The 2024 Climate Change Conference will begin in Azerbaijan on November 11. On each day, Prayers and Meditations will be held for the welfare of our Earth and for the welfare of all who have suffered the impact of climate extremes. We will pray for our Earth, we will pray for our Cities, we will pray for our forests, and we will pray for all life-forms on Earth and in the Seas. The weekly prayers up to 5 November have been exceedingly well supported. Now, we continue for the duration of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, daily. All welcome to join.
Asia and Religions for Peace
Drivers and Barriers to Routine Immunization for Children Under Five and COVID 19 Vaccination Among Religious Communities
Religions for Peace Asia – Online Workshop on Human Trafficking
Australia is a member of the Asian Conference on Religion and Peace (RfP Asia). Asia Pacific Women of Faith Network has been pursuing Human Trafficking as a moral issue for all Asian religions, a project which commenced in 2021. RfP Australia has also conducted events relating to Human Trafficking. On 27 September, there was an Online Workshop which considered (among other matters) the evil of human trafficking, particularly in the Asia-Pacific regio. A report of this workshop is offered.
Interfaith Forum on Women, Peace, and Security
Religions for Peace Asia is pleased to announce that Religions for Peace Philippines, BYU International Center for Law and Religion Studies, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy and Uniharmony Partners Manila will hold “Interfaith Forum on Women, Peace, and Security” on October 28th, 2024 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Manila Time).
Pope Francis’ Singapore Mass fuels hopes for future papal visits to China, Vietnam, Malaysia
Catholics from China, Vietnam and Malaysia who attended Pope Francis’ September 12 Mass in Singapore are hoping the pontiff might also become the first pope to visit their respectives countries, as well.
Conference focuses on Vatican’s interreligious diplomacy in Asia
In anticipation of Pope Francis’ Sept. 11-13 visit to Singapore, scholars and religious practitioners gathered for a conference there on Aug. 29-30 to discuss the Catholic Church’s contributions to interreligious relations.
Pope and Indonesia’s grand imam sign declaration to fight climate change, dehumanization
In a historic encounter at Asia’s largest mosque, Pope Francis and Indonesian grand imam Nasaruddin Umar signed a joint declaration on Sept. 5 calling on religious leaders to deepen their cooperation in order to defend human dignity and fight climate change.
Modern Slavery – Workplace Justice Visa and Support Programme
The Australian Government has introduced a visa and a support programme – are aimed to assist migrant workers who experience exploitation in Australia. Exploitation takes many forms and has different names too. You may recognise words or phrases such as ‘wage theft’, ‘modern slavery’, ‘forced labour’, or ‘human trafficking’, which also describe exploitation.
Pope will visit Jakarta’s Istiqlal mosque at start of interfaith Asian trip
When Pope Francis begins his Asia tour next week, one of his early stops will be at Indonesia’s iconic Istiqlal mosque.
The 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church will hold an interfaith meeting with representatives of the country’s six officially recognized religions as the populous Southeast Asian nation faces growing challenges to its tolerant image.
Strategic Intervention: An ecumenical reflection on human trafficking
A workshop on 30 July—World Day Against Trafficking in Persons—lifted up voices of survivors and experts, offering global solutions and best practices. Co-organized by the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation and ecumenical partners in New York, the hybrid event was titled “Strategic Intervention: An ecumenical reflection on human trafficking.”
Increase in Human Trafficking – 2024
There has been a 12% increase in reports of human trafficking and slavery to the Australian federal police in the 2023-2024 financial year, according to data released as part of the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Artificial Intelligence: AI Ethics for Peace – World Religions commit to the Rome Call
An historic multi-faith event will take place in Hiroshima, Japan, on July 9th and 10th, 2024. Titled AI Ethics for Peace: World Religions commit to the Rome Call, this event holds profound significance as it convenes in Hiroshima, a city that stands as a powerful testament to the consequences of destructive technology and the enduring quest for peace. In this symbolic location, leaders of major world religions will gather to sign the Rome Call for AI Ethics, emphasizing the vital importance of guiding the development of artificial intelligence with ethical principles to ensure it serves the good of humanity.
The event is promoted by the Pontifical Academy of Life, Religions for Peace Japan, the United Arab Emirates’ Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s Commission for Interfaith Relations.
