The Hon Peter McClellan AM QC delivered the 2019 Human Rights Day Oration. His co-orator was Ms Chrissie Foster, mother of two girls who experienced child sexual abuse. “I cannot comprehend how any person, much less one with qualifications in theology and very often further qualifications from recognised universities, could consider the rape of a child to be a moral failure but not a crime,” The Hon Peter McClellan said.
RfPA
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 16
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually. Violence against women and racism have powerful impacts on the mental health of those who are on the receiving end. Next time you see someone being harassed because of their gender or race, say … Read more
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 15
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually. Violence against women cannot be treated as ‘normal’, maintaining a culture of machismo blind to the leading role that women play in our communities. It is not right to look the other way and … Read more
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 14
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually. “From ancient times, the feminine aspect of the Divine has been worshipped in various ways. The Veda declares that where women are honoured and esteemed, there divinity is present with all its potency. Unfortunately … Read more
Guru Nanak 550th Anniversary – Humanity Walk in Melbourne
The Fruits of the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions
Petr Svoboda returned to Australia after working in Thailand, and joined the Melbourne organising team for the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Melbourne, 3 – 9 December 2009. Here, Petr Svoboda reflects on the fruits born from the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 13
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually. Gender-based violence is an ancient sin that for thousands of years has harmed countless women, children and men. It is a sin that Christians need to recognize, understand and confront, for our religious history … Read more
The 2009 Parliament: Pre-Parliament Events
In 2008, the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions invited cities around the world to join in the movement building up to the Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Melbourne, Australia from December 3 – 9, 2009. In the 18 months leading up to the 2009 Parliament over 90 regional interfaith celebrations were held in more than 60 cities around the world.
Australian Government to return three stolen religious artefacts to India
When Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits India in January 2020, he will take with him three stolen artefacts (statues) from the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra). The National Gallery of Australia is voluntarily returning pieces procured unethically. These include a pair of dvarpalas (door guardians) from 15th century Tamil Nadu, and a statue of Nagaraja (serpent king), believed to be from 6th to 8th century Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh.
Multifaith Association of South Australia – Year 2019
Multifaith Association of South Australia President Phillipa Rowland reports that “In hindsight, 2019 has been a productive and positive year for the Multifaith Association of SA”, although not without its challenges.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 12
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually. In Hinduism there is prevalent worship of God as Mother. Thus, each woman is considered a manifestation of the Divine Mother. In the words of Swami Vivekananda, “It is not possible for a bird … Read more
Victoria: Christmas and Islam
As people rush for last-minute Christmas gifts in shopping venues across Australia in a seasonal expenditure expected to reach billions of dollars, Muslims in Australia have mixed feelings about the festive season. You can visit the Islamic Museum of Australia and join in the conversation about Muslims and Christmas on 12 December at 12pm… this talk is for both Muslims and non-Muslims.