From 5-14 February 2024, delegates from UN Member States, civil society, and other stakeholders will convene at the United Nations headquarters in New York for the 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62). A number of faith organisations will be participating and making contributions. The focus is Sustainable Development Goal #1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Webinar “From Nicaea, Walking Together to Unity: the beginning of a new beginning
A webinar on 8 February, “From Nicaea, Walking Together to Unity: the beginning of a new beginning,” will offer deep reflections on the Council of Nicaea and its enduring legacy for Christians today. The Nicaean Council had highlighted the values of Christianity. We too are called today to light the Cross and Resurrection: hope in a time of anguish and conflicts.
PM condemns actions of balaclava-clad neo-Nazis after swarming Sydney train
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the actions of a group of neo-Nazis, who wore black balaclavas while brandishing Australian flags when they swarmed a Sydney train on Friday, as “shocking” and having “no role in Australia”
The group of about 60 hooded men were seen at Artarmon station just before midday on Friday.”
“I was horrified by those images,” Albanese told reporters on Saturday, before warning of a rise in neo-Nazi activity in Australia. “I say to these people, quite frankly, have a good look at yourself.
27 January: Holocaust Remembrance Day
On the morning of 27 January 1945 the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps still held some 7,000 prisoners. Over a million people deported to Auschwitz perished there. It is estimated that six million Jews were exterminated in the death camps.
The Holocaust is regarded as a paradigm for every kind of human rights violation and crime against humanity; all the victims (Jews, Roma, Resistance members, politicians, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, disabled persons) of the Nazi regime are taken into consideration.
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7 that established the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, also designated 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust – observed with ceremonies and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York and at United Nations offices around the world.
Racial Justice Sunday
Racial Justice Sunday is the day the Church focuses on the need to oppose racism and pursue racial justice with renewed vigour. The theme for Racial Justice Sunday is: “Seeing one another in the life of the Church”.
Australia Day: Gratitude Unveiled, Responsibilities Embraced
Australia goes beyond just being a country, and Australia Day goes beyond a mere commemoration; for immigrants, it becomes a symbol of hope and safety, a place of refuge from difficult journeys across seas and deserts and the dangers of human trafficking. It’s not just a piece of land; it’s a sanctuary full of opportunities where immigrants, after facing challenges, find comfort and the promise of a better life. Here, one person granted citizenship writes on the importance of Australia Day and what Australia has to offer.
Bossey Interfaith Summer Course
Applications are open for the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey’s 2024 interfaith summer course, during which students earn a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Interreligious Studies.
A part of the World Council of Churches and attached to the University of Geneva, the Ecumenical Institute offers three distinct study programmes on the graduate level.
The content of the teaching is focused on the challenges for the churches in the 21st century and the responses given through the modern ecumenical movement. The methodology is a combination of academic teaching and experiential learning.
United Religions Initiative – Position Vacant
Founded in 2000, United Religions Initiative (URI) is the world’s largest grassroots interfaith network with a presence in more than 110 countries. Our purpose is to promote interfaith cooperation, end religiously motivated violence, and create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings. URI is a non-religious, non-political, non-partisan, non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.uri.org
United Religions Initiative seeks to employ a Learning and Data Systems Associate to join the Learning and Impact Strategies Team as part of the Global Support Office.
Religions for Peace Announces Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award Winners
Religions for Peace International, the world’s largest and most representative multi-faith organisation, is delighted to announce the winners of the highly anticipated inaugural Women of Excellence in Multi-Religious Action Award, recognising and honouring exceptional diverse women of faith who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing gender equality and fostering interfaith cooperation in their communities and beyond.
‘War hurts our hearts’: silent multi-faith peace walk held in London
Without flags, placards or chants, hundreds of people joined a silent multi-faith peace walk in London on Sunday in response to the Israel-Gaza war.
Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists walked side-by-side from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square and back in solidarity with people affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
Darebin Interfaith Council
The City of Darebin (inner Melbourne) is seeking new members for the Darebin Interfaith Council. The Darebin Interfaith Council provides strategic advice to Council on issues affecting faith communities, informing Council decision-making about policy, programs, and services.
Christian groups support hate speech protections
Christian groups have swung their support behind hate speech protections expected to be introduced to Parliament during 2024. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has confirmed that Labor will include new measures to protect people from hate speech and vilification based on their faith when it seeks to legislate religious discrimination laws this year.