News
Statement of the Religions for Peace Executive Committee on Upholding Human Rights and Eliminating Harmful Practices, Including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
The Executive Committee of Religions for Peace has released a statement on the last day of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence and the Human Rights Day on 10 December 2024.
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.
Multi-Religious Council of Leaders and the Global Compact on Refugees
Religions for Peace is a partner with the United Nations Refugee Agency with the Multi-Religious Council of Leaders, who frequently deal with the Global Compact on Refugees. On 3 December, Religions for Peace and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency met with the Multi-Religious Council of Leaders.
HEADS, HEARTS AND HANDS: What Can Dialogue Do For Us?
The Australian Council of Christians and Jews, the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion Australia, and the International Council of Christians and Jews will host a gathering at Trinity College Theological School on Sunday 2 February and at Temple Beth Israel, Tuesday, 4 February for people interested in interfaith dialogue and encounter. This event will take place in conjunction with a visit from the board of the International Council of Christians and Jews.
Attack on Ripponlea Synagogue: As faith leaders we stand together
A Christian Bishop, a Leader of Muslims in Victoria and a Progressive Rabbi from East Kew all address the heinous attack on the Adass Israel Mosque in Ripponlea, Melbourne. These faith leaders – together they declare, “We seek to stand together at times like this“.
No argument can justify this attack on a place of worship
An attack was made on the Jewish Community of Elsterwick-Ripponlea with the fire-bombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue, early morning of 6 December. Congregants were inside at the time, and one was burned in escaping. Religious for Peace Australia does not endorse violence of any kind, nor violence in support of any cause. We are people of Peace. We remain people of peace – here in Australia – no matter what is occurring overseas in whatever theatre of conflict. The scourge of antisemitism must be eradicated from Australia.
Defining Belief and Disbelief (in Islam): The Importance of Recognising Belief as Subjective and Complex Landscape
The definitions of belief and disbelief are far from static; they are shaped by a multitude of factors, including personal experience, cultural context, and societal norms. The complexity of these concepts calls for a more compassionate and open-minded approach to discussions of faith and scepticism. By recognizing the fluidity of belief and the importance of context, we can cultivate a richer understanding of what it means to believe—or not believe—within a diverse and interconnected world. Embracing this complexity not only enriches our personal journeys but also fosters a more inclusive dialogue that honours the myriad ways in which individuals navigate their convictions in a rapidly changing landscape.
Faith and Positive Change for Children, Families and Communities
The Faith & Positive Change for Children, Families and Communities (FPCC) is a pioneering global Social and Behavioural Change Initiative launched in 2018 by UNICEF, the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities (JLI), and Religions for Peace (RfP). This initiative aims to transcend traditional single-sector, single-faith, small-scale, and sometimes instrumentalist approaches to faith engagement in development and humanitarian work.
UN World Day of Peace – Raising Peace with Faith Communities Event
In observance of World Day of Peace, Religions for Peace Australia and the Faith Communities Council of Victoria joined the Raising Peace Festival on Sunday 15 September along with United Religions Initiative in presenting an online event in observance of United Nations World Day of Peace. The theme of this event was Faith leaders sharing their personal practices to maintain equilibrium / inner peace when working in a fractured world for peace. This event was conducted as part of the Raising Peace Festival, 2024.
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.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
2 December every year is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. Latest estimates by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) show that forced labour and forced marriage have increased significantly in the last five years. 10 million more people were in modern slavery in 2021 compared to 2016 global estimates, bringing the total to 50 million worldwide. Women and children remain disproportionately vulnerable.
