French Catholics and Radical Islamists

Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishop's ConferenceEric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops’ Conference, has called on Catholics to engage in a “spiritual battle” against radical Islamism. The Bishop said that the last terror attack in Nice demands not only more security, but also efforts to build interreligious solidarity!

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Abraham Conference 2020

Abraham Conference 2020

The Abraham Conference plays an important role in bringing Jews, Christians and Muslims together to discuss contemporary issues of concern for the members of the three religions and for the wider society.

The theme of this year’s Abraham Conference is “Interfaith on the Frontlines“. In the style of TEDx Talks, Jewish, Christian and Muslim frontline workers will share their stories of hardship and hope in uncertain times.

The 2020 Abraham Conference will be held online (using Zoom) on Sunday 15th Nov 2020, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm AEDT. Details and links will be available in the confirmation email.

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Uluru Statement: Invitation to walk from heart extended in 64 languages

Uluru Statement from the Heart in 64 languages

Young Lilia Tan moved to Australia from Singapore three years ago but she already understands that her school in Canberra is on Ngunnawal land.

The school’s welcome to country acknowledges its traditional owners, the Ngunnawal people, before ending with Always Was, Always Will Be, the theme of this year’s NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) week.

Coinciding with NAIDOC, the Uluru Statement of the Heart’s invitation to all Australians to walk with them for a better future has been translated into 64 languages ranging from French to Arabic, Armenian, Urdu, Rohinga, Hebrew and Mandarin.

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55 Years of Nostra Aetate

Rabbi Noam Marans shakes hands with Pope Francis

Fifty-five years ago, the Catholic church came out with a document that arguably did more not only to improve Jews’ relationships with Catholics, but also to make Jews physically safer and more at home in the world.

Nostra Aetate, which the Second Vatican Council passed by a 2,221-to-88 vote 55 years and one week ago, on October 28, 1965, redefined the church’s understanding of Jews by acknowledging, among other things, that all Jews are not responsible for the death of the Christian messiah.

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The “Faith for Rights” framework

Faiths for Rights CoverThe “Faith for Rights” framework (toolkit) provides space for a cross-disciplinary reflection and action on the deep, and mutually enriching, connections between religions and human rights. The objective is to foster the development of peaceful societies, which uphold human dignity and equality for all and where diversity is not just tolerated but fully respected and celebrated.

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Condemning Violence in the Name of Religion – Committing to Building Bridges with Love

Religions for Peace International

Religions for Peace International

Representing the world’s diverse religious traditions and institutions, the Religions for Peace World Council strongly condemns the horrific acts of terror and violence in France and elsewhere in the world, which are claimed in the name of religion. We express deep sympathy and lift our prayers for the families of the victims.

We note that Muslim leaders from all corners of the world have roundly refuted the claim to these acts of horror, being done in the name of Islam.

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Australian Human Rights Commission – Third Universal Period Review

Australian Human Rights Commission - Third Universal Period Review

Australia’s appearance before the United Nations Human Rights Council for its 3rd universal periodic review is fast approaching. The Commission recently released its submission to the Council, including 25 fact sheets updating current progress on key human rights areas. In this wise, we bring you the Australian Human Rights Commission’s report on Race and Religion.

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Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

international campaign to abolish nuclear weaponsThe 50th ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons just came through as Jamaica, Nauru and then Honduras completed their ratifications. The Treaty now has 84 signatories and 50 states parties. It will enter into force after 90 days, on 22 January 2021.

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Union of Progressive Judaism: 2020 Vision

Union of Progressive Judaism logoThe Union of Progressive Judaism will conduct a one-day virtual biennial with sessions exploring a compelling vision of Progressive Judaism for 2020 and beyond, and new ways to connect and build strong communities and congregations for the future. The Virtual Biennial will be preceded by Kabbalat Shabbat hosted by the United Hebrew Congregation of Singapore on Friday 6 November at 6.00pm and Havdalah co-hosted by Temple Beth Israel (Melbourne) and North Shore Temple Emanuel (Sydney) on Saturday 7 November at 8.30pm.

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Let There be Light: 2020 Kristallnacht Commemoration

The Night of Broken GlassThe International March of the Living, The Miller Center for Community Protection and Resilience at Rutgers University, and the Jüdischen Gemeinde Frankfurt are pleased to present a specially produced media event – LET THERE BE LIGHT – International March of the Living Kristallnacht Commemoration. The program will air on the anniversary of Kristallnacht – The Night of Broken Glass, on November 9th at 7:00PM EST, on the Jewish Broadcasting Service.

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