Holy Sparks: Celebrating 50 Years of Women in the Rabbinate

Holy Sparks: Celebrating 50 Years of Women in the Rabbinate


On June 3, 1972, Jewish and American history were made when Rabbi Sally Priesand was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion as the first woman rabbi in America. A pioneer who opened the way for generations across all denominations and around the globe, Rabbi Priesand set in motion the first steps toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and empowerment of new cohorts of leaders for the Jewish people over the past 50 years.

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Push to liberate religious swasti in NSW from its ‘indoor prison’

Unlike the symbol on the Nazi flag, the Hindu swasti  commonly features four dots.
Unlike the symbol on the Nazi flag, the Hindu swasti commonly features four dots.

Surinder Jain has a dream: to normalise the swasti in Australia.

Not the hate symbol that featured on the Nazi flag and is still waved by far-right racists today. Jain is referring to the ancient icon that plays a central role in the religious practice of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Surinder Jain, national vice president of the Hindu Council of Australia, has joined forces with NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Darren Bark to promote awareness of the sacred swasti.

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Swaminarayan Mandir at the Sydney Opera House

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj

In a city-first, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir has hosted a cultural parade and assembly in front of Sydney’s two most iconic monuments.

The socio-spiritual Hindu organisation marked the beginning of the centenary celebration of its fifth spiritual leader, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, on Saturday 23 April 2022. This event took place on the steps of the iconic Sydney Opera House with breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in backdrop.

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Statement from Australian faith leaders on Temporary Protection Visa Holders

Statement from Australian faith leaders on Temporary Protection Visa HoldersFaith leaders from many religions have signed a statement urging the government – or the incoming government to put an end to Temporary Protection Visas and give settlement and security to those who have been held in durance vile in Australia for many years. Such is against the regard of the dignity and personhood of those incarcerated in the teachings of many religions. A list of signatories is given.

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Faith perspectives on palliative care

queensland faith communities council

How do we support the spiritual needs of patients who are terminally ill? Watch the following videos to learn more about various faith perspectives on palliative care, including: Bahá’í, Tibetan Buddhist, Celtic Pagan, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Representatives of these faiths share a brief outline of their beliefs and how they apply in end-of-life situations. They offer practical advice concerning appropriate ways to interact with a patient and their loved ones in the lead up to death and the period immediately following.

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7th International Conference on Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics

Ecothee 22


Ecothee 22 will be held at Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolympari, Chania, Greece, from 26-29 October 2022. This conference is under the Auspices of His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and with the support of the World Council of Churches (WCC) – Care for Creation, sustainability and climate justice (Ecological and Economic Justice). There is a call for Abstracts.

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