In collaboration with the UN Association of Australia and the Australian Institute of International Affairs (ACT), the University of Melbourne’s Initiative for Peacebuilding there will a hybrid event – a roundtable discussion – Hiroshima Day 6 August 2024 – A Summit of the Future.
Australia
Appointment of Israel lobbyist as antisemitism envoy will only drive further division
The Jewish Council of Australia is concerned at yesterday’s report of the government’s impending appointment of a pro-Israel advocate as a special envoy on antisemitism. The treatment of antisemitism as distinct from other forms of racism undermines the important work being done across racial lines to address all forms of racism.
Religions for Peace Australia 2024 Annual General Meeting
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.
Nurturing Critical Parenting Skills in Religious Instruction: Safeguarding Our Youths’ and Children’s Future
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.
Harmony in the Home
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)
Embracing Spiritual Diversity: A Path to Personal and Collective Growth
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.
Immigration: Changes to the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement
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’.
Religions for Peace Statement on Assyrian Church Stabbing
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.
Steps Leading Towards Harmony: World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture
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.
Urgent Call for Peace and a Letter of Thanks to Foreign Minister Penny Wong
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.
2024 World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture
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 Day: Gratitude Unveiled, Responsibilities Embraced
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.
