of Freedom of Religion or Belief in Advancing Human Flourishing and Just Societies
‘Leave No one Behind: The Role of Freedom of Religion or Belief in Advancing Human Flourishing and Just Societies was the theme of the Fourth International Parliamentarians Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 1-4 May 2023. The Nairobi Declaration is a document signed by Parliamentarians worldwide at the 4th International Parliamentarians Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB).
ACT – Interfaith Dialogues: The Voice and Reconciliation
The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture is presenting four public Interfaith Dialogues, hosted by Profs Anthony Maher and Stan Grant. The discussions will include a panel of six faith leaders from different religions. Each panellist will briefly engage with introductory remarks addressing the above questions followed by a Q & A hosted by Stan Grant between the panel and the audience.
At a Crossroads: An Intergenerational and Multireligious Response to the Social and Environmental Crises Report
“At a Crossroads: An Intergenerational and Multireligious Response to the Social and Environmental Crisis” was hosted by Religions for Peace and the City Council of Manresa, Spain, on November 28-30, 2022. Timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s pilgrimage to Manresa, which highlighted cross-sectoral concerns of environment, migration, and social transformation, this international consultation was aimed at addressing the environmental crises facing our planet.
Mindful Peace: A New Religions for Peace Blog
Religions for Peace is pleased to announce the launch of our new blogspace, “Mindful Peace” – a platform dedicated to promoting interfaith understanding, reflection and cooperation for peace. This blog aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for people of all faith and Indigenous traditions to come together and share perspectives on issues related to Religions for Peace’s Six Strategic Goals.
NSW: Buddhist Studies Seminar
The 2023 Master Sheng Yen Lecture in Chinese Buddhism will be given by Professor James Benn (McMaster University) on Tuesday 30 May, 6:00-7:30pm at New Law School Lecture Theatre (LT024), New Law Annexe F10A, University of Sydney. The lecture is presented by the University of Sydney School of Languages and Cultures.
Climate change goes deeper than fossil fuels
If we’re to act in a way that observes the Earth’s limits and boundaries, then we must undergo a ‘metanoia’ – a deep spiritual transformation. This involves a radical turn-around in the way we think and live, which a practice like meditation can help to enable. So argues theologian and long-time meditator Dr Deborah Guess, who believes that making ‘greentech’ changes such as solar panels and electric cars is not going to be enough, and may even be part of the much wider problem that our economic system is geared towards producing and consuming more and more.
Worldwide Blasphemy Enforcement
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is alarmed by the continued enforcement of blasphemy provisions around the world and condemns efforts to enact stricter blasphemy legislation. The existence and enforcement of such laws—which punish individuals for allegedly offending, insulting, or denigrating religious doctrines, deities, symbols, and religious feelings—undermines freedom of religion or belief and related human rights, including freedom of expression.
