Australia: 2019 Human Rights Day Oration

Australian Human Rights Commission LogoThe 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.

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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

Respect Victoria - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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

Respect Victoria - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Veda and respect for women

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

The Fruits of the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions

Melbourne Parliament of Religions Logo

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.

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 13

Respect Victoria - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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

Melbourne Parliament of Religions Logo
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.

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Australian Government to return three stolen religious artefacts to India

Nagaraja statue 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.

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 12

Respect Victoria, Respect Victoria campaign against gender based violence

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

Islamic Museum of Australia logoAs 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.

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