‘Leave No one Behind: The Role of Freedom of Religion or Belief in Advancing Human Flourishing and Just Societies was the theme of the Fourth International Parliamentarians Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 1-4 May 2023. The Nairobi Declaration is a document signed by Parliamentarians worldwide at the 4th International Parliamentarians Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB).
The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture is presenting four public Interfaith Dialogues, hosted by Profs Anthony Maher and Stan Grant. The discussions will include a panel of six faith leaders from different religions. Each panellist will briefly engage with introductory remarks addressing the above questions followed by a Q & A hosted by Stan Grant between the panel and the audience.
“At a Crossroads: An Intergenerational and Multireligious Response to the Social and Environmental Crisis” was hosted by Religions for Peace and the City Council of Manresa, Spain, on November 28-30, 2022. Timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s pilgrimage to Manresa, which highlighted cross-sectoral concerns of environment, migration, and social transformation, this international consultation was aimed at addressing the environmental crises facing our planet.
Religions for Peace is pleased to announce the launch of our new blogspace, “Mindful Peace” – a platform dedicated to promoting interfaith understanding, reflection and cooperation for peace. This blog aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for people of all faith and Indigenous traditions to come together and share perspectives on issues related to Religions for Peace’s Six Strategic Goals.
The 2023 Master Sheng Yen Lecture in Chinese Buddhism will be given by Professor James Benn (McMaster University) on Tuesday 30 May, 6:00-7:30pm at New Law School Lecture Theatre (LT024), New Law Annexe F10A, University of Sydney. The lecture is presented by the University of Sydney School of Languages and Cultures.
If we’re to act in a way that observes the Earth’s limits and boundaries, then we must undergo a ‘metanoia’ – a deep spiritual transformation. This involves a radical turn-around in the way we think and live, which a practice like meditation can help to enable. So argues theologian and long-time meditator Dr Deborah Guess, who believes that making ‘greentech’ changes such as solar panels and electric cars is not going to be enough, and may even be part of the much wider problem that our economic system is geared towards producing and consuming more and more.
Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is alarmed by the continued enforcement of blasphemy provisions around the world and condemns efforts to enact stricter blasphemy legislation. The existence and enforcement of such laws—which punish individuals for allegedly offending, insulting, or denigrating religious doctrines, deities, symbols, and religious feelings—undermines freedom of religion or belief and related human rights, including freedom of expression.
We live in a time when seemingly difficult conversations – including around race, gender, and sexual orientation – have become an important part of the public discourse. However, one arena, central to many people’s lives, affecting our world every day, usually remains out-of-bounds: interreligious dialogue and the literacy it offers.
Religion is a critical aspect of most people’s identity. It shapes how millions of our fellow citizens (and perhaps you as well) understand their place in the world. It provides a framework of values that orient their actions. And yet, as a society, we are largely illiterate about religion – and especially about minority religions – a reality that incites misunderstanding, problematic assumptions and prejudices, and, in the worst cases, violence. In societies that are becoming more diverse every day, it is imperative that we to start addressing the question of religious literacy.
People of faith communities in Australia, will gather to express their concern for and solidarity with the courageous people of Myanmar on Sunday 30 April, 5pm AEST) Collins St. Baptist Church, 174 Collins St. Melbourne. This event will be livestreamed.
Anzac Day is a day that happens once a year in Australia and New Zealand. It is celebrated by both countries on 25th April every year. It was to commemorate (honour) the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Now though, it celebrates all “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.” Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn, and Tonga.
Happy Earth Day to all! 🌍🌱 Today, we celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet, and the vital importance of protecting its natural resources. Earth Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on our impact on the environment and to take action to preserve the world for future generations. As we face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, it is more important than ever to work together to protect our common home.
The two day Global Buddhist Summit 2023 concluded successfully in New Delhi today with the New Delhi Declaration. Earlier on 20th April 2023, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit. The Declaration reinforces the points highlighted by the Prime Minister in his opening address.
