Greetings of peace for this holy month of April! Many blessings to everyone celebrating significant festivals at this time, which is a special time devoted to peacemaking.
Last Sunday 3 April was Palm Sunday, the Christian festival that begins Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday remembers Christ’s entry to Jerusalem before the crucifixion and has traditionally been dedicated to seeking justice for Asylum Seekers and Refugees. You can see the rally for refugees and Palm Sunday service from St David’s Cathedral at https://www.facebook.com/cathedralhobart/
Last Sunday 3 April was Palm Sunday, the Christian festival that begins Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday remembers Christ’s entry to Jerusalem before the crucifixion and has traditionally been dedicated to seeking justice for Asylum Seekers and Refugees. You can see the rally for refugees and Palm Sunday service from St David’s Cathedral at https://www.facebook.com/cathedralhobart/
Yesterday evening the Jewish festival of Pesach began and will end on the evening of 13 April.
As well as many days of celebration, there is also Holocaust Memorial Day, Yom Hashoah, a solemn reminder for all of us to be vigilant about rising incidents provoking hatred and violence within our communities. It’s interesting that outside of Israel, the most survivors per capita of population of that terrible time are to be found in Australia.
On another note, a special documentary, The Sultan and the Saint, honouring the meeting and dialogue between the Sultan Malik al Kamil, nephew of Saladin, and St Francis of Assisi, actually on the battlefield at the fifth Crusade in 1219, makes very inspiring viewing. Francis had gone to the Holy Land to try to end the Crusades, which at that time had gone on for a century, but he found the Muslim leader was already devoted to peacemaking: https://vimeo.com/412961088
Finally, 22 April marks Mother Earth Day. To honour that day, the Faith Communities Network of Tasmania and Religions for Peace Tasmania will host an interfaith prayer session online from 7.30-8.30. The details are below. We hope as many as possible will join us!
Holy Days in April 2023
| Date | Observance | Faith/religion |
| 4 April | Mahavir Jayanti | Jainism |
| 6 April | Pesach | Judaism |
| 6 April | Theravada New Year | Buddhism |
| 7 April | Good Friday | Christianity |
| 9 April | Easter Sunday | Christianity |
| 14 April | Good Friday | Orthodox Christianity |
| 14 April | Baisakhi | Sikhism |
| 16 April | Easter Sunday | Orthodox Christianity |
| 17 April | Lailat al Qadr | Islam |
| 18 April | Yom HaShoah | Judaism |
| 21 April | Ridvan | Baha’i |
| 22 April | Eid ul Fitr | Islam |
Ali-e-bayt Shi’a Association
The holy moment of Ramadan commenced on Friday 31 March and 1.9 billion Muslims around the world are fasting during this month to rejuvenate their spirituality and connect with their creator.
We are lucky to be living in Hobart, where we can all share our cultures and religious beliefs with each other to demonstrate the true spirit of being inclusive.
On behalf of the UTAS Pakistani Society, I would like to invite you to please join us for Iftar (breaking fast) on Thursday 6 April 2023 at UTAS Prayer Room, TUSA building, 1 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay from 7:15 pm onwards and give us an opportunity to share our meal and spirit of the holy month with you.
There are no formalities for the evening, we will all be sitting on the carpets of the prayer room to break the iftar. If you need special assistance that can be organised as well.
RSVP as soon as possible on 0405 125 590
Tasmanian Muslim Association
Following are the next booked schedules for the Iftar events at the Hobart Mosque:
Saturday 8th April: Brother Ifty Bhuyia, owner of The Luna’s Café is hosting.
Sunday 9th April: Pakistani community is hosting.
Monday 10th April: Brother Ashfaqur and other family friends are hosting.
Saturday 15th April: Nandos and Haroon family are hosting.
Sunday 16th April: Brother Sunzidul and other family friends are hosting.
Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell. Please feel free to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable doing so.
Fundraising for Turkiye and Syria
This Ramadan, let’s raise enough money to feed 200 families in each of the five regions: Gaza, Syria, Türkiye, Rohingya and Uganda!
The Messenger of Allah said, ’Allah, Mighty and Sublime be He, will say on the Day of Resurrection […] “O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you did not feed Me“. He will say, “O Lord, how can I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?” He (Allah) will say, “Did you not know that My servant so-and-so asked you for food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that had you fed him you surely would have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me? “′ [Muslim]
Three Ways to Donate
*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1516181638907308/
*PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/
*Humanitarian Helping Hand Bank Account: BSB 182-512 Account 969809292
All donations are tax deductible.
Religions for Peace International
The earthquakes and aftershocks in Türkiye and Syria caused catastrophic damage, leaving over 53,000 people dead and many more injured, without shelter, food, or basic necessities. The scale of the disaster is immense, and our hearts go out to all those affected.
These earthquakes are just one example of the many humanitarian disasters that occur around the world each year. In fact, the United Nations estimates that nearly 100 million people are affected by such disasters annually, with devastating consequences for communities and families worldwide.
Religions for Peace is committed to advancing the cooperation of the world’s religious communities to ensure no one is left behind. Through our flagship Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund (MRHF), which is currently in its third phase of implementation, we have supported 37 interfaith initiatives reaching over 14 million people, including millions of refugees and internally displaced peoples (IDPs) in 30 countries across 5 regions. We are reaching out to you today because the people of Türkiye and Syria are still in great need of support such as blankets, clothes, hygiene kits, mattresses, and food. Religions for Peace believe that every person deserves access to these basic necessities regardless of where they live or what circumstances they face.
By making a donation to the Religions for Peace Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund, you can help provide critical aid to those affected by disasters like the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Even a small contribution can make a huge difference in the lives of those who need it most. Please know that your donation will be used wisely and efficiently, to help provide essential support to those in need. Together, we can make a difference and provide hope for a brighter future.
Easter Services at Scots Memorial Uniting Church, Bathurst Street, Hobart
Good Friday Service
Friday 7th April, 9.30 am.
Rev Rosalind Terry will be leading “The Stations of the Cross” on Good Friday, commencing at 2pm and finishing about 3.15pm. It will go ahead rain, hail or shine, but the route may be shortened according to people’s ability to walk and the weather. The readings will be taken from Matthew’s Gospel this year, and we will pause in front of various buildings in close proximity to Scots Church. There will be plenty of parking available, and we will start and finish beside Scots Church.
Easter Sunday Service
Sunday 9th April, 10 am.
Flowering of the Cross on Easter Sunday
You are invited to bring flowers on Easter Sunday to flower the cross.
Yom HaShoa Holocaust Memorial Day
The Memorial Day begins in the evening on 17 April and ends on 18 April:
https://jewishaustralia.com/JWL/yomhashoah.asp
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/yom-ha-shoah-holocaust-memorial-day
Australian Holocaust Museum Alliance: https://mhm.org.au/ihrd-2022/
Australian Religious Response to Climate Change Divestment Group
This year our ARRCC group is planning a further stage of engaging people of faith and their faith communities in the divestment of their funding from fossil fuels. But to do this we need your help.
Therefore, we wonder if you (or someone else) in your faith community could take a leadership role and run a Divestment workshop at an in-person event within your faith community.
If so, we are offering a 90-minute session (and further support as needed) on running a Fossil Fuel Divestment Workshop in your faith community.
Participants in the session will be provided with all resources to run a Divestment workshop within their own faith community, including some easy-to-run PowerPoints with video links embedded.
If you can come, please book on Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CGIHY
so we can send you the zoom link for either of these sessions:
- Thursday 20th April 2023 from 7:30PM – 8:30 PM AEST (ACT/NSW/QLD/TAS/VIC), (7:00 PM SA/NT), (5:30PM WA)
Wednesday 19th April 2023 from 12 noon-1:00 PM AEST (ACT/NSW/QLD/TAS/VIC), (11:30AM SA/NT), (10AM WA) or
Australian Religious Response to Climate Change Divestment Group
Mother Earth Day – 22 April
Religions for Peace and the Faith Communities Network of Tasmania will host an online Prayer session for Mother Earth from 7.30-8.30pm on Saturday 22 April 2023.
Feel very welcome to bring a prayer, chant or meditation to support Mother Earth.
Please register to obtain the zoom link by contacting Terry on 0438 069 728 or clicking here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
Dances of Universal Peace Retreat
Wisdom Comes Dancing Retreat: Wed 26th April to Mon 1st May 2023
The dances are simple to learn circle dances which are uplifting, meditative and joyous, combining sacred songs, chants and live music.
In joining together in Dance and Song with sacred phrases from many traditions we create a space where feelings of UNITY, LOVE and GRACE arise.
Enjoy music, dance, song, silence, chanting, nature walks, warm community, cosy wood fire and a beautiful beach front awaits you.
All vegetarian meals are prepared by our wonderful cook.
This 5-day retreat will be the first time the Australian Dances of Universal Peace Community has held the annual National Retreat in Tasmania. We will be honoured to welcome dance leaders from all around Australia as well as internationally for this special event.
Dormitory accommodation or camping. Shorter stays are possible.
All dances are fully taught, no experience necessary.
Scholarships: Some scholarships are also available for young participants and mentored dance leaders. Enquiries: Anna Sophia anna.sophiawisdom@gmail.com ph 0409 224 286
Enquiries: Nicola nicola.amina@gmail.com ph 0400 051963
More information: Dances of Universal Peace Australia: Home
Tasmanian Peace Trust Grants 2023 (Religious Society of Friends, Quakers)
The Tasmanian Peace Trust is excited to announce the opening of our Grant Applications for 2023. If you have a project of initiative that aligns with our mission to promote peace, we invite you to apply for funding up to $2,500!
Our grants support a wide range of projects, from small personal initiatives to larger community efforts, as long as they fulfill any of the following criteria:
- Building a more peaceful community
- Protecting the environment
- Supporting human rights
- Resolving conflict and assisting reconciliation
- Promoting peace at local, national, or international levels
Don’t miss this opportunity! Applications close on May 5th, 2023.
How to Apply:
Submit your project proposal along with the completed application form to grants.tpt@gmail.com If you require further information or assistance, feel free to reach out to us at the same email address.
Visit our website https://peacetrust.org/grants/ for more details about the application process, eligibility criteria, and grant terms & conditions.
Join us in our mission to make the world a more peaceful place, and let’s bring positive change together! We look forward to receiving your applications and learning about your inspiring projects.
Uluru: The Shift Meditation
The dates for the Shift Meditation to be held at Uluru NT have been set!
The Meditation weekend will be 19-22 May, arriving on Friday 19th, departing on Monday 22nd, so 2 full days, 3 nights. The program will be partly sightseeing, partly meditation. There are set times for group meditations, which take the form of guided visualisations. People are invited to attend in person or to be part of the Thoughtwave, supporting the meditation from wherever we are in Australia or the world. For more information, please contact Terry in the first instance.
Understanding the Uluru Statement from the Heart
The Tasmanian Council of Churches in collaboration with the Uniting Church in Australia and Religions for Peace Tasmania will conduct a workshop in person and online to help interested people to understand the First Nations’ Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The event will be held on Saturday 3 June 2023 10.00am-2.30pm at Friends Meeting House, Boa Vista Rd North Hobart. The workshop will be led by Aunty Kris Schaffer.
A light lunch will be provided.
Enquiries: David O’Halloran, President TCC, 0408211944
Below there are some interesting articles about the upcoming referendum on the First Nations’ Voice to Parliament:
From David O’Halloran: https://johnmenadue.com/the-progressive-case-for-no/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL5rY94_OyM
Emeritus Professor Joseph Camilleri OAM, La Trobe University
Frank Brennan at an interfaith event (Melb) speaking on the Voice to Parliament.
Absolutely brilliant: https://youtu.be/zTENDAJsBJk?t=3254
National Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Government’s National Emergency Management Agency helps communities in times of emergency while preparing Australia for future disasters. Their website includes information on disaster recovery support and Disaster Ready Fund projects, as well as various data relating to disasteraffected local council areas. It’s worth an explore at https://nema.gov.au/; each LGA has a downloadable profile document containing interesting demographic data and recent disaster history.
Volunteer Leadership Program (VLP) – Hobart
Many in Emergenicies Ministry have done numerous different leadership courses, seminars, workshops, etc, over the years and the Volunteer Leadership Program is up there with the very best. And it’s free! In fact, if you’re from out of town they will even cover a couple of nights’ accommodation.
The program equips volunteers from community organisations, not-for-profits, disaster relief organisations and local government with the skills and confidence to grow as leaders. And it’s a wonderful networking opportunity. The next local course is in Hobart on September 22–24. Details, including how to register, are on the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience website at
https://www.aidr.org.au/programs/volunteerleadership-program/. Registrations close August 18.
Contact Details: PO Box 6175, Howrah, TAS 7018.
Our Regional Coordinators are Cathrin Boerma (NW), Paul Eagar (N) and Paul Hueston (S). Our Executive Team members are Gus Yearsley (0432 620 253), Margaret Savage and Paul Hueston. Please reach out on admin@tccem.org.au for all things Emergency Management related.
More information is available on our website at https://www.tccem.org.au
Hate Speech
The worrying rise in hate speech and targeted violence has been in the news over the last several years and different states, including Tasmania, have been enacting legislation in a bid to counter it.
Below there are some links about this: Hobart Mercury
Queensland is set to have ‘the strongest hate crime laws in the country’. Here’s what that means (msn.com)
Understanding reporting barriers and support needs of people experiencing racism
Domestic and Family Violence links
On 9 February 2023, Religions for Peace Tasmania and the FCNT conducted a workshop to look at Models of Educating Minority Communities about Family Violence that may work in Tasmania.
The recordings are available below:
Deacon Oliver Slewa (NSW Ecumenical Council)
https://youtu.be/NXUpALL_Cq8
Jasbir Singh Suropada (Faith Communities Council of Victoria)
https://youtu.be/yBIm2TLfi-k
Rev Simon Hansford (Uniting Church in Australia Moderator of NSW/ACT)
https://youtu.be/V7hwnuRDez0
Parliament of the World’s Religions
The full agenda for the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions convening August 14-18, 2023 at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago, is coming soon and with it the advance savings continue. Enjoy an extra 30 days of the Advance Rate for registration and the Early Bird for booths.
In peace,
Terry
Convenor Religions for Peace Tasmania Branch
Convenor, Faith Communities Network of Tasmania
Phone 6272 6521
