In conjunction with the International Day of Human Fraternity 2021, the World Council of Churches, Pax Christi Northern California, and Soka Gakkai International issued a joint statement, entitled “A Plea for Preserving Our Shared Humanity,” that expresses concern over the insidious development of weapons systems that lack meaningful human control. Read the Interfaith Statement on Killer Robots.
The Sydney Statement
The Sydney Statement is an interfaith charter for building bridges between believers from different religions. It is available in booklet, A4 size and full size poster format. The Sydney Statement is the work of Parliament of World Religions Youth in Sydney over several years and was launched online recently. As the work of Australian Youth, it is a work of high merit.
Women’s voices for interfaith engagement
Women of faith have a vital role to play in promoting more effective dialogue and cooperation in a world struggling to overcome the divisive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. That conviction was shared by Jewish, Buddhist and Christian participants in a webinar organized by the Lutheran World Federation, the World Council of Churches and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland to mark the 1- 7 February observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Vatican Issues Interfaith-Dialogue Stamps
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican Philatelic Office has issued a new block of postage stamps highlighting Pope Francis’ innovative ventures into interfaith dialogue.
The set of stamps, which is to be released on Feb. 22, boasts snapshots of Francis’ meetings with leaders of the world’s major religions over the past six years and marks the beginning of the ninth year of his pontificate.
Powerhouse Museum exhibition celebrating Buddhist sculpture
A landmark exhibition of 16th century stone statuettes will touch down in Australia later this year — the first time the stone figures have left South Korea since they were discovered in the ruins of a Buddhist temple in 2001.
Global Youth Environment Assembly
The Global Youth Environment Assembly is convened by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It is convening prior to the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), from 12-13 February and 18-20 February.
Tasmania – February 2021
Greetings of peace and many good wishes for the year ahead!
This week is UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, a celebration to promote a culture of peace and non-violence, particularly among people of faith.
It’s so important to celebrate the small acts of kindness that happen every day between people of different faiths to support one another in our daily lives and especially during difficult times.
We share a message honouring UN World Interfaith Harmony Week from the Chair of Religions for Peace Australia, Emeritus Professor Desmond Cahill OAM, and a link to a message from the President of the Parliament of the World’s Religions announcing events which may be accessed online during February.
There is also a letter from Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Co-President of Religions for Peace International, to his countrymen in Myanmar after the coup which occurred there recently.
World Interfaith Harmony Week – Victoria
The Multifaith Advisory Group (advises the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in Victoria) engages with the 2021 Observance of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week with a statement on Unity in Diversity, along with a video from the Faith Community leaders of Victoria.
The International Day of Human Fraternity: A Pathway to the Future
In Commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week The Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations and The Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and sponsorship of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity have the pleasure to invite you to an interactive panel dedicated to the celebration of The International Day of Human Fraternity A Pathway to the Future
Concern: Violence against Rohingya and other Religious Communities Following Military Coup in Burma
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is concerned about the potential for further violence against religious communities following the military coup in Burma. The Burmese military, also known as the Tatmadaw, perpetrated a genocidal campaign against the Rohingya people, and these same military officials are now claiming power following the coup.
Message of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo to the People of Myanmar
My dear Friends,
I write these lines as a spiritual leader, empathising with the sentiments of millions of people at this moment. I write to my dear people, the civilian leaders, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar army) and the international community. I have watched with sadness the moments of darkness in our history and watched with hope the resilience of our people in their struggle for dignity. We are journeying through most challenging times of our history. I write with love towards all, seeking a durable solution, praying for an end forever to the periodic darkness that envelops our dear nation.
International Statement on Unfolding Events in Myanmar
Religions for Peace International is in solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Just as this organisation, convening faith leaders and institutions for over half a century, prays together for the healing of this nation, it condemns any and all efforts which subvert the democratic will of its peoples.
