The Executive Committee of Religions for Peace, an organization dedicated to peaceful coexistence around the world, is gravely alarmed at the continued war in the Holy Land and its escalation to Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East.
Unveiling of the statue of the Ecumenical Patriarch
A sculpture that will evoke memories of the Apostolic visit to Australia by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew—known for his simplicity, warmth, and approachability—will stand as a landmark at the premises of the Holy Monastery of Panagia “Axion Esti” in Northcote, Melbourne.
Cultivating Taqwā: Moral Integrity and Respect for Human Dignity
Asma Lamrabet is a Moroccan female liberation theologian whose exploration of the concept of Taqwā in the context of the Qur’anic vision of equality offers profound insights into the nature of humanity’s spiritual journey. She posits that the Qur’an presents an unequivocal stance on the equality of all human beings before the Creator, transcending factors such as race, ethnicity, skin colour, and gender. Dr Adis Duderija gives an account of the work of Asma Lamrabet of Morocco.
Reflection on Trust and UNCOP29
As the world approaches the next Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, disputes and war surrounds the region of the conference, called COP29. Bishop Philip Huggins of Melbourne is a member of the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UNFCCC (the body that holds the climate conferences). Here, Bishop Huggins offers a reflection on trust – particularly the international dimension of trust – as we continue our service and advocacy in ways that give hope and build trust.
COP29 Interfaith Call to Action
The Interfaith Liaison Committee to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has issued a Call to Action. The Call to Action commences,
We stand at a crossroads, facing an existential threat to life on Earth as we know it. The urgency to act cannot be overstated. As people of faith from diverse traditions, we believe the climate emergency must be addressed on a moral level, with decisions driven by honesty, compassion, courage, trust, and foresight. The survival of our planet and future generations depends on the choices made today.
About the Light that Shines through Simple Gestures of Empathy
Bishop Philip Huggins of Melbourne attended the Walk of Light Lantern Procession in Moorabbin on the evening of October 7, the anniversary of a deplorable, inhuman event. And that conflict continues. Here, Bishop Huggins gives a reflection after the Anniversary events this week for 7/10/23: This reflection is about simple gestures of empathy and how these bring light, helping with the healing that is needed.
A year of devastation: with hope and trust shattered, what can bring an end to the violence in Israel-Palestine?
Should the tit-for-tat cycle of violence continue, the blow-back will hurt not only Israel’s efforts to attain safety and security for its citizens, but the prospects for a political future for the Palestinians. A year has passed, what will bring peace to this region? Here, Eyal Mayroz, Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney writes this Op-Ed.
October 7, one year on: a Quaker statement
Quakers UK have issued a statement on 7 October 2023, One year on:
We grieve the lives lost on 7 October 2023. We grieve the lives lost since 7 October. For Quakers, all lives are precious, all people are children of God. No death can ever justify the killing of another
Christian monastic wisdom today
The Contemplative Studies Centre at the University of Melbourne will host an enlightening talk by Cyprian Consiglio, a Camaldolese Benedictine Monk on Wednesday 13 November from 5.30-7.00pm. This is an in-person event.
Trans Tasman interfaith call celebrating Week of Prayer for World Peace
Week of Prayer for World Peace has been active since 1974. An Online Gathering for Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia is set for 8pm Sunday 13 October 2024 (NZ time), 6pm (Sydney and Melbourne time) and 3pm (in Perth). This will be the first interfaith online ‘Gathering’ for this region.
Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture
The Australian Human Rights Commission invites you to attend this year’s free online Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture on Friday 1 November, 12pm – 1.30pm – this is an online event.
The event will discuss ‘Dismantling systemic racism – perspectives from First Nations peoples’.
Systemic racism, in law, policies and service delivery, has serious and ongoing consequences for First Nations peoples, including poor mental and physical health, economic disadvantage, over-incarceration and social exclusion.
Stop Killer Robots Campaign receives Golden Dove International Peace Prize
The Stop Killer Robots Campaign, of which the World Council of Churches (WCC) is an active member, has received the 2024 Golden Dove International Peace Prize. Religions for Peace Australia actively supports this campaign and has conducted events in collaboration with the Stop Killer Robots Campaign.
World Council of Churches: One year after Hamas attacks
One year after the Hamas attacks on southern Israel, World Council of Churches called on all member churches and partners, and all people of faith and good will, to pray and act for peace in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.
