Religions for Peace Australia will conduct the 2024 Annual General Meeting in Canberra on Wednesday 12 June 2024. The Guest Speaker is Ms Anthea Hancocks of the Scanlon Foundation. The Scanlon Foundation partners with Monash University to deliver the annual Social Cohesion survey results. Ms Anthea Hancocks will give an address on Social Cohesion and Faith Communities.
Dr Adis Duderija of Griffith University, writing in New Age Islam tells that while religion can provide a moral compass and a sense of purpose, it can also be misused to promote harmful ideologies and perpetuate dogma. there are many cases of youth becoming radicalised and carrying out acts of terrorism in the name of religion.
Religions for Peace Australia has a mission statement. In that statement is the task to work through its networks for the well-being of vulnerable groups, including women and young people, and the well-being of the environment. In light of the current environment that is against the peace and well-being of women, Religions for Peace Australia gives one address toward the needs of our nation, this day, this age. We begin with Gandhi:
Where there is righteousness in the heart, There will be beauty in character;
Where there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in the home;
Where there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation;
Where there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world. (M.K. Gandhi)
Dr Adis Duderija of Religions for Peace Australia, writing in New Age Islam tells that spirituality, at its essence, is not a call for homogeneity but an invitation to embrace the diversity within ourselves and in others. It is through this acceptance and celebration of diversity that personal and collective growth flourishes.
Changes to the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MORLA) settings now allow religious institutions to sponsor overseas workers under the occupation Religious Assistant (ANZSCO 451816). This new initiative broadens visa sponsorship options that were formerly limited to the occupation of ‘Minister of Religion’.
The leadership team of Religions for Peace Australia (comprised of Buddhist, Christian, Quaker, Hindu, Muslim, Brahma Kumaris and Jewish faith leaders) have come together to consider the needs of our nation and the strengthening of social cohesion. Many issues have been exposed by this event. In faithful response, Religions for Peace Australia issues a call addressing faith community needs along with steps towards harmony and protection of the community.
Religions for Peace Australia and Canberra Interfaith Forum hosted the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture at Parliament House, Canberra on 28 February 2024. The Guest Speaker was Dr. Pal Dhall, International speaker and presenter on Human Values with experience integrating ethics and human values of mankind’s religions to create harmony and peace in society and culture.
Religions for Peace Australia responds to the Foreign Minister’s warning to Israel “Do not go down this path“, as the prime ministers of the three countries said in a joint statement on Thursday that Israel “must listen to its friends”. Israel is urged not to proceed with its planned ground assault on Rafah. Religions for Peace Australia thanks the Foreign Minister for calling for an urgent Humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
Religions for Peace Australia and Canberra Interfaith Forum will host the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture at Parliament House, Canberra. The Guest Speaker will be Dr. Pal Dhall, International speaker and presenter on Human Values with experience integrating ethics and human values of mankind’s religions to create harmony and peace in society and culture. This event will be available on Zoom, on Wednesday 28th February from 5pm.
Australia goes beyond just being a country, and Australia Day goes beyond a mere commemoration; for immigrants, it becomes a symbol of hope and safety, a place of refuge from difficult journeys across seas and deserts and the dangers of human trafficking. It’s not just a piece of land; it’s a sanctuary full of opportunities where immigrants, after facing challenges, find comfort and the promise of a better life. Here, one person granted citizenship writes on the importance of Australia Day and what Australia has to offer.
A Joint Interfaith Statement – signed by 115 faith bodies and organisations – has been provided addressing the issues of nuclear weapons, their economic and planetary life impact on all, and the works taken up by people of faith. We know that there is no true safety, security and peace for any of us until there is safety, security and peace for all of us.
The federal government has announced a plan to make it a criminal offence to perform the Nazi salute in Australia.
Meanwhile, hundreds of prominent Australians have signed a letter denouncing anti-Semitism and racism.
Jewish and Islamic groups say there has been a huge rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
