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.
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In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, religious leaders urge “concentric circles of peace”
Religious leaders in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are welcoming the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, even as Japan’s Christian council “regrets” that the government has not supported or ratified the treaty.
“We ask the government of Japan to sign the nuclear weapons ban treaty as soon as possible,” the National Christian Council in Japan said in a 27 January statement, saying that the treaty “collects the wisdom of humanity,” and is “a major step in humanity’s long walk toward hope and ideal.”
Halki Summit IV – COVID-19 and Climate Change: Living with and Learning from a Pandemic
Halki Summit IV, this year in the format of a series of webinars, will explore the theme “COVID-19 and Climate Change: Living With and Learning from a Pandemic.”
The series, which will be presented 26-28 January, will feature a presentation by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and His Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon, along with theologians, scientists, and environmentalists who will serve as panelists and respond to live questions from the audience.
The summit is named for the island of Halki, or Heybeliada, on which the first such gathering was originally convened. The summit assembles focused groups from diverse religious and social, as well as civil and corporate sectors, including eminent theologians and speakers from across the ecumenical spectrum.
Online celebration – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
World Council of Churches (WCC) interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca is inviting the global ecumenical family and friends to join the WCC for a livestreamed public prayer service on 25 January, the final day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Ecumenical Global Health COVID-19 Response Framework
After ongoing consultations between church and healthcare leaders from many countries, the World Council of Churches has published an “Ecumenical Global Health COVID-19 Response Framework.”
Union of Progressive Judaism: 2020 Vision
The Union of Progressive Judaism will conduct a one-day virtual biennial with sessions exploring a compelling vision of Progressive Judaism for 2020 and beyond, and new ways to connect and build strong communities and congregations for the future. The Virtual Biennial will be preceded by Kabbalat Shabbat hosted by the United Hebrew Congregation of Singapore on Friday 6 November at 6.00pm and Havdalah co-hosted by Temple Beth Israel (Melbourne) and North Shore Temple Emanuel (Sydney) on Saturday 7 November at 8.30pm.
Essay competition for youth: “The Future of Interreligious Dialogue”
The World Council of Churches has announced an essay competition for youth who want to reflect on the theme “The Future of Interreligious Dialogue.” The contest marks the 50th anniversary of the WCC’s Office of Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation.
Book launch ~ The Beauty of Jesus Christ
Catholic Theological College invites you to a book launch of Gerald O’Collins SJ, The Beauty of Jesus Christ: Filling out a Scheme of St Augustine on Thursday 10 September, 4pm AEST on Zoom.
WCC, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue release “Serving a Wounded World” document
The World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue have released a joint document, “Serving a Wounded World in Interreligious Solidarity: A Christian Call to Reflection and Action During COVID-19 and Beyond.” Its purpose is to encourage churches and Christian organizations to reflect on the importance of interreligious solidarity in a world wounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Report about Conscientious Objection
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the a new legislation factsheet about conscientious objection, which is the right to refuse military service based on religious beliefs.
Australian celebrities join forces to combat racism in new campaign
Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, Nick Kyrgios, Ben Simmons and Sam Kerr are among the Australian celebrities featured in the new DoMore anti-racism campaign. #DoMore is a call to action for Australians wanting to be more informed, more educated, and more engaged in challenging racism. The #DoMore Project will use the stories of Australians of all backgrounds to challenge existing beliefs and raise awareness of the impact of racism. By understanding how we can all do more, we’ll help create an equal future for all Australians.
Marking The International Day Commemorating The Victims Of Acts Of Violence Based On Religion Or Belief
On August 22, the UN marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, a day designated by the UN for states to step up their efforts to combat intolerance, discrimination and violence against persons based on religion or belief. Establishing the day was a direct response to the ever-growing issue of violence based on religion or belief, including in their most severe manifestations of international crimes, as crimes against humanity, war crimes and even genocide.
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.
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.