At the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle emphasized the urgent need for interfaith dialogue to counter rising secularization and the political exploitation of religious and cultural differences.
News
Historic Muslim-Jewish Accords
United Kingdom: Cardinal Vincent Nichols has welcomed an historic accord signed by senior Muslim and Jewish denominational leaders in the UK, which marks a defining moment in interfaith relations.
The Allure of Salafi-Jihadism
“The often-inexplicable rapid transformation of an ordinary individual into a murderous Mujahid should be ascribed to the power of Salafi-Jihadism and its instant access to purity, power, righteousness and salvation. Understanding these intersecting themes is critical in addressing the allure of Salafi-Jihadism and the radicalization of individuals.
Hope and Peace: Sunday Worship and our vocation as Peacemakers, Hope-givers
Bishop Philip Huggins gives an account of preparation and participation in Sunday Worship. He speaks of our vocation as Peacemakers, Hope-givers. Worship in other religions also offers prayers for peace. In Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism, prayers are offered for the peace of oneself, one’s community, one’s nation, and all life on Earth and in the multiverses. A gentle, insightful reflection is offered.
Call for participants: Evaluation of a 28-day mindfulness meditation program
Despite increased interest regarding the possible benefits of mindfulness meditation, there is still much we do not know about the types of mindfulness meditation programs that are most effective for different people, based on their personal circumstances, personality, and practice goals. The School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Melbourne invites participants in a 28 Day evaluation project. This research aims to identify the types of mindfulness meditation programs that are most effective for achieving defined changes in wellbeing.
Interfaith Prayer Booklet
On the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week, Religions for Peace is pleased to share with you prayers offered during our Interfaith Prayer for Shared Human Flourishing and Transformative Peace, that was held on January 8, 2025.
Anniversary of the National Apology
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised on behalf of the nation for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations and their descendants.
Each year, we come together to mark the anniversary of this significant event. It is an important time to acknowledge how generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been affected, and continue to be affected, by the past Government policies and practices.
First Nations Communities will be observing Apology Day; details are given for NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Brisbane.
Queensland: Open Letter to the Jewish Community
Faith leaders of Christian communities in Queensland have written a letter to the Jewish Community with the antidote of solidarity and the balm of fraternity.
Calm in the City
Calm in the City is a not-for-profit venture which engages *with* the city communities to bring calm into the heart of the city. Calm in the City offers a gift to the city communities. It’s aim is simple – to enable meditation and calm to be easily accessible for all and for the art and practice of meditation to be communicated and experienced through the use of simple language and creative means.
63rd session of the Commission for Social Development
From 10-14 February 2025, delegates from UN Member States, civil society, and other stakeholders will convene at the United Nations headquarters in New York for the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63). This conference provides a platform for parties to come together to discuss recommendations and policies to advance social development at both the national and global levels. A priority theme of this session will be strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion.
Temporary Visa Holders: A Plea for their concern
There are people temporarily resident in Australia on Safe Haven or Temporary Protection Visas. The Australian Government, in all good conscience, will not be able to return most of these people to their country of origin on account of refoulment matters. If they are sent home, they are likely to be incarcerated or lose their lives. Bishop Philip Huggins make a plea for their concern.
Online prayer – Human Trafficking
“Ambassadors of Hope: Together Against Human Trafficking” is the theme chosen for the 11th edition of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, which is celebrated every year on February 8. There will be an online Marathon of Prayer (Friday, February 7 from 11:30 am to 4 pm) CET – people are invited to join in this prayer, especially in their own Region.