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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Sacred People, Sacred Earth – TEDx kickoff

Greenfaith LogoOn 18 November, in six multi-faith TEDx events around the globe, people of faith and conscience at the grassroots are kicking off organizing for the biggest-ever faith-climate day of action – Sacred People, Sacred Earth.

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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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Stand with Pope Francis

Stand with Pope FrancisOn the eve of the Season of Creation, Pope Francis issued a profound prayer intention that the planet’s resources will not be plundered but shared in a just and respectful manner. He prays that today, not tomorrow, we will take care of Creation. Pope Francis’ leadership on the climate emergency and on the coronavirus has been unmatched. But he can’t do it alone. It’s time for the global community of people of faith to rally behind his message. For that reason, we are inviting all people of faith to sign the Petition for just action on COVID and the Climate Emergency, showing the Pope and the world that we care about creation.

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NSW Ecumenical Council – Interfaith Commission Report

NSW Ecumenical Council logoThe NSW Ecumenical Council gives report on its activities, and in particular, the activities of its Interfaith Commission over the past 12 months. The NSW Ecumenical Council welcomes the NSW Government in easing the restrictions for more congregants to attend their local church and faith communities. Some interfaith activities were held face to face, others were conducted digitally.

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Putting Our Values into Action for Nature

FAITH FOR NATURE: Multi-faith action

Faith for Nature: Multi-Faith Action is a global event designed to lay the foundation for inter-faith collaboration for sustainable and regenerative development to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

One of the Objectives of this Conference was to empower faith-based organisations in taking action for the Sustainable Development Goals and to cooperate for sustainable and regenerative development, with a view to endorsing the establishment of a global Faith for Earth Coalition. Religions for Peace Australia participated in this event, giving Report from the Asia and Australia Hub.

What follows is a presentation from Religions for Peace Australia to the Faith for Nature Conference 2020 – Asia Australia Hub Discussion C: “The way forward for Faith-Based Organisations to work for the Sustainable Development Goals”. The title of the paper is, Putting Our Values into Action for Nature, presented by Dr. Philippa Rowland, Vice-Chair Religions for Peace Australia, President Multifaith South Australia.

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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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‘Nostra Aetate’ anniversary statements spotlight rising anti-Semitism

Pope Francis and Rabbi Riccardo Di SegniMarking the 55th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, Vatican II’s landmark document that redefined the Catholic Church’s relationship with other religions, two major Jewish-Christian interfaith partners have exchanged statements hailing the progress between the two religions and calling attention to rising anti-Semitism around the globe.

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Essay competition for youth: “The Future of Interreligious Dialogue”

World Council of Churches logoThe World Council of Churches has announced an essay competition for youth who want to reflect on the theme “The Future of Interreligious Dialogue.” The contest marks the 50th anniversary of the WCC’s Office of Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation.

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