On Monday, 3 June, Pope Francis received in audience, in the Clementine Hall, participants in the Interreligious Conference of the Focolare Movement. In these times of conflict, he stressed, “religion is often misused in order to fuel division”. The following is the English text of the Holy Father’s discourse.
Two Years to Save the World
Bishop Philip Huggins is a member of the United Nations Interfaith Liaison Committee to the Climate Change Conferences, those events labelled as COP, Conference of Parties. Here, Bishop Huggins addresses the need for government to take action with regard to the Climate Emergency.
Asian Conference of Religions for Peace – Concluding Statement
The Asian Conference of Religions for Peace – which has 24 member nations – Religions for Peace Australia is a foundation member. The recent Executive Meeting of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace issued a concluding statement which addressed the Gaza situation, and reviewed the recent five-year action plan.
Welcoming the Other: Strengthening Advocacy and Action for Refugees and Other Forcibly Displaced Communities
On World Refugee Day – 20 June – join Religions for Peace’s event in celebration of World Refugee Day: “Welcoming the Other: Strengthening Advocacy and Action for Refugees and Other Forcibly Displaced Communities.”
Season of Creation 2024 Celebration Guide
The official Celebration Guide for the Season of Creation 2024 will be launched online on 5 June at 3 pm CEST. The live streaming in English will be available on YouTube. Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French interpretations will be available via Zoom for registered participants.
Pope Francis and Artificial Intelligence
When Pope Francis delivered a message for the World Day of Social Communications, he focused on Artificial Intelligence. The topic clearly preoccupies him, having previously discussed it in his message for the World Day of Peace. There, he reflected on the place that Artificial Intelligence has in war-making and the place it could have in peace-making. He also suggested that the Congregation of the Faith bring it into their discussion of pressing ethical concerns.
Quakers Australia: Annual Backhouse Lecture
The Australia Yearly Meeting of Quakers in Australia invite you to join their Annual Backhouse Lecture delivered virtually.
This Backhouse lecture asks the question: what might disability, difference and normality might mean for Friends in the twenty-first century?
“Wheels Turning: Engaged Buddhism, Anthropological Solidarity, and a Return to the 1990s”
The next Religion and Society online seminar (WSU) is by Dr Michael Edwards (Anthropology, Sydney University). His paper is titled “Wheels Turning: Engaged Buddhism, Anthropological Solidarity, and a Return to the 1990s“.
Guardians of the Rainforest
On World Environment Day, we can learn more of the work of Religions for Peace – particularly in the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative which Religions for Peace is an International Partner. The Guardians of the Rainforest documentary, which will be made accessible for one-time viewing from 5-12 June 2024.
Liberating Ourselves from Bad Theology: A Critique of Classical Theism from a Process Theology Perspective
Dr Adis Duderija of Griffith University, writing in New Age Islam reflects on Let Us Cultivate A Willingness To Question, Learn, And Engage With Diverse Theological Perspectives, Allowing Our Spiritual Journeys To Evolve And Flourish As We Seek A Deeper Understanding Of The Divine And Our Place Within The Intricate Tapestry Of Existence. Theology, the study of religious beliefs and their implications, plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of the divine and the world around us.
Pope to Buddhists: ‘Let’s work together for a more inclusive world’
Pope Francis receives a delegation of Buddhist monks from the Wat Phra Cetuphon temple (also known as the Wat Pho) of Bangkok, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand, and encourages them to continue fostering dialogue and cooperation for a better world.
The echo of the Holocaust
Israel after the attacks of 7 October. Many Israelis feel reminded of the Holocaust by the events of 7 October 2023. Others reject such comparisons. The government’s stance is ambivalent. A report from Tel Aviv. Religions for Peace Australia provides this article as a balanced and sensible report that is reflective of the debates within the Jewish state and Diaspora. Religions for Peace Australia maintains a neutral stance that seeks an enduring peace for all.
