(Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar | 25 May 2018) The ‘Letter to the Peoples of Myanmar‘ carrying a call for peace and development was delivered by the visiting joint delegation of Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu leaders from Myanmar and across the region to the State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 25 May 2018 in the country’s capital Nay Pyi Taw.
Reconciliation Week: Gap between aspiration and action in indigenous justice and engagement in churches
Indigenous and non-indigenous relations in Australia are a core part of the nation’s history and are an important element in ongoing debates about justice and identity. Recent research by the National Church Life Survey indicates a gap between actions and beliefs – in church activities – with regard to indigenous reconciliation.
Multi-religious Delegation Presents Vision of Peace in Myanmar
(24 May 2018 | Yangon) On 24 May 2018, a high-level Myanmar and international multi-religious delegation presented to the peoples of Myanmar a vision of peace and development.
Victoria: Ararat Interfaith Iftar
The Islamic Centre of Victoria hosted its second rural Interfaith Iftar, this year in Ararat, on Saturday 19th May 2018. In partnership with AIWA – Ararat Islamic Welfare Association, 150 guests attended the event.
The Ruddock Inquiry: An insider’s view
The University of Divinity’s Centre for Research in Religion and Social Policy (RASP) is conducting its Annual Conversation on Friday 1 June at Collins Street Baptist Church. Many attended and appreciated last year’s Conversation on the topic of End of Life Choices between Professors Peter Singer and Margaret Somerville. It is expected that this year’s conversation, on the topic of Religious Freedom, will be equally significant.
Living the Change launched in Australia
The Australian chapter of a new and ambitious global campaign, “Living the Change, was launched on May 3 at a national gathering of the multi-faith Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC). With a byline, “faithful choices for a flourishing world”, this is a fresh faith-led initiative which aims to champion the role of more sustainable lifestyles in protecting the earth from global warming.
Vatican Message to Muslims for Ramadan
The Vatican appreciates the importance of this month of Ramadan and the great effort by the Muslims throughout the world to fast, pray and share the Almighty’s gifts with the poor. The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue addresses a vital aspect of relations between Christians and Muslims: the need to move from competition to collaboration. The Vatican sends Ramadan greetings to Muslims.
Victoria: A Readers’ Festival of Spirituality
The Carmelite Centre of Melbourne will conduct A Readers’ Festival of Spirituality: Intersection of the Timeless with Time on Thur 24, Fri 25, Sat 26 May 2018 at the Carmelite Library, Middle Park, Vic.
Pope Francis meets Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs
ROME – In a time when the world is mired in conflicts, religious leaders have a duty to show that it is possible to set aside differences and work together for the common good, Pope Francis said.
“Dialogue and cooperation are essential at a time like our own when complex and unprecedented factors have led to increased tensions and conflicts, accompanied by violence on both a small and a large scale,” the pope said May 16.
Australia: Social Justice for Newly Arrived Migrants
The Social Services Legislation Amendment (Encouraging Self-sufficiency for Newly Arrived Migrants) Bill 2018 will extend waiting times and cause hardship to newly arrived migrants in many circumstances. The Harmony Alliance – which provides advocacy on the multiplicity of issues impacting on experiences and outcomes of migrant and refugee women in Australia is sending an open letter to Female MPs and Senators, calling on them to oppose these measures, on the basis that they will disproportionately target safety nets accessed by migrant women.
Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2018-19 Roundtable
The Minister for Home Affairs’ Peter Dutton conducted consultations on the 2018-19 Humanitarian Program on Tuesday 15 May with various agencies and community leaders.
Bendigo: The Jade Buddha arrives home
Bendigo’s Great Stupa of Universal Compassion will play host to the consecration of the Jade Buddha on Friday 18 May 2018; on the days following there will be the Illumin8 festival at the Great Stupa, Bendigo.
