Religions for Peace is Gravely Alarmed at the Escalation of Conflict in the Middle East and Urges Immediate Ceasefire

Religions for Peace International

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.

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Unveiling of the statue of the Ecumenical Patriarch

Patriarch BartholomewA 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.

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Cultivating Taqwā: Moral Integrity and Respect for Human Dignity

Dr. Adis DuderijaAsma 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.

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Reflection on Trust and UNCOP29

COP29 - Baku, AzerbaijanAs 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.

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COP29 Interfaith Call to Action

Interfaith Liaison Committee to UNFCCCThe 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.

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About the Light that Shines through Simple Gestures of Empathy

 Walk of Light Lantern Procession MelbourneBishop 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.

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A year of devastation: with hope and trust shattered, what can bring an end to the violence in Israel-Palestine?

Violence in Gaza, Lebanon and IsraelShould 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.

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Trans Tasman interfaith call celebrating Week of Prayer for World Peace

Logo for Week of PrayerWeek 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.

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Kep Enderby Memorial Lecture

Kep Emderby 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.

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Stop Killer Robots Campaign receives Golden Dove International Peace Prize

Interfaith Statement on Killer RobotsThe 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.

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