Widespread, systemic attacks on civilians in Myanmar orchestrated by leaders of the military coup, demand a “firm, unified and resolute international response”, UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener said on Wednesday. On Saturday, Armed Forces Day, security forces turned against their own citizens, brutally killing 100 people, including children, both on the streets and in their homes, said the Special Envoy.
Tasmania – April 2021
Greetings of Peace! Many good wishes to everyone for this very rich time of blessings for many faith traditions … but isn’t every season a rich time of blessings?
However, every thought of peace is needed, as a number of the links below show there is growing evidence of hatred against some faiths. So it’s very important that understanding and solidarity are strengthened as we go forward.
Churches affirm the Sanctity of Life in Myanmar
In a joint statement on 31 March, the World Council of Churches and the Christian Conference of Asia expressed profound dismay at the ongoing violence and the brutal attacks by military and security forces against peaceful protesters in Myanmar.
Easter 2021 – Message from the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Scott Morrison, gives a message to all on occasion of the Christian Observance of Easter, 2021.
Care for Environment: Christianity
As part of the Interfaith Call to Action auspiced by United Nations Environment Program and other multifaith organisations, we will, each month, present the view of one religion on the Environment and Care for the Environment. Religions to be covered include Indigenous Traditions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, the Bahá’í Faith, Hinduism, the Jain Religion, Buddhism, the Sikh Religion, Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto, and in summary, Environmental Ethics: Points of Agreement among the World’s Religions. This month, Care for the Environment features the teachings of Christianity.
Leading Faith Communities in Difficult Times
The Faith Communities Network of Tasmania met online on Sunday 21 March. Many leaders of faith communities (Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Shia, Brahma Kumaris, Baha’i) were present and spoke about their experience of being a faith community leader in times of lockdown. Religions for Peace was also represented with the Chair, Emeritus Professor Des Cahill OAM giving an address at the conclusion of the meet.
Korean Conference of Religions for Peace supports Myanmar Freedoms
The Korean Conference of Religions for Peace Supports the People’s Protest in Myanmar. The Korean Conference of Religions for Peace is deeply in pain as the Myanmarese protest for democracy. We will pray and act for the situation to be quickly resolved and democracy restored in Myanmar. We will be in solidarity with the religious people in Asia and the world to protect the Myanmarese.
Palm Sunday: Justice for Refugees
Palm Sunday on 28 March 2021 is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the continuing injustice and cruelty experienced by refugees and people who are seeking asylum.
This year, organisers of the Palm Sunday events are aware of the need for COVID-safety. We recommend the wearing of masks and social distancing at all Palm Sunday actions and events.
There will be events and rallies in all states, and in many rural and regional areas on Sunday March 28th.
High Commissioner’s Message on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Racism won’t end without work. We must #FightRacism daily. Read the UN High Commissioner’s statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and how the United Nations are working to end the scourge of racism.
Prayer Book for Global Week of Prayer – Covid 19
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has prepared global prayers at the request of its member churches and regional partners to allow the many people affected by COVID-19 to express sorrow and nurture hope for the future.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) will convene a global online prayer service on 26 March at 2 pm (CET) as part of “A Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
The global prayer, drawing on voices from diverse regions and communities, will touch upon the six facets of the week of prayer: lament, hurting and suffering communities, leaders, healing, protection, and hope. An 186 page prayer book – with contributions from many Churchs around the world is available.
Religious Leaders & Director General of WHO Stress Urgency of Vaccine Equity
Religions for Peace senior religious leaders concluded a High-Level Dialogue with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and his team, in Geneva, today.
Religions for Peace’s leaders, representing all faiths and religious institutions from across the world, shared their concerns and their commitments to continue to work together to support WHO’s efforts around the world, particularly around vaccine equity.
Religious Leaders from all Faith Institutions and Traditions, Call for A Vaccine for All
As we near the end of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is ravaging families and communities, shuttering nations and impeding livelihoods. While the Pandemic has revealed the deep fissures of inequality and our common human and institutional fragility, it has underlined the indisputable interconnectedness and interdependence of our existence. This Pandemic, emerging from and with the existential threat to our very planet, is challenging humanity to be united in solidarity, to demonstrate global fraternity, and to protect and nurture shared well-being.
Muslims Endorse the Uluru Statement
The Australian National Imams Council – a peak leadership body of Australian Muslims, attests that Before 1770, Muslims engaged with the Aboriginal people of this land. The Council supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
‘A lot of uncertainty’: imams fighting Covid misinformation in Australia’s Muslim community
A fatwa pronounces both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines as halal for Muslims.
Ibrahim Dadoun, director of public relations at the Australian National Imams Council, says while the government had been working with the council, “we issued a verdict without any directives from the Department of Health or from the government in general.”
“We do work closely with the government, but our work to address these issues has been done independently of the government.”
American JewBu: Jews, Buddhists, and Religious Change
Anyone involved in Buddhism today will nod in agreement upon hearing the claim that there has been a surprising number of Jews in modern Western Buddhism. This is particularly true for Buddhism in North America: not only has Buddhism been a popular choice among people from a Jewish background, but a seemingly disproportionate number have become leading lights of Western Buddhism, and have played a major role in shaping its evolution. It is quite natural to ask the question, why? What’s the connection?
Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria in collaboration with The Holocaust Museum is presenting a specially produced webinar to commemorate Yom HaShoah online, 7 April 2021 at 7:30pm.
Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to Iraq improves relations with Muslims
(Religion News Service) — Despite the naysayers who opposed the pope’s visit, Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to Iraq (March 5-8) went beyond expectations in achieving the three goals of his trip: showing pastoral solidarity with his suffering Christian flock, calling for peace and reconciliation for the Iraqi people and establishing improved relations between Christians and Muslims.
Initiatives of Change: Our Uluru Response
Initiatives of Change Australia invite you to join with them in their event, Our Uluru Response – ‘Walking Together to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.’ A special forum with guest speaker Thomas Mayor.