Pastor Ray Minniecon, pastor of the Scarred Tree Indigenous Ministries with St. John’s Anglican Church, Glebe, NSW, was interviewed by SBS/NITV in 2015. As Easter approaches this year, we share with you his thoughts on this question. In the 2015 interview, Pastor Ray Minniecon says “Easter should be a time for First Nations people to consider the concept of renewal…”
Indigenous
First Nations: Catholic organisations called to resume the journey
After a period of healing, reflection and discernment following the outcome of 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council and Caritas Australia are calling on Catholic organisations to rejoin the One Journey, Together initiative.
Indigenous Spiritualities, Land Rights, and Climate Justice Seminar Report
The seminar on Indigenous Spiritualities, Land Rights, and Climate Justice introduced a Statement on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, which emphasizes the following: Indigenous Peoples are created with God-given identities that are beautiful. God was present in their lands and among their peoples before colonizers arrived. When Christians brought the Bible, Indigenous People recognized the voice of their Creator in Jesus’ teachings. They did not hear a call to reject their identities.
Climate justice is inextricably linked to the human rights of Indigenous peoples, particularly as Indigenous communities occupy 20 to 25 percent of the earth’s land surface, of which 80 percent of that land mass holds the world’s remaining biodiversity.
Prayer in Times of Cyclone
In these times of stress and distress anticipating the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, we stand one with those in the path of the torrents of nature. We are One, and We are Many. When the tempests of nature confront us, we turn to prayer and supplication to the Divine. Here, we bring you prayers for stress and distress with nature, from the world’s religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Tao, Judaism, Christianity, St Francis, Bahá’í, The Quran, and Dadirri: the Indigenous Deep Listening. Herewith, Prayer in Times of Cyclone.
Video: Acknowledging Respect & Inclusion of Indigenous Nations Spirituality: In a Nation that Embraces Many Diverse Cultures and Faiths
Religions for Peace Australia in collaboration with Canberra Interfaith Forum presented the 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture at Parliament House, Canberra, on 5 February 2025. The Guest Speaker was Prof. Dr. Anne Pattel-Gray, and the topic of this event was Acknowledging Respect & Inclusion of Indigenous Nations Spirituality: In a Nation that Embraces Many Diverse Cultures and Faiths. At the end of the Q&A, Bishop Philip Huggins gives an overview of the Multifaith Council of Australia.
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.
Can January 26 be a day of loving awareness of those who are hurting?
There is a Hebrew word for loving kindness, hesed. Islamic scholars teach that Abraham our patriarch represented hesed and Ishmael comes from Abraham, therefore Islam represents hesed. In its inwardness, Islam is a religion of hesed, mercy and kindness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” The Abrahamic Religions offer us a most important teaching, to be merciful, kind and loving towards the dispossessed, the oppressed. Bishop Philip Huggins offers a reflection.
Call for reflection on Australia Day
Just released: Australia Day 2025 Reflection and Discernment Guide from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council urges the nation to engage in deep reflection and prayer as Australia Day 2025 approaches.
The Guide is filled with hope and extends a warm invitation to embark on a journey together, fostering respect and appreciation. Its goal is to inspire meaningful action and a commitment to reconciliation
Inner Peace and Outer Peace
Bishop Philip Huggins attends an international multifaith retreat at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre, in Nuneham, England. Here, Bishop Huggins recalls several individual actions that contribute to a global response to the climate, human flourishing and interfaith collaboration for the welfare of our home, Earth.
Closure of the School of Indigenous Studies, University of Divinity
Religions for Peace Australia has supported the First Nations entry into theological education at the School of Indigenous Studies – University of Divinity, and has an ongoing commitment to the place of First Nations in the multifaith future and endeavours of our nation. It is with regret that Religions for Peace Australia notes that the University of Divinity has announced the closure of the School of Indigenous Studies.
Listening to Country: An Indigenous Theology and Spirituality series
There is much wisdom, knowledge, and direction for living to be discovered in listening to country. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in these lands now called Australia know this and seek to live deeply connected to country and to share that knowing with others. In Session 2, Professor Dr Anne Pattel-Gray will present Aboriginal Spirituality and Connection to Country on Sunday 11 August 2024, 2 – 4 pm.
Yes proponents analyse defeat of Voice referendum
A failure of process, a shift in the nation’s temper, a lack of reliable information and the city-regions divide were among factors contributing to the defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum, leading Yes proponents said at the launch of two new books at the Australian Catholic University on 2 July.