The annual Zoom event of Prayers and Meditations for our Earth and for the United Nations Climate Change Conferences have been well supported. You are invited to join our upcoming silent meditation session dedicated to prayers and reflections for our Earth and in support of the UN Climate Conference, COP29. This will begin on Tuesday Mornings at 07:00 commencing on 6th August, 2024 … Australian Eastern Standard Time. The first session and meditation will be led by Bishop Philip Huggins.
Towards Fairness: Multicultural Framework Review
The Multicultural Framework Review is a generational reform agenda requiring a whole-of-government and community approach that will position Australia to realise its full potential as a nation made up of many cultures, faiths and lived experiences. The immigration minister, Andrew Giles, has released the review – the first deep dive into multiculturalism in Australia in over half a century.
In delivering this report to the Australian Government, the Review was informed by 216 public consultations across Australia. The panel also considered 796 public submissions (15% in languages other than English) and conducted an art competition for children and young people, ensuring all generations were included.
The Panel heard a strong, united voice from communities wanting to be a part of decision-making processes, to co-design and co-produce with the relevant layers of government, to share responsibility and have a role in accountability as well. Minister Giles said the report “notes the vital role of education, English language learning and effective translation services in ensuring that all Australians can enjoy the benefits of this country”.
Closure of the School of Indigenous Studies, University of Divinity
Religions for Peace Australia has supported the First Nations entry into theological education at the School of Indigenous Studies – University of Divinity, and has an ongoing commitment to the place of First Nations in the multifaith future and endeavours of our nation. It is with regret that Religions for Peace Australia notes that the University of Divinity has announced the closure of the School of Indigenous Studies.
In secular France, chaplains prepare to provide Olympians with spiritual support during the Games
PARIS (AP) — As athletes rev up their training and organizers finalize everything from ceremonies to podiums before the Paris Olympics, more than 120 faith leaders are preparing for a different challenge — spiritually supporting some 10,000 Olympic athletes from around the world, especially those whose medal dreams will inevitably get crushed.
In the midst of Olympic craze in Paris, Notre Dame guide’s advice is: Watch the beauty of the cathedral
Even if the spotlight is now on sports stadiums ahead of the July 26 opening of the Summer Olympic Games, a Notre Dame Cathedral guide with four decades of experience recommended it’s the majesty of the cathedral one should turn to in the midst of the Games’ craze in Paris.
Be Slavery Free
ACCC Submission
Closing Date: Friday 26 July 2024
Be Slavery Free invite you to join them in making a significant impact on sustainability and human rights by co-signing their submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the Draft Guide to Sustainability Collaborations and Australian Competition Law.
Hiroshima Day Roundtable
In collaboration with the UN Association of Australia and the Australian Institute of International Affairs (ACT), the University of Melbourne’s Initiative for Peacebuilding there will a hybrid event – a roundtable discussion – Hiroshima Day 6 August 2024 – A Summit of the Future.
UNEP – A global foresight report on planetary health and human wellbeing
Navigating New Horizons: A global foresight report on planetary health and human wellbeing seeks to attend to the future and the needs of global civilisation. To help navigate current and future uncertainty and disruptive change, while effectively delivering on its mandate, the United Nations Environment Program – UNEP – has been implementing an institutionalized approach to strategic foresight and horizon scanning with the view to developing an anticipatory and future-oriented culture – to ensure planetary health and human wellbeing.
Overcoming the silencing effect of racism
Victoria University launched, Understanding reporting barriers and support needs for those experiencing racism in Victoria, a new report about the damaging effects of racism, why those impacted often stay silent, and ways to improve anti-racism support across Victoria. Racism is a widespread experience among many multicultural communities and there are certain places in Australia where it’s more likely to happen.
Embracing Otherness: The Importance of Sharing Wisdom
Sharing wisdom across differences can be challenging, as it requires empathy, humility, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. It demands that we set aside our preconceptions and biases, creating space for genuine understanding and learning, writes Dr Adis Duderija of Griffith University in New Age Islam.
Pope asks world’s religions to push for ethical AI development
Pope Francis called on representatives from the world’s religions to unite behind the defense of human dignity in an age that will be defined by artificial intelligence.
“I ask you to show the world that we are united in asking for a proactive commitment to protect human dignity in this new era of machines,” the pope wrote in a message to participants of a conference on AI ethics which hosted representatives from 11 world religions.
Social Cohesion and Faith Communities
Religions for Peace Australia conducted the 2024 Annual General Meeting in Canberra on 12 June, 2024. Guest Speaker at the Annual General Meeting was Ms. Anthea Hancocks of the Scanlon Foundation. The Scanlon Foundation in collaboration with Monash University produces the annual Scanlon-Monash Index of Social Cohesion, an important document, which, since inception in 2007, has mapped the measures of Belonging, Worth, Participation, Acceptance and Rejection and Social Justice and Equity in Australia. Ms Anthea Hancocks delivered an address on Social Cohesion and Faith Communities.
