Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has formally reconverted Istanbul’s sixth-century iconic Hagia Sophia into a mosque and declared it open to Muslim worship, hours after a high court annulled a 1934 decision that had turned it into a museum.
Lockdown: St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Gardiner, Melbourne
In Australia, religious communities were one part of society expressly impacted by the ‘lockdown’ directives introduced to stem the spread of the virus. On 29 March all places of religious worship were effectively closed by the restrictions that limited non-essential indoor gatherings to two people. In Victoria, lockdown came again on 9th of July, with border closures. Here, we look to faith community experiences in time of lockdown. On this page, we look to the experience of the members of the Christian community at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Gardiner, Melbourne, Australia.
Buddhist Life Stories, Australia
Buddhism is Australia’s second largest religion, and has a long history dating back to at least the 1850s Gold Rush period, yet the life stories of prominent Buddhists in Australia have remained largely undocumented until now. A new initiative, Buddhist Life Stories, records the personal narratives of contemporary Australian Buddhists.
38 Mayors sign Open Letter to Prime Minister
A coalition of mayors and council leaders from around the country have signed onto an open letter today, calling on the Federal Government to extend crucial supports to people seeking asylum affected by COVID-19.
Islamic Council of Victoria: Advice on the health impact of COVID-19
Four Muslim community leaders provide advice and demonstrate to the Muslim community of Victoria, Australia on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Topics covered include the health impact of COVID-19, physical distancing, hygiene, testing, staying home if sick and financial assistance.
Lockdown: Glen Osmond Gurdwara, Adelaide South Australia
In Australia, religious communities were one part of society expressly impacted by the ‘lockdown’ directives introduced to stem the spread of the virus. On 29 March all places of religious worship were effectively closed by the restrictions that limited non-essential indoor gatherings to two people. In Victoria, lockdown came again on 9th of July, with border closures. Here, we look to faith community experiences in time of lockdown. On this page, we look to the experience of the members of the Sikh community at Glen Osmond Gurdwara, Adelaide South Australia.
Statement from Victoria Police
Victoria Police is aware of recent media reporting and online community discussions suggesting that certain communities are to blame for the latest rise in confirmed coronavirus cases. We know this may cause many people to feel that they are being unfairly targeted. We want the community to know that we stand by you. If you … Read more
Victoria: Statement on Islamophobia
The Islamic Centre of Victoria has recently produced a Statement on Islamophobia. The statement explains Islamophobia, violent extremism and countering violent extremism. The statement has significant support from public leaders and the religious communities of Victoria. We provide a truncated summary of this document.
Interfaith Prayers for Coronavirus Lockdown
When the government and community leaders seek to provide protection for the community, and isolate some – or all – of a community, there comes a time when people begin to have strong feelings and need support. While those giving support are blessed and appreciated, here, we bring you prayers and meditations from many different religions for your engagement and reflection during this time of isolation and lockdown.
Victoria: Gesher 2020
The Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria) is happy to offer for your enjoyment this first issue of the 2020 edition of Gesher, our annual journal. The launch of Gesher 2020 is given, along with a message from the patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC.
Tasmania – July 2020
Greetings of Peace! We hope everyone is moving through the winter with a level of wellness, warmth and well-being.
We know that, while we are doing well with respect to COVID-19 at the moment in Tasmania, people in other places are not so lucky and many of us will have connections with those in other places who are sick or anxious. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and with them.
Lockdown and Mental Health: Meditation and The Sanctuary Experience
In times of lockdown – and hard lockdown, mental health is most important for those living in lockdown – especially hard lockdown. The Brahma Kumaris commumity of Australia has produced a series of meditations which may be of help in bringing peoples to inner stillness. We take a look at The Sanctuary Experience and how it can help people in lockdown.
