The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity approaches. Bishop Philip Huggins writes of the Wedding in Cana, and a wedding he celebrated recently at the Mission for the Seafarers. There are recollections about ‘Mary Undoer of Knots’. All these reflections lead to a deep appreciation of the peace we all share in Australia. Consider, there has never been a military war in Australia: that renders the most peaceful nation on Earth. Is not Peace on Earth the mantra of all our religions?
Bishop Philip Huggins
Looking Ahead in January 2025 – This Federal Election Year
In a year when Australia faces a Federal election, Bishop Philip Huggins offers reflections on leadership, dignity and gravitas, in the light of our nation’s recent history. In his reflection, Bishop Huggins offers three thoughts: a consideration of the failed referendum, the reality of climate change and the need for concerted actions responding to the recent threats to social cohesion.
Epiphany and A New Year Called 2025
Bishop Philip Huggins writes of the incarnation of Jesus, and the journey of the Magi as scribed by the poet T.S. Eliot. In his reflection, Bishop Huggins highlights whom do we celebrate Epiphany for: a child born 2000+ years ago, or the children of this day, this age? How do we love a new-born babe? Reflections from the First Nations theologian Stan Grant are also included.
Coming Up to Christmas
Attack on Ripponlea Synagogue: As faith leaders we stand together
A Christian Bishop, a Leader of Muslims in Victoria and a Progressive Rabbi from East Kew all address the heinous attack on the Adass Israel Mosque in Ripponlea, Melbourne. These faith leaders – together they declare, “We seek to stand together at times like this“.
Rising Tide in Canberra: A Bishop Reflects
Australia is witnessing an ever-increasing response to the use of fossil fuels, exports of these fuels, and the granting of new mining licences to international organisations. This response – in part – is shown in demonstrations, protests, banning of protests by state government and a certain disregard of free speech and human rights. Bishop Philip Huggins – patron of Australian Religious Response to Climate Change and a member of the UN Interfaith Liaison Committee to the Climate Change Conferences gave an address to the Rising Tide event in Canberra.
Survival of planetary life depends on decisions made now
Bishop Philip Huggins writes from the Riverina region of NSW, Australia, on a farm which is part of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. We are helping with plantings which take account of climate change. See https://www.bct.nsw.gov.au/. He writes that he is meeting wonderful people who are doing what they can to transition to renewables and help this area respond to current realities of climate change.
A Peacemaking Suggestion
A suggestion has come to mind about walking together for world peace. When Australians what to change something, they get together, make their placards about peace, and walk together purposefully. We have done this earlier, with our interfaith and multifaith friendship walks, as Bishop Philip Huggins recalls. Perhaps we could walk again – in these days of a fractured world. A meditative exploration follows … Silent, Meditative Multi Faith Peace Walks?
Finding Hope – Giving Hope
by remembering our roots
Bishop Philip Huggins shares reflections on the inter-religious talks of Israeli and Muslims of the Friends of Roots. Many chant ‘from the river to the sea!” And this, where one side alone claims belonging to the land between the river and the sea to a place where it is recognised, not only that both Israelis and Palestinians are deeply connected to the same land, but that the historical borders are the same!
The Last Supper in time: at the Olympics
and locally, Sunday by Sunday …
A Meditation
There has been predictable controversy as regards apparent references to the Last Supper during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics. A woman donning a large silver headdress, reminiscent of a halo often associated with Jesus in classical art, drew significant attention. Bishop Philip Huggins shares a meditation on the Last Supper; in the time of Jesus, and this day, this age.
Inner Peace and Outer Peace
Bishop Philip Huggins attends an international multifaith retreat at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre, in Nuneham, England. Here, Bishop Huggins recalls several individual actions that contribute to a global response to the climate, human flourishing and interfaith collaboration for the welfare of our home, Earth.
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.
