Churches affirm the Sanctity of Life in Myanmar

World Council of Churches logoIn 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.

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Care for Environment: Christianity

The Cross of ChristAs 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.

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Leading Faith Communities in Difficult Times

Tasmania LogoThe 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.

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Korean Conference of Religions for Peace supports Myanmar Freedoms

Korean Conference of Religions for PeaceThe 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.

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Palm Sunday: Justice for Refugees

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.

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High Commissioner’s Message on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

UNHCR LogoRacism 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.

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Prayer Book for Global Week of Prayer – Covid 19

Voices of Lament, Hope and Courage

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.

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Religious Leaders & Director General of WHO Stress Urgency of Vaccine Equity

WHO-Vaccine

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. 

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Religious Leaders from all Faith Institutions and Traditions, Call for A Vaccine for All

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.

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‘A lot of uncertainty’: imams fighting Covid misinformation in Australia’s Muslim community

Muslim at Prayer

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.”

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