In responding to Coronavirus ~ Covid-19, it is important that we practice inclusion at all levels of society – for the disabled, for the vulnerable, for the aged, for those unable to care for themeselves. Religious principles have to be practiced and their validity established. The Golden Rule is an example of religious principles in action – a moral imperative, a human value, a religious principle found in all the religions of men and women. So we may proceed as humankind – and in our kindesses to our fellow humans, practice a disability-inclusive response to COVID-19.
News
An Interfaith Earth Day message in times of Covid 19 and Climate Emergency
As faith-based organisations and movements calling for fair and just policies able to tackle the climate emergency, we understand and support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s decision to postpone COP26 in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the whole of humanity. We nevertheless call on ourselves and on all stakeholders to not delay ambitious and urgent climate action.
If Saudi Arabia is forced to put the Hajj on hold, it will not be without precedent
JEDDAH: Will the Hajj, which draws millions of Muslims annually to Islam’s birthplace in Saudi Arabia, be suspended this year owing to the global coronavirus pandemic? That question had been uppermost in the minds of millions of Muslims worldwide even before a Saudi official asked them to put on hold any plans to perform the obligatory pilgrimage, scheduled to begin in late July.
Victoria – Yom HaShoah Observance Online
For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory” — Elie Wiesel
Islam: Saudi Arabia to suspend Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan
SAUDI ARABIA: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced that Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan will only be performed at home as the suspension of prayers at mosques would not be lifted until the end of coronavirus.
Religions for Peace: Letter to the Ministers
Dear Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, and the Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP,
Sikhs turn to online Vaisakhi
LOS ANGELES (Religion News Service) – With a grand presentation of melodious hymns, a two-mile parade in downtown Los Angeles and free food for thousands, the celebration of Vaisakhi for Sikhs in Southern California is no small occasion. But this year, the community is faced with the challenge of honoring a festive, holy day during the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Prayer Is Not Enough.’ The Dalai Lama on Why We Need to Fight Coronavirus With Compassion
Sometimes friends ask me to help with some problem in the world, using some “magical powers.” I always tell them that the Dalai Lama has no magical powers. If I did, I would not feel pain in my legs or a sore throat. We are all the same as human beings, and we experience the same fears, the same hopes, the same uncertainties.
Those who fall through the cracks … the poor of our human flourishing.
Religions for Peace Australia lauds the Australian Government, its departments and agencies for the rapid response to Covid-19 and concurs that the actions of the National Cabinet and the government have bought themselves time to find a way out of the crisis. Religions for Peace Australia would like to draw attention to those who have fallen through the gaps in welfare and support from Centrelink and Medicare with no resources to support themselves, especially those on temporary visas.
Easter services to be broadcast on free-to-air TV
The Seven Network will stream The Lord’s Passion at 3pm on Good Friday and Easter Sunday Mass from 10.30am across the country on Channel 7 and on Prime 7 in regional areas, and live-streamed on 7plus.
Both liturgies will be broadcast commercial-free and in their entirety.
How to Invoke the Medicine Buddha
It is no coincidence that the words “medication” and “meditation” are only one letter different. They both come from the same Latin root word, medeor, meaning “to heal or to make whole.”
Australia: The High Court and Cardinal Pell
Religions for Peace Australia has not taken one side nor the other about the legal processes Cardinal George Pell has been involved. Visitors to this website will be aware that we took a multifaith approach to the Royal Commission and covered the progress and investigations of the Royal Commission into all religions. We have 105 articles on the Royal Commission from a multifaith perspective on this website.
The Chair of Religions for Peace Australia, Emeritus Professor Desmond Cahill presented evidence on the impact of clerical culture to the Royal Commission itself and as part of World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2018, gave an appraisal on Clerical Culture, Religious Organisations and the Royal Commission Report.
Prof. Cahill also presented “And What Would God Think, Rebuilding Pastoral Health and Integrity after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse” to the Health and Integrity Conference conducted by the major religious orders and clerical groups in Melbourne. At present Prof. Cahill is working on a book on the Theology of the Child. We take no side on the decision of the High Court of Australia regarding Cardinal Pell. In this article, we share the observations of the ABC’s Religious Affairs reporter, Noel Debien.
