The Commonwealth Day Celebration Committee and the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture will be hosting a Multifaith Commonwealth Day Celebration, a vibrant event that will bring together the rich cultural and spiritual diversity of the Commonwealth. This will take place at The Chapel, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall St, Barton, ACT, on Monday 10 March at 11:00AM
ACT
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.
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.
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.
The volunteers who donated time and money to build Canberra’s newest Hindu temple
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayam Mandir is the newest of 10 temples in Australia dedicated to the teachings of Hindu figure Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It looms large on a corner block in the Gungahlin suburb of Taylor, its intricate exterior painted pink to represent peace and harmony.
Canberra: Eco v Ego: the footprint of our consumerism
The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture invites you to “Eco v Ego: the footprint of our consumerism” to explore and self-reflect on consumption and sustainability issues of our modern society exhibition at the Blackall St premises from 9 May to 18 May.
Quakers Australia – Integrity in Public Office – Canberra, 2024
On Thursday 28th February 2024, Quakers Australia held an action “Show integrity in Public Office” at Parliament House in Canberra. This was the fourth undertaking by Quakers Australia on this critical issue.
2023 Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast
Since 2014, Australian Catholic University has hosted six parliamentary interfaith breakfasts, bringing together parliamentarians and the leaders of many faith communities in a spirit of mutual respect and dialogue.
The most recent breakfast was held on 16 November 2023 in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra and featured addresses from the The Hon Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy representing the Prime Minister and The Hon Andrew Hastie, Shadow Minister for Defence, representing the Leader of the Opposition.
Religious and political leaders break bread at interfaith breakfast
Australia’s political and religious leaders have broken bread inside Parliament House for the seventh Australian Catholic University Interfaith Parliamentary Breakfast. ACU’s Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast celebrates the diverse contribution faith communities have made on Australia’s national fabric. It has become a popular forum for interfaith dialogue and fosters positive engagement between the country’s political and religious leaders.
Canberra: Multifaith Prayer Support to COP28
There will be a show of public prayer support for the UN Conference COP28 on the lawns of Parliament House Canberra on Sunday 26 November and Monday 27 November 2023. The aim of public multi-faith prayer is to show the need for effective responses is a mainstream faith issue. As given in Laudate Deum, Pope Francis will attend COP28 for days 2 to 4.
Quakers Australia – Integrity in Public Office – Canberra, 2023
On the 7th September 2023, Quakers Australia held an action “Show integrity in Public Office” at Parliament House in Canberra. This was the third undertaking by Quakers Australia on this important matter.