To mark the month of Ramadan, which this year begins on Friday, 28 February or Saturday, 1 March—subject to the sighting of the moon—and shall end with the Eid Al-Fitr on 30/31 March, the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has recently published a message entitled “Christians and Muslims: What we hope to become together.” George Jacob Cardinal Koovakad and Msgr. Indunil Kodithuwakku (Prefect and Secretary of the Dicastery, respectively), express that this year’s Holy month of Ramadan (and Eid Al-Fitr) is unique inasmuch as it coincides with the Christian season of Lent.
Prayer in Times of Cyclone
In these times of stress and distress anticipating the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, we stand one with those in the path of the torrents of nature. We are One, and We are Many. When the tempests of nature confront us, we turn to prayer and supplication to the Divine. Here, we bring you prayers for stress and distress with nature, from the world’s religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Tao, Judaism, Christianity, St Francis, Bahá’í, The Quran, and Dadirri: the Indigenous Deep Listening. Herewith, Prayer in Times of Cyclone.
Essays on Islam and Gender Related Issues in the Islamic Tradition
In this collection of essays Adis Duderija (Ph.D) draws upon two decades of his extensive scholarship to present in accessible language many crucial issues relating to gender issues in Islam including issues relation to interpretational methodology of the Qur’an and Sunna , the concept of female religious agency,the concepts of masculinity and femininity, the role of custom (‘urf) in Islamic law ; women’s dress and gender interactions and Islamic feminist theology and many others.
Imagine if…
When we are sustained by our faith, our love for the Divine, our respect for the divine self-giving in our scriptures (whatever the spiritual path we follow) we are duty bound to extend that love, that respect, that faith for the other whom we encounter. The Golden Rule – found in all religions – bids us to treat the other as we would like to be treated, ourselves. Here, Bishop Philip Huggins gives a reflection on the inner peace within and how this leads to respectful listening, respectful relations with others, whatever their office, their station in life, their leadership role. Bishop Huggins asks, Imagine if
Keepers of hope: A monastic refuge in Zhytomyr, Ukraine
This spring, I visited Zhytomyr, a city in Ukraine founded in the ninth century, around the same time as the invention of gunpowder in China and algebra in Baghdad. Zhytomyr is as old as Beowulf and Alfred the Great, the first king of the English. Unfortunately, Zhytomyr’s location did not allow it to preserve all its historic landmarks, such as a medieval castle, churches and monasteries. The city has been destroyed and burned to ashes by various invaders many times, only to be rebuilt again and again by its perseverant citizens.
Awakening Sacred Intelligence: Meditation as the Gateway
A special evening of deep insight and spiritual exploration of Awakening Sacred Intelligence to discover the profound intelligence that emerges through meditation. This event will bring together two renowned spiritual leaders and thinkers – Sister Jayanti and Dr Ian Gawler OAM. Sister Jayanti is an eminent spiritual teacher with almost 60 years of experience in meditation and a respected representative and teacher of the Brahma Kumaris. A free event on the evening of Thursday April 10th, 2025, at South Wharf, Melbourne.
Why more non-Muslims are taking part in Ramadan?
Yes, Peace is in Every Step: The Necessity Now of Good-Hearted Peacemaking
That famous poem by Rudyard Kipling “IF” commences with If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs has a lot to offer toward reflection on peacemaking. Wisdom guides us to explore our own resources and inspirations when time tells heavily upon us. Here, Bishop Philip Huggins shares his peacemaking, his inspirations and his own spiritual discipline around peacemaking.
Reflections on Attitudes and Experiences of Approaching Ramadan
Fasting is a practice embraced by many religions, including Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—each incorporating it as a means of spiritual discipline and reflection. Here, reflections are offered on Ramadan as a time of hope and transformation.
Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and World Council of Churches reaffirm common commitment
The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the World Council of Churches release a joint statement in which they reaffirm their commitment to dialogue as a means of fostering peace and understanding.
International Interfaith Climate Action and Peacemaking at a Time of Deterioration in Multilateral Cooperation
We live in a time of deteriorating multilateral cooperation, and with the risk that more nations will leave the Paris Agreement on keeping the climate rise at 1.5° … Bishop Philip Huggins – a member of the United Nations Interfaith Liaison Committee – reflects on matters dismissed in the forthcoming election campaign, which – as they nearly always do – focuses on the hip-pocket-nerve. There are more pressing matters. One of the Psalms prays, “Peoples unborn will praise the Lord!” But this may not happen if we don’t leave those who come after us with a world of peace and a world with a sustainable climate.
Be Slavery Free webinar
Migrant workers are crucial to the global economy, driving innovation, resilience, and economic growth both in their host countries and at home through remittances. In 2023 alone, remittance flows were USD 656 billion. But how can we better support these workers and maximise the benefits for both sending and receiving countries? You are invited to join this webinar, People on the Move – The Workforce Powering Our Global Economy to explore the challenges and opportunities of migration.