The Australian Association of Buddhist studies will hold its next event on Thursday 14 March. The topic will explore the evolution of Humanistic Buddhism from its Chinese origins, emphasising its foundational aim to apply Buddhist teachings practically and compassionately in the contemporary world. This will be a hybrid session.
News
2023 Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast
Since 2014, Australian Catholic University has hosted six parliamentary interfaith breakfasts, bringing together parliamentarians and the leaders of many faith communities in a spirit of mutual respect and dialogue.
The most recent breakfast was held on 16 November 2023 in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra and featured addresses from the The Hon Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy representing the Prime Minister and The Hon Andrew Hastie, Shadow Minister for Defence, representing the Leader of the Opposition.
Anti-racism grant to support communities affected by war in Gaza
The Australian Human Rights Commission is expanding its support to communities in Australia affected by the war in Gaza and the Middle East, through a $2 million grant from the Commonwealth.
The grant responds to an increase in racism targeting Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Jewish communities in Australia.
Responding to the Hamas-Israel War
St. Columbans Mission Society works actively in Interfaith Relations in NSW with a long history of activity and involvement, particularly with youth and The Sydney Statement, and the Abraham Conference. Here, the St. Columbans Mission Society reports on its response to the Hamas-Israel War.
Beyond War and Towards Reconciliation: Multi-Religious Peace Roundtables The Second Tokyo Peace Roundtable Statement
We, religious leaders, representatives of diverse faiths, bodies, and religious institutions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism) from Colombia, Haiti, India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mali, Myanmar, Palestine, Peru, Russia, Spain, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United States, coming from contexts of ongoing conflict and war, came together for the Second Tokyo Peace Roundtable, to build trust, heal divisions, and foster forgiveness and reconciliation for more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.
Religions for Peace: A Call for Peace in Israel and Gaza
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.
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.
