The Fruits of the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions

Melbourne Parliament of Religions Logo

Petr Svoboda returned to Australia after working in Thailand, and joined the Melbourne organising team for the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Melbourne, 3 – 9 December 2009. Here, Petr Svoboda reflects on the fruits born from the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Read more

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 13

Respect Victoria - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually.   Gender-based violence is an ancient sin that for thousands of years has harmed countless women, children and men. It is a sin that Christians need to recognize, understand and confront, for our religious history … Read more

The 2009 Parliament: Pre-Parliament Events

Melbourne Parliament of Religions Logo
In 2008, the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions invited cities around the world to join in the movement building up to the Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Melbourne, Australia from December 3 – 9, 2009. In the 18 months leading up to the 2009 Parliament over 90 regional interfaith celebrations were held in more than 60 cities around the world.

Read more

Australian Government to return three stolen religious artefacts to India

Nagaraja statue When Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits India in January 2020, he will take with him three stolen artefacts (statues) from the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra). The National Gallery of Australia is voluntarily returning pieces procured unethically. These include a pair of dvarpalas (door guardians) from 15th century Tamil Nadu, and a statue of Nagaraja (serpent king), believed to be from 6th to 8th century Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh.

Read more

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 12

Respect Victoria, Respect Victoria campaign against gender based violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually.   In Hinduism there is prevalent worship of God as Mother. Thus, each woman is considered a manifestation of the Divine Mother. In the words of Swami Vivekananda, “It is not possible for a bird … Read more

Victoria: Christmas and Islam

Islamic Museum of Australia logoAs people rush for last-minute Christmas gifts in shopping venues across Australia in a seasonal expenditure expected to reach billions of dollars, Muslims in Australia have mixed feelings about the festive season. You can visit the Islamic Museum of Australia and join in the conversation about Muslims and Christmas on 12 December at 12pm… this talk is for both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Read more

The 2009 Parliament: The Spirit within Australian Contemporary Art

Religious Scriptures and Symbols at the 2009 Parliament of the World's ReligionsAt the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Melbourne, Australia, one of the events was an art exhibition titled “The Spirit within Australian Contemporary Art“. This was curated by by Rosemary Crumlin RSM and Helen Light and nobly assisted by the Parliament’s Art Committee – Rev. Helen Summers.

Read more

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 11

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually.   Muhammad was orphaned at an early age. He once remarked that, “Heaven lies at the feet of mothers.” As the father of four daughters in a society that prized sons, he told other fathers … Read more