The Department of Home Affairs outlines visa conditions for those affected overseas by the conflict in Gaza. Support for communities in Australia affected by this conflict is also outlined.
Asian Conference of Religions for Peace Urgent Appeal for COP 28
The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is now taking place in Dubai, UAE, with leaders from 198 countries and regions discussing measures to address global warming. The main focus of the conference is to establish a concrete path toward the international goal of limiting the global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This is because there is concern that if the 1.5°C threshold is exceeded, the devastating effects of climate change on humanity, the earth and its ecosystems will result.
Report on the CCRP international seminar – Interfaith exchanges and the shared future for mankind, November 8th – 11, Beijing, China
The China Committee on Religion and Peace (CCRP) sponsored their second international seminar on Interfaith Exchanges and the Shared Future for Mankind (CSFM) on November 8th – 11th, 2023 at the Presidential Hotel in Beijing. This was the second such seminar, the first being in December 2019 on the eve of the pandemic.
Commonwealth Anti-slavery Commissioner Welcomed by Faiths
The Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network has welcomed the introduction of legislation by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus to establish an Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The World Council of Churches also supports this appointment.
Religions for Peace at the Climate Change Conference
Religions for Peace is set to organise two events during the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP 28), addressing critical issues related to climate change and sustainable development.
Pope Francis urges religious leaders to work together for peace and climate
Pope Francis sends a video message for the inauguration of the “Faith Pavilion” during COP28 in Dubai, and highlights the need for alliances that promote care for Creation and peace.
Vale, Ian Lacey AM
Ian Lacey AM, co-founder of Religions for Peace NSW Branch, and member of the National Executive of Religions for Peace Australia, passed away in the company of his family on evening of 30 November. Professor Des Cahill writes of the accomplishments and service to the nation by Ian Lacey.
Pope Francis to COP28: ‘Choose life, choose the future!’
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin delivers Pope Francis’ speech to delegates at the UN Climate Change Summit, urging world leaders not to postpone action any longer but to craft concrete and cohesive responses for the well-being of our common home and future generations.
Victoria: Shekinah
Shekinah is the focus of an event hosted by the Quakers. Shekinah is a Hebrew word meaning “dwelling” or “settling” and denotes the presence of God. This exploration of Shekinah will be held on Thursday 7 December 2023, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Victorian Quaker Centre, 484 William St, Melbourne.
Interfaith Responses to Gender-Based Violence: A Fireside Chat
Advancing gender equality is one of the thematic areas of Religions for Peace. Recognizing that gender-based violence, is intricately linked to gender inequality, Religions for Peace is committed to take the lead in this fight through multi-religious collaboration. The International Youth Committee of Religions for Peace has committed this year, 2023, as a year to work on the worldwide issue of Gender-based violence. Gender-based violence is a form of injustice which affects millions of girls and women in the world and is deeply rooted in structural, and institutionalized gender norms and practices.
Religious and political leaders break bread at interfaith breakfast
Australia’s political and religious leaders have broken bread inside Parliament House for the seventh Australian Catholic University Interfaith Parliamentary Breakfast. ACU’s Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast celebrates the diverse contribution faith communities have made on Australia’s national fabric. It has become a popular forum for interfaith dialogue and fosters positive engagement between the country’s political and religious leaders.
NSW Faith Affairs Council Meets
The NSW Government has confirmed the first 19 members of the NSW Faith Affairs Council. The Council has been established as a consultative mechanism to provide advice on priorities and emerging trends, the impacts of government policy on faith communities, and enhancing community harmony, security and well-being. The first act of the Council was to pass an historic ‘Interfaith Resolution’ to help NSW faith communities navigate through the current difficult times.
