I want a spiritual role model who would have understood how to avert a meltdown at school pickup. So who are the women spiritual leaders? Sometimes I think the entire point of religion is to help men behave more like women.
Why does Australia want to be so suicidal?
Bishop Philip Huggins writes, ‘Australian leadership is no longer an embarrassment at UNFCCC COPs. Nonetheless, Australia’s participation in the fossil fuel industry, including through new projects, is not putting us on the fastest path to net zero. Will we miss our “brief and rapidly closing window” to secure a liveable future?’
Syncretism in Religion and Rituals: Embracing Diversity and Unity
One fascinating aspect of religious development is the phenomenon of syncretism, which refers to the merging or blending of different religious beliefs, practices, and rituals. The concept of syncretism challenges the notion of religion as a rigid and exclusive system, instead emphasizing the fluidity and adaptability of human spirituality, writes Dr Adis Duderija of the Griffith University Multifaith Centre.
Honouring International Mother Earth Day: A Call to Faith-Based Climate Action
Each year, on April 22nd, we mark International Mother Earth Day, a global moment for introspection on our relationship with our home planet. As Australians representing diverse faiths within Religions for Peace Australia, we recognise the urgency of this day in the face of escalating global warming. Our faiths teach us to cherish and steward the earth, making this day especially significant as an interfaith community. This essay delves into the importance and urgency of International Mother Earth Day and its relevance to our diverse faiths and the broader global community.
Immigration: Changes to the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement
Changes to the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MORLA) settings now allow religious institutions to sponsor overseas workers under the occupation Religious Assistant (ANZSCO 451816). This new initiative broadens visa sponsorship options that were formerly limited to the occupation of ‘Minister of Religion’.
China gives monks a list of things they can’t do after the Dalai Lama’s death
China gives monks a list of things they can’t do after the Dalai Lama’s death. In the event of the Dalai Lama’s death, Buddhist monks are banned from displaying photos of the Tibetan spiritual leader and other “illegal religious activities and rituals,” according to a training manual Chinese authorities have distributed to monasteries in Gansu province in China’s northwest, a source inside Tibet and exiled former political prisoner Golok Jigme said.
Terrorism Charge laid against Teenager
In short: A teenage boy who allegedly stabbed a bishop in Sydney’s south-west has been charged with a terrorism offence. The teenager has been recovering in a medical facility after he suffered a finger injury during the alleged attack. UPDATE: The court has been advised that the teenager concerned has a history of mental illness.
Religions for Peace Statement on Assyrian Church Stabbing
The leadership team of Religions for Peace Australia (comprised of Buddhist, Christian, Quaker, Hindu, Muslim, Brahma Kumaris and Jewish faith leaders) have come together to consider the needs of our nation and the strengthening of social cohesion. Many issues have been exposed by this event. In faithful response, Religions for Peace Australia issues a call addressing faith community needs along with steps towards harmony and protection of the community.
Sydney church stabbing
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed repeatedly at a mass at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church in Wakeley just after 7pm on Monday.
A live stream of the mass on the church’s website showed a person approaching the altar who then appeared to stab toward the bishop’s head multiple times.
The 16-year-old perpetrator is in police custody. He made reference to “his religion’ which causes authorities to declare this was a terrorist event
Spiritual Care Australia Conference: June 2024
Our Patterns of Creative Spiritual Care conference is the premiere event highlighting and supporting the work of pastoral care, spiritual care and chaplaincy in Australia.
Spiritual care highly values the importance of person-centered care. Our 2024 Conference theme: “Patterns of Creative Spiritual Care – Enriching the Journey to Hope” recognises the richness of creativity when attending to the person at the heart of our care. The use of sound and music, aromas, art and imagery, drama and role, embodiment and movement, language and story are all mediums through which we seek to engage with the other.
During prayer for Ukraine, reflection asks: “Has the promised Kingdom not come yet?”
During a World Council of Churches morning prayer—focusing on the churches and people of Belarus, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine – a reflection by Prof. Dr Dmytro Tsolin focused on both the pain of the war in Ukraine as well as how we hang onto hope.
World Council of Churches expresses grave concern over escalation of violence in Middle East
World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, on behalf of the global fellowship, expressed grave concern regarding the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East following the first direct confrontation between Iran and Israel.
