The BAPS Shri Swaminarayam Mandir is the newest of 10 temples in Australia dedicated to the teachings of Hindu figure Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It looms large on a corner block in the Gungahlin suburb of Taylor, its intricate exterior painted pink to represent peace and harmony.
Labor’s watered down hate speech laws fail to appease faith groups
Labor has substantially watered down proposed hate speech laws, but is nevertheless facing a religious backlash, with claims it would turn Australia into a police state by creating “thought crime”. The Australian Christian Lobby, the Catholic Church and Christian Schools Australia are among faith organisations to make submissions to the legal and constitutional affairs committee inquiry about the laws.
Journalist aimed to spread ‘story of religion’s contribution to Australia’
Guest speaker at this years Interfaith Breakfast at Parliament House was former ABC Religion broadcaster Rachael Kohn. Rachael Kohn said true democracy needs all Australians, regardless of religious belief, to “work together in common cause”.
Multi-Faith Pilgrimage of Prayer for COP29
On Tuesday 19th November representatives from 4 Faith traditions, 3 Christian denominations which included a number of communities from Perth to Margaret River, gathered at Koombana Beach in Bunbury on the land of the Wardandi Noongar people to begin their walk to draw attention to the importance of action for climate justice and to pray at a number of faith community sites.
Holding the Light
Holding the Light is an Ecumenical service of Lament. Holding the Light is a service to remember victims and survivors of family and domestic violence. To be held in person at Wesley Church, Melbourne, VIC and livestream.
The Middle East: Reflections on Peace and Anticipating Christmas 2024
Many are grateful that they live in a land called Australia, a land that has never experienced war. In this wise, Australia is said to be the most peaceful country. Yet, the global conflicts reach to here and cause pain, suffering, angst and tension among us. Just as the Magi mounted their camels and went on a journey of faith to find Emmanuel – God with us – so also, Bishop Philip reminds us that the season of Christmas is what binds Australians in a strong resilience. The Angels sing Peace on Earth to all persons of Good Will. Anticipating Christmas 2024, we also may pray – in our own way – for peace and goodwill on Earth.
International Day for Tolerance 2024
The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance day declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance. It is observed on 16 November. Tolerance is an expression, a behaviour, an attitude, a value of non-violence. It expresses peace in the community and the capacity to live together with differences. In 2024, this day focuses on encouraging dialogue and understanding, particularly among young people, to build a more inclusive future.
Justin Welby to quit as archbishop of Canterbury over handling of abuse scandal
The archbishop of Canterbury has stepped down amid intense pressure over his handling of one of the church’s worst abuse scandals.
Justin Welby’s decision, announced on Tuesday, comes after mounting demands from victims and members of the clergy for him to quit.
Pressure on him had intensified since the publication last week of a damning report on the Church of England’s cover-up of abuse by John Smyth in the UK in the late 1970s and early 80s, and later in Zimbabwe and, it is suspected, South Africa.
Milestone in Australia’s fight against modern slavery
Religions for Peace Australia welcomes welcomes the appointment of former Senator Chris Evans as Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner. This is a critical step toward the Government’s promise to strengthen protections against modern slavery.
Interfaith Dialogue on Climate urges action, compassion, and resilience ahead of COP29
Faith leaders and advocates worldwide came together on 6 November for a transformative Talanoa Dialogue, organised virtually by the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, co-chaired by the World Council of Churches. The dialogue provided a vital space for interfaith communities to explore shared goals in preparation for COP29, fostering unity around an urgent call for action on climate justice, compassion, and resilience.
Australia – Permanent Home for UN COP Conferences?
The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference commences on Monday, 11 November 2024. Certain geopolitical changes have taken place beforehand, and integrity in the conduct and environment of the Conference Site in Baku, Azerbaijan, have been raised. Here, Bishop Philip Huggins explores issues raised and offers a recommendation that Australia become permanent host of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – the UN COP Conferences.
End the Silence: Interfaith Prayers for Violence Prevention within the home and the community
United Religions Initiative and Religions for Peace Australia invite you to be part of a gathering with prayers, a presentation, and an open discussion on how our faith, spiritual, and ethnic communities can stand against violence and support women, children, and families at risk on Sunday 24 November 2024.
