At a conference with the theme “Promoting Peace Together” held in Geneva on 21 May, religious leaders focused on two historic documents related to peace-making. The first, “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” was jointly signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi in February. The second, “Education for Peace in a Multi-Religious World: A Christian Perspective,” jointly prepared by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the World Council of Churches (WCC), was officially launched at the conference.
News
Australian churches confront domestic and family violence
Recognising that a number of churches around the country were working to address domestic and family violence in different ways, the National Council of Churches in Australia organised a round-table on Domestic Violence in Melbourne on 2 May.
‘Christians and Muslims: promoting universal fraternity’
On the occasion of the month of Ramadan – which began this year on 5 May – and for the feast of ‘Id al-Fitr 1440 / H. / 2019 A.D., the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has sent to Muslims throughout the world a message of good wishes entitled “Christians and Muslims: promoting universal fraternity”.
In the US, Muslims are making slow inroads toward a greener Ramadan
Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, is meant to be a month of simplicity and spirituality. But at mosques around the USA, garbage bags typically overflow with disposable cups, half-filled water bottles and half-eaten plates of rice and meat.
Religions for Peace Second Advisory Forum in Myanmar Focuses on Religion in Nation-building
(8 May 2019 | Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar) As the increased level of armed conflict in Rakhine State endangers the prospect of peace and further stalls the return of refugees from across the border with repercussions for the nationwide peace process, Religions for Peace (RfP) convened the Second Advisory Forum on National Reconciliation and Peace in Myanmar. The Religions for Peace Advisory Forum brought together over 200 representatives of religious organizations, Myanmar government and the military, parliament, ethnic organisations, foreign governments, UN agencies, international and national NGOs and civil society groups in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on 7-8 May 2019.
Pope Francis orders bishops to report sex abuse, allows direct complaints to Vatican
Pope Francis introduced sweeping changes in Catholic Church law on Thursday local time to hold bishops accountable for sexual abuse or covering it up, making reporting obligatory for clerics and allowing anyone to complain directly to the Vatican if needed.
Anglican Consultative Council passes environmental resolution
The 17th Anglican Consultative Council, convened last week in Hong Kong, passed an environmental resolution recognizing that there is a global climate emergency and requesting that churches develop action plans and resources for sustainable living.
New attacks on Sri Lanka churches planned, cardinal says
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s Catholic cardinal received “foreign information” that attempts would be made this week to attack a church and another church institution, according to a letter he sent Thursday to church officials that later appeared on social media.
Australian Muslim Women’s Association
The Australian Muslim Women’s Association calls on Muslim women who want to take a lead in society – support is available for a Diploma of Business in Governance, delivered by the Institute of Community Directors, Australia. Scholarships are available.
Ramadan – The Islamic Month of Fasting
Ramadan (sometimes spelled Ramadhan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast or do not eat or drink during the daytime. The date for the start of Ramadan is slightly different each year, depending on the position of the moon. Once Ramadan starts, Muslims should not eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This usually continues for thirty days, but sometimes twenty-nine days.
Lest we forget: Remembering Sikh soldiers on Gallipoli
Anzac Day is commemorated every year on 25 April to mark the landing of Australian and New Zealand (Anzac) troops on Gallipoli in 1915, in the Turkish peninsula. This military campaign during WWI lasted eight months and claimed at least 125,000 lives. Many Sikhs paid the ultimate sacrifice on Gallipoli too, including 80% of the soldiers of a single Sikh battalion.
Statement of the Secretary General – Sri Lanka Attack;
The Statement of the Sri Lanka Council of Religions for Peace
New York | 22 April 2019
The Religions for Peace global family is deeply saddened by the despicable acts of terror that targeted hotels and Christian places of worship in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa during the holy celebration of Easter. We join the leaders of the Sri Lanka Council of Religions for Peace (RfP Sri Lanka) and the people of Sri Lanka as they grieve the loss of innocent lives.
