Professor Douglas Ezzy of University of Tasmania will deliver the 2022 World Interfaith Harmony Week lecture on Tuesday 1 February 2022, on the topic of Religious freedom, discrimination, and living well together. This will an online event, hosted by Religions for Peace Australia Victoria Branch, Tasmania Branch and the Multifaith Association of South Australia.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Master, Dies at 95
Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh—a world-renowned spiritual leader, author, poet, and peace activist—died on January 22, 2022 at midnight (ICT) at his root temple, Tu Hien Temple, in Hue, Vietnam. He was 95.
Living the Change – Global Call
Greenfaith – in collaboration with its partner organisations in many nations frequently conducts Living the Change workshops. The next Living the Change global call will occur on Monday 24 January 2022. All are welcome to join, from anywhere in the world.
Religious leaders reiterate calls for closing prison at Guantanamo Bay
In an 11 January letter from, among more than two dozen others, the National Council of Churches (USA), T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and Islamic Society of North America, religious leaders called for President Biden to ensure that all of the people held at Guantanamo Bay are either released, agree to a plea deal, or receive a fair trial in a federal court.
“In the fullness of time we now know that many of the people sent to Guantanamo were never involved in terrorism in the first place,” the letter reads. “Even today, 20 years after the prison was opened, most of the prisoners have never been tried or convicted of any crime.”
Pax Christi Conference: Where does Australia’s Security Lie?
AUKUS has raised much debate. Do Defence Alliances make us truly secure? What value do we put on trust building and better relations with countries? How deft is our foreign policy towards China? What is the cost of not pursuing non-violent approaches to conflict prevention? This Conference is timely before a Federal Election. This conference will be held online, on February 19th, 2022.
Multifaith Leaders urge immediate release of refugees and asylum seekers still in detention – including those in the Park Hotel
Multifaith leaders and faith communities in Australia have recognised the plight of those in long term detention – particularly those who have endured many years of enforced containment in detention centres and hotels. A plea for a merciful solution is raised for those who are held for more than 8 years in detention.
Tasmanian Way to St James pilgrim walk attracts global audience as virtual event
People from all over the world are taking part in the virtual version of a Tasmanian pilgrimage this weekend.
The Way to St James from Mountain River to Cygnet was inspired by Spain’s Camino de Santiago.
COVID-19 has moved the Tasmanian event online, but pilgrims from around the world are connecting to share the experience.
Hillsong Church Camp ordered to stop singing and dancing
NSW police are investigating Hillsong’s annual youth summer camp being held in Newcastle. If found to have breached the health order, Hillsong could be fined up to $55,000.
Health and Freedom of Religion and Belief: promoting health and well-being for all
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities and discrimination. The world’s most vulnerable, including religious or belief minorities and indigenous peoples, have been disproportionately affected and left with even fewer possibilities for accessing preventative healthcare and treatment if they get sick. Health crises also often lead to an increase in harassment, discrimination and stigmatization of religious or belief communities, especially amongst women and girls. There will be an online discussion of this issue – with the lens of Freedom of Religion and Belief – online, on January 20, 2022
Attorney general defends religious schools’ right to sack teachers for views on sexuality
The Attorney General’s department also says changes to Sex Discrimination Act protecting gay students will be delayed until after religious discrimination bill. Michaelia Cash’s department also says changes to Sex Discrimination Act protecting gay students will be delayed until after religious discrimination bill.
Best of 2021: Religious discrimination laws coming to the boil
Father Frank Brennan – Jesuit and human rights lawyer was a member of the expert panel chaired by Philip Ruddock to report on whether Australian law adequately protected the human right to freedom of religion writes about the current environment on Freedom of Religion – given the Victorian Government’s Equal Opportunity (Religious Exceptions) Amendment Bill 2021 and the proposed Religious Discrimination Act which is widely expected to be introduced in the next session of the Australian Parliament.
New eco-theology book combines diverse views with best practices
A new volume—“Contemporary ecotheology, climate justice and environmental stewardship in the world”—is the latest of the continued fruits of the 6th International Conference on Ecological theology and Environmental Ethics, or Ecothee, which took place in September 2019 at the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolymvari. This volume is available for full access and download.
Interreligious Heroes – Role Models and Spiritual Exemplars for Interfaith Practice
The Elijah institute announces a new book in the Interreligious Reflections series, presenting inspirational leaders in Interreligious relations. This volume was conceived as a tribute to Elijah board member and contemporary interreligious hero, Rabbi David Rosen, on the occasion of his seventieth birthday.
Violence against women insults God, Pope says in New Year’s message
VATICAN CITY, Jan 1 (Reuters) – Pope Francis used his New Year’s message on Saturday to issue a clarion call for an end to violence against women, saying it was insulting to God.
Care for Environment – Daoism
Daoism has existed as a tradition in China for at least 2,500 years. It takes its name from the Dao or “The Way,” as described in the Dao De Jing, “The Classic of the Way and Its Power,” attributed to the legendary Laozi, which means simply “the Old Master.” This work of great depth and beauty is one of the most translated books in the world.
Is religious hatred pushing India down the path of the mob?
The Hindu right has brazenly launched a multi-pronged attack, simultaneously targeting Christians, Muslims and other minorities along with anyone who speaks against the BJP regime.
Anti-apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu dies aged 90
The Nobel laureate, often described as South Africa’s moral conscience, died in Cape Town on Boxing Day. Desmond Tutu, the South African cleric and social activist who was a giant of the struggle against apartheid, has died aged 90, prompting tributes from religious leaders, politicians and activists from around the world.
Pope Francis calls for ‘dialogue’ to heal a divided world
Pope Francis has used his Christmas message to decry increasing polarisation in personal and international relationships, saying only dialogue can resolve conflicts ranging from family feuds to threats of war. In his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message delivered on Saturday, Christmas Day, the head of the Catholic Church called on individuals and world leaders to talk to each other rather than dig in their heels, a distancing he said has been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.
Christmas Messages from Church Leaders
Christmas is with us once again. Church leaders remind us of that Jesus is the reason for the season, and not merry making and over-indulgence. It has been a year of challenges for churches – and indeed, for all faiths. Many religions – when Covid19 restrictions halted divine services – had to find new solutions to continue ministry and service to spiritual seekers. Here, we share two Christmas messages from Church leaders which bear witness not only to the Birth of Jesus, but also to the confrontations to the human situation we all face, together.