On his first full day in Kenya, Pope Francis insisted on Thursday that religion could never be used to justify violence and lamented that “all too often young people are being radicalised in the name of religion to sow discord and fear, and to tear at the very fabric of our societies”. He said interfaith dialogue is not a luxury or optional, but is simply “essential”.
News
Grand Mufti of Egypt on the Paris attacks
I was as shocked as any sensible human being would have been when I learned about the senseless, heinous, appalling and cowardly act that took place in Paris at the weekend . This attack is shocking, and offends the conscience of every sane person, regardless of their religious identity. I wish to stress categorically and unequivocally our complete solidarity and unwavering support for the French people in their plight and their determination to combat terror
Paris, November 14
Religions for Peace is filled with sorrow for the innocent people killed in France. We cry out in anguish over their blood, which was shed to terrorize and divide people. We are in prayerful solidarity with their families and loved ones.
Message of Archbishop of Paris
The Archbishop of Paris, Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, has issued this statement on the terrorist attacks of Friday. Here, we bring you Vatican Radio’s translation of the statement. Cardinal Vingt-Trois says, Faced with the violence of men, may we receive the grace of a firm heart, without hatred.
National social cohesion report reflects complex change
An overwhelming 86 per cent of Australians believe multiculturalism has been good for the nation, according to the latest Mapping Social Cohesion survey from The Scanlon Foundation. Australians are accepting of cultural diversity and immigration, but concerned about changes impacting on social justice.
Vatican Official Tells Religions for Peace Assembly: No True Religious Leader Can Preach Violence
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, sent a message to participants in the Religions for Peace European Assembly, currently gathered in Castel Gandolfo to discuss the theme “Welcoming Each Other in Europe: from Fear to Trust.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Godfather of Interfaith Theology?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) is regarded widely as a Christian martyr and Protestant saint. He was a Lutheran pastor and theologian who spoke out early against Hitler’s sinister plans for Germany and the world and especially his pretensions to be fulfilling some godly plan for restoring German greatness.
Catholic bishops condemn victimisation of women in detention
Australia’s Catholic Bishops have condemned victimisation of women in detention and offered the Church’s support to help Somali refugee Abyan who was said to be a victim of rape and sexual assault.
Interfaith Conference on Tantra
The Mela Interfaith Association in conjunction with the Janssen Spirituality Centre in Boronia, Victoria will hold the First Interfaith Conference on Tantra In Australia on 14-15 November this year. The theme of the Conference is: ‘Classical Tantra in the World’s Religions: The bliss that arises from the union of opposites.’
Countering Violent Extremism Requires a Whole-of-Community Approach
Countering violent extremism in Australia is a difficult task, fraught with political, cultural and religious sensitivities, exacerbated by social tensions and lack of understanding across various communities. One unintended consequence of the desire to secure our nation has been to heighten these tensions and divisions in many communities across Australia.
Muslim Radicalisation: Where Does the Responsibility Rest?
The problem of Muslim radicalisation is exaggerated and overrepresented in political, media and public discourses. In this article, Halim Raine says that the problem of Muslim radicalisation has clearly grown over the past several years and the contributing factors need to be considered.
Pastoral Care and the Complexity of Mental Illness in Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches
In April 2013, 27-year-old Matthew Warren tragically took his own life, after a lifelong struggle with mental illness. While such incidences may seem unremarkable due to their sad frequency, Warren was the much-loved son of Rick and Kay Warren, the pastors of Saddleback Church in California. In the light of Mental Health Week just passed, important questions must be asked. How does the church best support those who live with mental illness?