United Religions Initiative and Religions for Peace Australia invite you to be part of a gathering with prayers, a presentation, and an open discussion on how our faith, spiritual, and ethnic communities can stand against violence and support women, children, and families at risk on Sunday 24 November 2024.
The 2024 Climate Change Conference will begin in Azerbaijan on November 11. On each day, Prayers and Meditations will be held for the welfare of our Earth and for the welfare of all who have suffered the impact of climate extremes. We will pray for our Earth, we will pray for our Cities, we will pray for our forests, and we will pray for all life-forms on Earth and in the Seas. The weekly prayers up to 5 November have been exceedingly well supported. Now, we continue for the duration of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, daily. All welcome to join.
Many are grateful that they live in a land called Australia, a land that has never experienced war. In this wise, Australia is said to be the most peaceful country. Yet, the global conflicts reach to here and cause pain, suffering, angst and tension among us. Just as the Magi mounted their camels and went on a journey of faith to find Emmanuel – God with us – so also, Bishop Philip reminds us that the season of Christmas is what binds Australians in a strong resilience. The Angels sing Peace on Earth to all persons of Good Will. Anticipating Christmas 2024, we also may pray – in our own way – for peace and goodwill on Earth.
The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance day declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance. It is observed on 16 November. Tolerance is an expression, a behaviour, an attitude, a value of non-violence. It expresses peace in the community and the capacity to live together with differences. In 2024, this day focuses on encouraging dialogue and understanding, particularly among young people, to build a more inclusive future.
The archbishop of Canterbury has stepped down amid intense pressure over his handling of one of the church’s worst abuse scandals.
Justin Welby’s decision, announced on Tuesday, comes after mounting demands from victims and members of the clergy for him to quit.
Pressure on him had intensified since the publication last week of a damning report on the Church of England’s cover-up of abuse by John Smyth in the UK in the late 1970s and early 80s, and later in Zimbabwe and, it is suspected, South Africa.
Religions for Peace Australia welcomes welcomes the appointment of former Senator Chris Evans as Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner. This is a critical step toward the Government’s promise to strengthen protections against modern slavery.
Faith leaders and advocates worldwide came together on 6 November for a transformative Talanoa Dialogue, organised virtually by the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, co-chaired by the World Council of Churches. The dialogue provided a vital space for interfaith communities to explore shared goals in preparation for COP29, fostering unity around an urgent call for action on climate justice, compassion, and resilience.
The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference commences on Monday, 11 November 2024. Certain geopolitical changes have taken place beforehand, and integrity in the conduct and environment of the Conference Site in Baku, Azerbaijan, have been raised. Here, Bishop Philip Huggins explores issues raised and offers a recommendation that Australia become permanent host of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – the UN COP Conferences.
The Ecumenical Council of NSW invites interested persons to join their Family Violence “What to Do” Webinar in the lead up to Christmas, a time when there is an increase in incidents of family violence.
Australia is a member of the Asian Conference on Religion and Peace (RfP Asia). Asia Pacific Women of Faith Network has been pursuing Human Trafficking as a moral issue for all Asian religions, a project which commenced in 2021. RfP Australia has also conducted events relating to Human Trafficking. On 27 September, there was an Online Workshop which considered (among other matters) the evil of human trafficking, particularly in the Asia-Pacific regio. A report of this workshop is offered.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a few photos on his X handle of himself celebrating the Bandi Chhor Divas, a big day for the Sikh community, on Friday (November 1). Albanese visited Sydney’s Murugan Temple where he celebrated Diwali with the Tamil Australian community. “Deepavali celebrates the victory of light over darkness”.
