In conjunction with the International Day of Human Fraternity 2021, the World Council of Churches, Pax Christi Northern California, and Soka Gakkai International issued a joint statement, entitled “A Plea for Preserving Our Shared Humanity,” that expresses concern over the insidious development of weapons systems that lack meaningful human control. Read the Interfaith Statement on Killer Robots.
The Sydney Statement
The Sydney Statement is an interfaith charter for building bridges between believers from different religions. It is available in booklet, A4 size and full size poster format. The Sydney Statement is the work of POWR Youth in Sydney over several years and was launched online recently. As the work of Australian Youth, it is a work of high merit.
Social Justice: Resistance and Backlash to Gender Equality
Western society – in particular, democracies – are slowly coming around to Gender Equality in all arenas of human activity. Women now work in occupations previously only held by men; vice-versa, we now have men working as nurses, an occupation previously only taken up by women. Some religions have taken up women in leadership roles, other religious traditions are not so drawn upon to inspire social change.
An enlightened society practising social justice to all its citizens will not visit violence when women enter new roles previously taken up by men. The road to Gender Equality is long and rocky. In this research paper commissioned by the Victorian Department of Health and undertaken by Queensland University of Technology, we look at gender backlash and the strategies needed to overcome this. This is a work of social justice for both men and women.
Gender Equality is Sustainable Development Goal №5.
2021 Jewish International Film Festival
Due restrictions imposed on film theatres during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Jewish International Film Festival will stream its movies “At Home’ from 17 February 2021 until 24 March 2021. Stream the best of past festivals on ‘At Home’, a new Video on Demand platform from Classic, Lido, Cameo and Ritz Cinemas.
Faith-Based Engagement: Youth Environment Assembly
The Youth Environment Assembly is organized by youth for youth. It is a self-organized space for youth to discuss critical issues and build their capacity to make change in the world. More immediately, the 2021 Assembly is a key moment for youth to organize in the run up to the online session of the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, the high-level body where countries discuss and help set the direction of global environmental governance. Youth participants raised issues related to, inter alia, incentives for cross-faith youth collaboration, the need for the SDGs to be the basis for all faith-based discussions and children participation.
Australian Values
The Department of Home Affairs has established a website and four social media channels celebrating Australian Values. The website and social media channels will help to promote Australian values and our inclusive national identity. This website hosts information in English and in the top three languages other than English spoken in Australia – Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese.
Appeal to Deescalate Violence on the Streets in Myanmar
Religions for Peace Myanmar, and Religions for Peace International, on behalf of all its regional and national entities, plead with all stakeholders, to deescalate the sad turn of events in the streets of Myanmar. More blood has been shed in this month. Religions for Peace stands with the people of Myanmar in their quest for the sacredness of life. We strongly condemn the shedding of the blood of innocents.
Victoria: Faith and hope during a pandemic
We are excited to share with you our upcoming event Faith and hope during a pandemic, brought to you by Whittlesea International Students Wellbeing Hub and supported by Study Melbourne. Join us on Monday 15 February at 6:30pm to hear international student experiences to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Women’s voices for interfaith engagement
Women of faith have a vital role to play in promoting more effective dialogue and cooperation in a world struggling to overcome the divisive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. That conviction was shared by Jewish, Buddhist and Christian participants in a webinar organized by the Lutheran World Federation, the World Council of Churches and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland to mark the 1- 7 February observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
Vatican Issues Interfaith-Dialogue Stamps
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican Philatelic Office has issued a new block of postage stamps highlighting Pope Francis’ innovative ventures into interfaith dialogue.
The set of stamps, which is to be released on Feb. 22, boasts snapshots of Francis’ meetings with leaders of the world’s major religions over the past six years and marks the beginning of the ninth year of his pontificate.
Powerhouse Museum exhibition celebrating Buddhist sculpture
A landmark exhibition of 16th century stone statuettes will touch down in Australia later this year — the first time the stone figures have left South Korea since they were discovered in the ruins of a Buddhist temple in 2001.
Global Youth Environment Assembly
The Global Youth Environment Assembly is convened by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It is convening prior to the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), from 12-13 February and 18-20 February.
Tasmania – February 2021
Greetings of peace and many good wishes for the year ahead!
This week is UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, a celebration to promote a culture of peace and non-violence, particularly among people of faith.
It’s so important to celebrate the small acts of kindness that happen every day between people of different faiths to support one another in our daily lives and especially during difficult times.
We share a message honouring UN World Interfaith Harmony Week from the Chair of Religions for Peace Australia, Emeritus Professor Desmond Cahill OAM, and a link to a message from the President of the Parliament of the World’s Religions announcing events which may be accessed online during February.
There is also a letter from Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Co-President of Religions for Peace International, to his countrymen in Myanmar after the coup which occurred there recently.
World Interfaith Harmony Week – Victoria
The Multifaith Advisory Group (advises the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in Victoria) engages with the 2021 Observance of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week with a statement on Unity in Diversity, along with a video from the Faith Community leaders of Victoria.
The International Day of Human Fraternity: A Pathway to the Future
In Commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week The Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations and The Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and sponsorship of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity have the pleasure to invite you to an interactive panel dedicated to the celebration of The International Day of Human Fraternity A Pathway to the Future
Concern: Violence against Rohingya and other Religious Communities Following Military Coup in Burma
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is concerned about the potential for further violence against religious communities following the military coup in Burma. The Burmese military, also known as the Tatmadaw, perpetrated a genocidal campaign against the Rohingya people, and these same military officials are now claiming power following the coup.
Message of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo to the People of Myanmar
My dear Friends,
I write these lines as a spiritual leader, empathising with the sentiments of millions of people at this moment. I write to my dear people, the civilian leaders, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar army) and the international community. I have watched with sadness the moments of darkness in our history and watched with hope the resilience of our people in their struggle for dignity. We are journeying through most challenging times of our history. I write with love towards all, seeking a durable solution, praying for an end forever to the periodic darkness that envelops our dear nation.
International Statement on Unfolding Events in Myanmar
Religions for Peace International is in solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Just as this organisation, convening faith leaders and institutions for over half a century, prays together for the healing of this nation, it condemns any and all efforts which subvert the democratic will of its peoples.