Progressing the Multifaith Agenda in Multicultural Australia

FECCA 2019 Conference LogoA Healthy society needs healthy religion. However, in order for health to exist, we need to be in a dialogue with one another, that we may understand what needs to be addressed. At the 2019 FECCA Conference in Hobart, Emeritus Professor Des Cahill, Chair, Religions for Peace Australia addressed the need to consider the white supremacist movement, the case for climate change and religious support, the need for quality religious leadership (particularly for newly arrived religious leaders in Australia) and chaplaincy and spiritual care for a multicultural Australia.

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 9

Respect Victoria campaign against gender based violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually.   Elder abuse is a form of family violence and it is unacceptable. Elder abuse is any act occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which results in harm to an … Read more

10th Anniversary – 2009 Melbourne Parliament of the World’s Religions

Melbourne Parliament of Religions LogoFrom December 3rd upto December 9th 2009, Melbourne hosted the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions. Here, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Monash University – Professor Gary Bouma – chair of the Board of Management of the Melbourne Parliament – looks back at the achievements of this momentous event.

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Looking Back – 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions

Melbourne Parliament of Religions LogoFor a week (Dec. 3rd – 9th) in 2009, Melbourne was awash with religious diversity when an estimated 5,000 people from around the world plus thousands from interstate descended on Melbourne to attend the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions, the world’s most important interfaith gathering. Officers and volunteers from Religions for Peace (Australia) participated and facilitated this event and engaged in a leading role in winning this event for Melbourne.

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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 8

Respect Victoria, Respect Victoria campaign against gender based violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually.   Zoroastrianism is a peace-loving and peace-supporting religion. Prophet Zarathushtra greatly opposed raids, oppression and all kinds of violent, hostile and wrongful behaviour. The Avestan Zoroastrian Creed explicitly says that supporting the “nidhasnaithishem” (non-violence) is … Read more

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 7

Respect Campaign against Transgender Violence, Respect Victoria, Respect Victoria campaign against gender based violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually.   I would love to see a world where pride wasn’t necessary, that we didn’t have to fight for our rights. I wish that everyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, beliefs or sexuality, had equal … Read more

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 6

Respect Victoria - against transgender based violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative running from 25 November through 10 December, annually.   “When I came out as trans I was going to a Catholic school. The Catholic school promised me that they would have the utmost support. I soon found they didn’t when they wouldn’t let … Read more

Australia: Living the Change

Australian Religious Response to Climate Change LogoHundreds of people of faith have gathered in capital cities around the nation this month, attending workshops to discover how to lower their carbon footprint and live more sustainably. The workshops, run by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), are entitled ‘Living the Change’.

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Supporting the Climate Strike: Australia

Global Climate StrikeReligions for Peace Australia supports the climate strike on Friday, 20 September 2019. As people of spirit and faith, we are joining the youth climate strikers to call for sweeping, urgent climate action and to make sure that our response is grounded in the core values shared by all our traditions: love, justice, and compassion.

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Religious discrimination bill could legalise race hate speech, Law Council warns

Law Council of Australia logoThe expression of religious beliefs that offend, insult or humiliate people based on their race could be effectively legalised by the Coalition’s religious discrimination bill, the Law Council of Australia has warned.

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Australia: Time for Living the Change events

You’re invited to join celebrations in every state for Time for Living the Change. Each event will have its own unique flavour but, at each event, people will share some time for spiritual reflection, discuss their efforts to make climate-conserving lifestyle commitments and celebrate with delicious vegetarian and vegan food. The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change invites you – if you can, please come along to these free events near you.

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