(5 March 2020 | Global) The Religions for Peace (RfP) global movement launched its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, identifying and committing to six strategic goals to advance multi-religious collaborative action for peace: Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies; Gender Equality; Environment; Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion; Interreligious Education; and Global Partnerships.
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International Women’s Day 2020
International Women’s Day 2020 campaign theme is #EachforEqual
An equal world is an enabled world.
Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.
We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.
Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.
Let’s all be #EachforEqual.
Coronavirus is changing the way Muslims worship across the world
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bans Umrah pilgrimage, Iran cancels Friday prayers and Singapore Muslims are urged to bring own mats to mosques. Religious authorities, meanwhile, are advising people how to pray or mark holy days without risking spreading COVID-19 further. The virus, which originated in China, has so far infected more than 93,000 people globally and killed more than 3,000.
Victoria: “From Fear to Friendship – New Possibilities in Christian-Muslim Relations”
The second annual Roach Lecture will be given by Dr Joshua Ralston at Toorak Uniting Church on Wednesday 1 April 2020. The title of the lecture is From Fear to Friendship – New Possibilities in Christian- Muslim Relations. In the light of recent developments, it has been deemed that the most prudent and responsible course of action was to postpone the Roach Lecture to a later date.
New Zealand police investigate threat against Christchurch mosque
New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were investigating a threat made this week against one of the Christchurch mosques where 51 Muslim worshippers were killed in a mass shooting a year ago.
Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah visa over Covid-19 outbreak
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday (Feb 27) suspended visas for pilgrims wishing to visit Mecca, the foreign ministry said, as the coronavirus spreads across the Middle East.
Collaborative and Interfaith Initiatives to Foster Forest Restoration
The Interfaith Rainforest Initiative in Indonesia will be carried forward by an Advisory Council, representing a coalition between religious communities, indigenous peoples, civil society, the scientific community and the UN.
USCIRF Releases New Factsheet on China’s Regulation of Religious Groups
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new factsheet on China’s regulation of religious groups: China Factsheet – On February 1, 2020, the Chinese government’s Administrative Measures for Religious Groups went into effect. This regulation requires religious groups to obtain government permission for nearly every aspect of their operations.
Multi-faith Leaders Push Australian Government to Act on Climate Change
The People’s Climate Assembly (PCA), co-hosted by multi-faith leaders from the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), gathered outside Parliament House in Canberra on 4 February, calling on the Australian government to take action on climate change. As a part of the peaceful protest, Anglican priest Fr. Rod Bower led an interfaith mourning ritual for victims of the widespread bushfires that have razed large areas of Australia. The ceremony of mourning was organized by the Canberra Interfaith Forum and the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.
The Female Peacemakers – 50 Years of Religions for Peace
Religions for Peace (RfP) recognizes that women of faith in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have a unique potential to build confidence and advance peace across the region.
Coronavirus affects ‘one human family,’ : World Council of Churches
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is urging people to share accurate information, practice prevention, and pray for people suffering from the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak.
Hong Kong Catholics told to attend mass online as virus spreads
The Vatican has sent over 500,000 masks to areas of China affected by the Coronavirus. Catholics living in Hong Kong have been asked to attend mass online only as the Church takes action against the spread of Coronavirus on the Island city. So far, 56 people have been diagnosed with the virus in Hong Kong, with several more still in quarantine.
