We are all continuing to grieve for those caught up in the horror of the Middle East bloodshed, those there in person and those caught up at a distance. Many people of faith are sending constant spiritual support to everyone trapped by the conflict, whatever the connection.
Tasmania
Tasmania: October 2023
As we continue to witness unfolding events, Religions for Peace Tasmania Branch seeks to remain people of peace in upholding the values of multifaith harmony, inclusion, and social cohesion.
RfP Tasmania supports the Voice to Parliament
Following the advice of the resident Aunty of Religions for Peace Tasmania Branch, Aunty Kris Schaffer, and the First Nations advisers of Religions for Peace Australia, Senator Patrick Dodson and Prof Anne Pattel-Gray, an announcement of support is given.
Tasmania – September 2023
Greetings of peace and joy, as we are celebrating the arrival of spring! This is also the month of peace, as UN International Day of Peace falls on 21 September and some faiths pay special attention in their prayers and meditations in the lead-up to that date. This weekend has been declared a national weekend of prayer, reflection and meditation in support of our First Nations Peoples. As the national referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament now approaches, representatives from Australia’s major religions have formed a powerful multi-faith alliance to celebrate the wonderful opportunity for recognition and reconciliation offered by the impending landmark vote.
Tasmania: August 2023
Greetings of peace! Spring is coming and bringing with it its own newness and spiritual hope. We wish you, your families and your communities peace, well-being and safety as we move into the time of the year when spring flowers are blooming through the storms and our thoughts are turning more and more in prayer for the earth.
Reporting Prejudice Related Violence: reporting is the key to change
Many people from minority communities have experienced incidents motivated by prejudice in Tasmania. However, very few incidents are reported.
People who are victims of prejudice motivated incidents may be seriously impacted, but they are not sure what to do about it. This workshop explains what these incidents and crimes are under Tasmanian law, how they can be reported to authorities, and what to expect if you report them.
The workshop will also explain why reporting these incidents and crimes is the key to change.
Tasmania: Jews welcome visit from a former Israeli Chief Rabbi
Tasmania: July 2023
Greetings of peace!
This week, in Australia, we have been celebrating NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginals and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The National Executive of Religions for Peace Australia has decided on the advice of Senator Pat Dodson to support the Yes vote in the Referendum on the First Nations’ Voice to Parliament.
Tasmania: Meet the Westerners finding belonging in Islam, the world’s fastest growing religion
A few weeks ago, about 100 Muslim brothers surrounded father and schoolteacher Lincoln Randall at Launceston’s Masjid Mosque as he took his Shahada — a statement of faith taken on entry into the religion.
But if you’d told him six months ago that he’d become a Muslim, he said he probably would have laughed.
Born into a non-practicing Protestant family, Mr Randall said that while he always believed in God, Christianity just didn’t sit right with him.
Tasmania: May 2023
Greetings of peace! We hope you, your families and communities are safe, well and warm heading into the cooler months. We are now approaching Reconciliation Week and I’d like to draw special attention to the program on 3 June, Understanding the Uluru Statement from the Heart and The Voice to Parliament. You can find the details for this at 4) below. It will be an opportunity to ask questions and understand some of the issues surrounding the coming Referendum. The event will be held both in person and online and we hope to see you there.
Tasmania: International Mother Earth Day
Religions for Peace Tasmania in partnership with Brahma Kumaris Australia to honour International Earth Day from 7.30-8.30pm on 22 April 2023. There will be prayers, chanting and meditations to send vibrations of love and peace to support all living beings.
Tasmania: April 2023
Greetings of peace for this holy month of April! Many blessings to everyone celebrating significant festivals at this time, which is a special time devoted to peacemaking.
Last Sunday 3 April was Palm Sunday, the Christian festival that begins Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday remembers Christ’s entry to Jerusalem before the crucifixion and has traditionally been dedicated to seeking justice for Asylum Seekers and Refugees. You can see the rally for refugees and Palm Sunday service from St David’s Cathedral at https://www.facebook.com/cathedralhobart/
