The World Council of Churches will join many in honouring indigenous communities across the world on 9 August. Designated by the United Nations as “International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples,” this year the day is particularly honouring indigenous people for seeking unique solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for leading the way in sustainable living in a post-COVID-19 era.
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World Council of Churches: Joint interfaith statement calls for rejection of nuclear weapons
On 6 August, a “Joint Interfaith Statement on the 75th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki” was released, reaffirming the existential threat to humanity that nuclear weapons pose.
The interfaith group normally delivers a statement during review conferences of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, the postponement of the 2020 conference due to COVID-19 inspired the group to instead develop a common response to the 75th anniversary of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The statement is signed by 189 organizations, including the World Council of Churches.
Government assistance for temporary and provisional visa holders – coronavirus (COVID-19)
A range of government assistance is available to temporary and provisional visa holders impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information please contact the agency responsible or visit the website listed.
The range of assistance available includes,
- Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
- Face masks and coverings
- Temporary changes to the Seasonal Worker Programme, Pacific Labour Scheme and the Working Holiday Maker visa program
- Support for job seekers
- Support for renters
- Support for International Students
- Relief payments for temporary visa holders
- Support for multicultural and multifaith families
- Relaxation of work hours for international students working in medical and disability sectors
- Support for public housing and people experiencing homelessness
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health workforce response
- Hotels for Heroes
- Support for Businesses
75 Years since the Hiroshima Bombing
The United States detonated two nuclear weapons over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively, with the consent of the United Kingdom, as required by the Quebec Agreement. The two bombings killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, most of whom were civilians, and remain the only uses of nuclear weapons in armed conflict.
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons or the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty, is the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons, with the goal of leading towards their total elimination. It was passed on 7 July 2017. In order to come into effect, signature and ratification by at least 50 countries is required. As of July 2020, 40 states have ratified the treaty.
Religions for Peace Australia seeks peace in Australia, and peace on Earth. To this end we strive to build strong interfaith relations, promote cooperation, harmony and understanding among the faiths in Australia and seek to build same in all states and in Parliament House, Canberra, by observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week. Here, the Chair of Religions for Peace Australia gives reflections on 75 Years since the Hiroshima bombing.
Interfaith Open Letter to Prime Minister
The Interfaith Open Letter in support of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is sent this day to the Prime Minister of Australia and all Members of Parliament. This letter has been signed by 58 faith organisations in Australia and represents an important initiative towards gaining Peace on Earth.
Guidance Documents for Religious Leaders
Religions for Peace International have teamed up with UNICEF to provide guidance documents for religious leaders in this time of worldwide pandemic. At this moment of crisis, these thematic guidance documents have been prepared to guide religious leaders and faith communities on the key issues and actions that they can take in preventing and addressing the diseases and its secondary effects. The documents have been prepared based on official technical materials from UNICEF, WHO and IFRC and informed by the existing Faith-Based resources.
Kindness and Love in a Time of Separation – Perspectives from the Three Abrahamic Faiths
Join us at the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia in a free on line event on the theme, ‘ Kindness & Love in a Time of Separation – Perspectives From The Three Abrahamic Faiths’ on the afternoon of Sunday 9 August 2020. This is an online event, free.
Tasmania – August 2020
Greetings of peace! We hope you, your families and communities are safe and well! Many blessings for the festival of Eid al Adha, celebrated yesterday.
There has been an invitation from the President of the National Council of Churches Australia to dedicate tomorrow, Sunday 2 August, as a national day of prayer for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Children and Youth for Climate Justice
The World Council of Churches releases a collection of curated resources to support churches, church-run schools, Sunday schools and summer camps in their ongoing efforts to promote care for children and youth through intergenerational climate- and environmental justice. The toolkit supports the Churches’ Commitments to Children, in which climate initiatives for and with children is an important pillar.
In Remembrance of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
As the world marks the 75th Anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings in 2020, the world’s preeminent interfaith organizations are coming together through a multilateral accord and a special remembrance broadcast that aims to reverse the race toward mutually assured destruction.
Darwin: Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebrations
The Australian School of Yoga and Meditation in Darwin will celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna (Janmastami) in Nightcliff on the evening of 15 August, 2020. Registration is necessary to comply with Covid-19 social distancing.
In Hope We Live
In this time of COVID and beyond, where we are told not to touch our own body, not to visit our beloved ones even when they are in hospital, not to bury our beloved once even when we know deep in our hurt that we will never see them again, life is becoming a solid war zone. In such a brutal time, the only way to have a peaceful life is to posses hope deep inside our heart.
Auburn Gallipoli Mosque granted coronavirus exemption for 400 people to celebrate Eid-al-Adha
Auburn Gallipoli Mosque has been granted an exemption to hold Eid-al-Adha prayers. NSW Health said exemptions were only granted in “exceptional circumstances”. It said the mosque had a thorough COVID-19 Safety Plan. The mosque will split attendees into four areas, with no more than 100 in each.
Victoria: Chief Health Officer gives Eid-al-Adha greetings
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Brett Sutton, gives Eid-al-Adha greetings and advice on celebrations, with Arabic subtitles.
National Day of Prayer – Sunday 2 August 2020
Out of concern for the pandemic, the National Council of Churches in Australia calls for a National Day of Prayer for the Pandemic and asks that all pray on Sunday 2nd August 2020. A prayer is given for use.
Prime Minister’s Message for Eid al Adha 2020
Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP gives one message to Australia’s Muslims on occasion of this time of social distancing and Islamic religious celebration, a festival by name Eid-al-Adha.
Vatican allegedly hacked by China
An American cybersecurity company says Chinese hackers breached the Vatican’s computer network to spy on confidential church dealings ahead of negotiations with Beijing.
Lockdown: Yeshiva Community, St Kilda
In Australia, religious communities were one part of society expressly impacted by the ‘lockdown’ directives introduced to stem the spread of the virus. On 29 March all places of religious worship were effectively closed by the restrictions that limited non-essential indoor gatherings to two people. In Victoria, lockdown came again on 9th of July, with border closures. Here, we look to faith community experiences in time of lockdown. On this page, we look to the experience of the Jewish members of the Yeshiva community of St Kilda, Victoria.