News

Nationwide book/project on Anzac Muslims

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Flight sergeant Moheddeen ‘Bob’ Howsan,


Muslim fighting and defending Australia started with their loyalty, patriotism and then contribution. Muslim loyalty is a love for the country, Australia. By migrating, living, and working in Australia, Muslims progressively built their attachment to Australia. The Australian military was an opportunity to build positive life experiences and prosperity in Australia, despite encounters with bias, denials, and discrimination in public life due to the impact of the White Australia Policy associated with the Immigration Restriction Act and with their quest for their naturalisation. Thus writes Dr Dzavid Haveric, historian, author and researcher into Muslim presence and participation in Australia.

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Anzac Day Reflection

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Anzac Day Reflection 2024


ANZAC Day is an event shared across many nations: Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom. ANZAC Day reminds us of selfless service by those who went to war to defend Australia and Aotearoa – New Zealand and forged an indelible bond of mateship across time and landscape. In this essay, we recall the sacrifice that rendered menaning and purpose in that day, that age. What does this service, this sacrifice render toward social cohesion, harmony and understanding in Australia and New Zealand, today?

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Looking for role models among the spiritual leaders of history? Look to the women in their lives

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Look to the women - in this case, Mary MagdalenI want a spiritual role model who would have understood how to avert a meltdown at school pickup. So who are the women spiritual leaders? Sometimes I think the entire point of religion is to help men behave more like women.

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Why does Australia want to be so suicidal?

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Australia and the UNFCCC process
Bishop Philip Huggins writes, ‘Australian leadership is no longer an embarrassment at UNFCCC COPs. Nonetheless, Australia’s participation in the fossil fuel industry, including through new projects, is not putting us on the fastest path to net zero. Will we miss our “brief and rapidly closing window” to secure a liveable future?’

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Syncretism in Religion and Rituals: Embracing Diversity and Unity

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Adis DuderijaOne fascinating aspect of religious development is the phenomenon of syncretism, which refers to the merging or blending of different religious beliefs, practices, and rituals. The concept of syncretism challenges the notion of religion as a rigid and exclusive system, instead emphasizing the fluidity and adaptability of human spirituality, writes Dr Adis Duderija of the Griffith University Multifaith Centre.

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Honouring International Mother Earth Day: A Call to Faith-Based Climate Action

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Earth Day 2024Each year, on April 22nd, we mark International Mother Earth Day, a global moment for introspection on our relationship with our home planet. As Australians representing diverse faiths within Religions for Peace Australia, we recognise the urgency of this day in the face of escalating global warming. Our faiths teach us to cherish and steward the earth, making this day especially significant as an interfaith community. This essay delves into the importance and urgency of International Mother Earth Day and its relevance to our diverse faiths and the broader global community.

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Immigration: Changes to the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement

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Department of Home Affairs LogoChanges to the Minister of Religion Labour Agreement (MORLA) settings now allow religious institutions to sponsor overseas workers under the occupation Religious Assistant (ANZSCO 451816). This new initiative broadens visa sponsorship options that were formerly limited to the occupation of ‘Minister of Religion’.

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China gives monks a list of things they can’t do after the Dalai Lama’s death

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Monks chanting
Monks from the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism chant while studying prayer books in the courtyard of Nanwu Temple in Kangding in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, March 18, 2008.

China gives monks a list of things they can’t do after the Dalai Lama’s death. In the event of the Dalai Lama’s death, Buddhist monks are banned from displaying photos of the Tibetan spiritual leader and other “illegal religious activities and rituals,” according to a training manual Chinese authorities have distributed to monasteries in Gansu province in China’s northwest, a source inside Tibet and exiled former political prisoner Golok Jigme said.

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Terrorism Charge laid against Teenager

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Terrorism Charge laid against stabbing perpetratorIn short: A teenage boy who allegedly stabbed a bishop in Sydney’s south-west has been charged with a terrorism offence. The teenager has been recovering in a medical facility after he suffered a finger injury during the alleged attack. UPDATE: The court has been advised that the teenager concerned has a history of mental illness.

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Religions for Peace Statement on Assyrian Church Stabbing

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RfPA Green Logo


The leadership team of Religions for Peace Australia (comprised of Buddhist, Christian, Quaker, Hindu, Muslim, Brahma Kumaris and Jewish faith leaders) have come together to consider the needs of our nation and the strengthening of social cohesion. Many issues have been exposed by this event. In faithful response, Religions for Peace Australia issues a call addressing faith community needs along with steps towards harmony and protection of the community.

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