Religions for Peace Asia is pleased to announce that Religions for Peace Philippines, BYU International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy and Uniharmony Partners Manila will hold “Interfaith Forum on Women, Peace, and Security” on October 28th, 2024 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Manila Time).
The Freedom of Choice: Asma Lamrabet on the Headscarf and Women’s Rights
In the ongoing discourse surrounding women’s rights in the Islamic world, few topics spark as much debate as the headscarf. Asma Lamrabet, a prominent Moroccan feminist and Islamic scholar, offers a refreshing perspective on this contentious issue. Her assertion that wearing a headscarf should not be viewed as a spiritual obligation but rather as a matter of personal choice resonates deeply in today’s societal landscape. Lamrabet’s nuanced understanding of the headscarf as both a right and a choice encapsulates the essence of modern feminist discourse within Islam, emphasising that autonomy is paramount.
Anti-Bias Churches
The World Council of Churches takes up its mission to make Churches and Christian faith communities open and accessible to all, free of bias, discrimination and Xenophobia. Here, the World Council of Churches releases a paper on mitigating unconscious biases for Churches.
Anti Racist Churches
The World Council of Churches continues on the long legacy of their commitment to contribute to the dismantling of racial prejudices, racial discrimination, systemic racism, xenophobia, casteism, and all other forms of discrimination in ecumenical faith communities.
Climate Talanoa
Climate solidarity: Talanoa with Climate activists from Tuvalu and Kiribati. This is a collaboration between Edmund Rice Center with Uniting Mission and Education (UME) and Rodger Page Congregation (Auburn Parish) NSW & ACT Synod, Uniting Church in Australia.
Ecumenical Patriarch: The Need for Dialogue Today
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been visiting Australia since 4 October 4, his final appointment will take place on 19 October 2024.
While here, His All-Holiness was awarded and honorary doctorate degree from the Notre Dame University in Sydney, where he gave an address entitled “The Need for Dialogue Today.”
Let’s Build Respectful Communities
Working for the prevention of family and domestic violence is a key strategic priority for Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV). To highlight the ongoing importance for the Catholic community to take action on response and prevention, an open letter from Cathy Humphrey, Chair of CSSV Council and Felicity Rorke, Chair of the CSSV Domestic Violence Working Group has been written. It draws on a number of statements by Church leadership and urges reflection and change.
Australian National Imams Council AGM
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) convened its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 13 October 2024 in Sydney, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to serving Islam and the Australian Muslim community.
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.
