28 February 2024, New York, NY: After over 140 days of the Israel-Hamas war, Religions for Peace reaffirms its urgent call for peace in the Middle East—and, throughout the world.
News
NSW joins Victorian government in cancelling iftar dinners after boycott announced by peak Muslim bodies
The New South Wales government has cancelled its annual iftar dinner, just hours after the Victorian government called off its own event in the wake of peak Muslim groups announcing boycotts due to Labor’s position on the war in Gaza.
World Council of Churches and partners to host seminar in Assisi on Feast of Creation
The World Council of Churches (WCC), with the Laudato Si’ Movement and other partners, will cohost a seminar in Assisi, Italy, on 15-16 March. Entitled “The Feast of Creation and the Mystery of Creation: Ecumenism, Theology, Liturgy, and Signs of the Times in Dialogue,” the event aims to deepen the collective understanding and appreciation of the Feast of Creation, observed on 1 September.
Rafah: Joint Statement by National Council of Churches, Act for Peace
Act for Peace and the National Council of Churches in Australia have released a statement endorsing the plea for an instant ceasefire in Gaza, backing the Australian Government’s appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the region. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined the Canadian, and New Zealand Prime Ministers urging a ceasefire. Over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, a region that may face repercussions from Israel’s proposed military actions.
UK: Interfaith charity to close after government funding pulled
A British charity set up nearly 40 years ago to improve understanding between faith groups has confirmed its closure after the government cut off funding.
The Inter Faith Network (IFN) says its board members met on Thursday and confirmed it was beginning the process to close the charity, though staff would continue working until mid-April.
Last month, Communities Secretary Michael Gove said he was “minded to withdraw” government funding, worth around £150,000, for the IFN after the appointment of Hassan Joudi, a former deputy secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), as a trustee.
Urgent Call for Peace and a Letter of Thanks to Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Religions for Peace Australia responds to the Foreign Minister’s warning to Israel “Do not go down this path“, as the prime ministers of the three countries said in a joint statement on Thursday that Israel “must listen to its friends”. Israel is urged not to proceed with its planned ground assault on Rafah. Religions for Peace Australia thanks the Foreign Minister for calling for an urgent Humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
GAZA Ceasefire Pilgrimage – February 14 (Ash Wednesday)
“This is a pilgrimage of solidarity and hope; we walk as witnesses and in love”. The plan is to walk the distance from Gaza City to Rafah, here in Naarm (Melbourne) – mirroring the walk Gazans are being forced to take. Participants can walk some or all of the route. Commencing at 6:30am, the walk will end at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, at 6PM.
Tasmania: February 2024
Greetings of peace and many blessings, especially for the new year 2024, with the Chinese New Year of the Golden Dragon, being celebrated on 10 February.
2024 World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture
Religions for Peace Australia and Canberra Interfaith Forum will host the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture at Parliament House, Canberra. The Guest Speaker will be Dr. Pal Dhall, International speaker and presenter on Human Values with experience integrating ethics and human values of mankind’s religions to create harmony and peace in society and culture. This event will be available on Zoom, on Wednesday 28th February from 5pm.
NSW Religions for Peace Meeting
The NSW Branch of Religions for Peace will next meet on Monday 11 March at the Vedanta Hall, Croydon from 10-12:00 concluding with lunch. Theme of the meeting will be Steps Towards Harmony.
Beyond War and Toward Reconciliation: The Second Multi-Religious Peace Roundtable
8 February 2024, New York City: Religions for Peace International and Religions for Peace Japan, with the support of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), proudly announce the convening of the second “Beyond War and Toward Reconciliation: Multi-Religious Peace Roundtables”, scheduled to take place from 19-21 February 2024, in Tokyo, Japan.
The Enduring Revelation in Islam: Embracing Mystical and Collective Wisdom as Ongoing Revelation
In the present age, where the world is characterized by rapid change and diverse perspectives, the significance of collective revelation becomes even more apparent. As Muslims, we should recognize the transformative potential embedded within our mythology and reflectively embrace its wisdom, writes Dr. Adis Duderija.
