Dr Adis Duderija of Griffith University writes in the ABC Religion and Ethics: ~ By prioritising ethical principles and actively working to dismantle oppressive interpretations, progressive Islam offers a more morally compelling and relevant faith. Here, Dr Adis Duderija explores the capacity available for progressive Islam.
RfPA
2024 Interfaith Parliamentary Breakfast
Since 2014, when the first prayer breakfast was held, the Australian Catholic University has annually brought together representatives of different religions to pray together and discuss important topics. These meetings promote dialogue and mutual respect between parliamentarians, diplomats, and leaders of religious communities. Members of the National Executive of Religions for Peace Australia attended the 2024 Interfaith Parliamentary Breakfast.
In his welcoming speech, Vice-Chancellor and President of the Australian Catholic University, Professor Zlatko Skrbis, said: “Nearly ten years ago, when this event was first launched, we envisioned it as a space where leaders from across the religious and political spectrum could come together to celebrate the diversity and tolerance that holds our nation together. Since then, the Federal Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast has become a cornerstone of our commitment to open dialogue—a platform where conversations could take place concerning our democracy, our community, our culture, and the role that faith plays in our everyday lives.”
This year’s interfaith breakfast was the eighth in a row. The parliamentarians were able to communicate with leaders of more than twenty religious communities, including Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and others. Here, we present the talk given by Dr. Rachael Kohn, AO, guest speaker.
World Interfaith Harmony Week Event – Parliament House, Canberra
Canberra Interfaith Forum in collaboration with Religions for Peace Australia are pleased to invite you to our 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture at Parliament House, Canberra, on 5 February 2025. This will be a hybrid event, in person and Zoom. The Presenter will be Prof. Dr. Anne Patel-Gray, and the topic of this event will be Acknowledging Respect & Inclusion of Indigenous Nations Spirituality: In a Nation that Embraces Many Diverse Cultures and Faiths.
50 years ago, Cyclone Tracy flattened Darwin
Exactly 50 years ago, on Christmas Eve 1974, Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin and left a trail of destruction. An ecumenical service was held in Darwin, marking this event.
Canberra Interfaith Forum Condemns Arson Attack on Synagogue
The Canberra Interfaith Forum, representing a diverse group of faith communities in the Canberra region, stands united in condemning the recent attack on a synagogue in Melbourne. We express our deepest concern and sorrow over this heinous act of violence that targeted a place of worship and sanctuary for the Jewish community.
HEADS, HEARTS AND HANDS: What Can Dialogue Do For Us?
The Australian Council of Christians and Jews, the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion Australia, and the International Council of Christians and Jews will host a gathering at Trinity College Theological School on Sunday 2 February and at Temple Beth Israel, Tuesday, 4 February for people interested in interfaith dialogue and encounter. This event will take place in conjunction with a visit from the board of the International Council of Christians and Jews.
Attack on Ripponlea Synagogue: As faith leaders we stand together
A Christian Bishop, a Leader of Muslims in Victoria and a Progressive Rabbi from East Kew all address the heinous attack on the Adass Israel Mosque in Ripponlea, Melbourne. These faith leaders – together they declare, “We seek to stand together at times like this“.
No argument can justify this attack on a place of worship
An attack was made on the Jewish Community of Elsterwick-Ripponlea with the fire-bombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue, early morning of 6 December. Congregants were inside at the time, and one was burned in escaping. Religious for Peace Australia does not endorse violence of any kind, nor violence in support of any cause. We are people of Peace. We remain people of peace – here in Australia – no matter what is occurring overseas in whatever theatre of conflict. The scourge of antisemitism must be eradicated from Australia.
Defining Belief and Disbelief (in Islam): The Importance of Recognising Belief as Subjective and Complex Landscape
The definitions of belief and disbelief are far from static; they are shaped by a multitude of factors, including personal experience, cultural context, and societal norms. The complexity of these concepts calls for a more compassionate and open-minded approach to discussions of faith and scepticism. By recognizing the fluidity of belief and the importance of context, we can cultivate a richer understanding of what it means to believe—or not believe—within a diverse and interconnected world. Embracing this complexity not only enriches our personal journeys but also fosters a more inclusive dialogue that honours the myriad ways in which individuals navigate their convictions in a rapidly changing landscape.
UN World Day of Peace – Raising Peace with Faith Communities Event
In observance of World Day of Peace, Religions for Peace Australia and the Faith Communities Council of Victoria joined the Raising Peace Festival on Sunday 15 September along with United Religions Initiative in presenting an online event in observance of United Nations World Day of Peace. The theme of this event was Faith leaders sharing their personal practices to maintain equilibrium / inner peace when working in a fractured world for peace. This event was conducted as part of the Raising Peace Festival, 2024.
Rising Tide in Canberra: A Bishop Reflects
Australia is witnessing an ever-increasing response to the use of fossil fuels, exports of these fuels, and the granting of new mining licences to international organisations. This response – in part – is shown in demonstrations, protests, banning of protests by state government and a certain disregard of free speech and human rights. Bishop Philip Huggins – patron of Australian Religious Response to Climate Change and a member of the UN Interfaith Liaison Committee to the Climate Change Conferences gave an address to the Rising Tide event in Canberra.
Victoria’s anti-vilification laws
The Victorian government has unveiled long-awaited legislation to overhaul the state’s anti-vilification laws, the culmination of more than five years of work. The justice legislation amendment (anti-vilification and social cohesion) bill 2024 was introduced to parliament on Tuesday and will be debated in the new year.
