The moment religious leaders from around 40 faith-based organisations worldwide agreed to keep defending the individual right to seek asylum during a gathering in Geneva marked a high point on the eve of the Global Refugee Forum, the world’s biggest such international gathering. They met at a one-day event on 12 December at the World Council of Churches (WCC), chaired by an Armenian archbishop and a UN diplomat who was once a Turkish legislator.
Buddhism
Buddhist Monk to “step back” after allegations of decades of abuse
Over several years, Religions for Peace Australia has provided a select coverage the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse as a service to the community documenting the examination – and responses – of non-Christian religions. No religion in Australia is above criminal law and the proper exercise of lawful duty and responsibility in the public domain. In this wise, we bring account of one Buddhist Rinpoche and allegations – albeit in another nation – as part of community service.
The “Buddhist pop song” that took sixth at Eurovision
On Saturday, an Italian song about the emptiness of Western consumer culture came sixth at Europe’s wildly popular song competition, Eurovision. Occidentali’s Karma, by Francesco Gabbani, was Italy’s entry to the contest, and while the song (which is flush with Buddhist references) didn’t win, it was a hit with critics. The song was the most watched music video of the contest and was chosen as a favourite by fans and the press.
Online Buddhist Film Festival
The Buddhist magazine Lion’s Roar in partnership with the Buddhist Film Foundation will present an online Film Festival comprising six Buddhist films and six Buddhist (sangha) talks. The Online Film Festival will run from June 12 until July 23.
Harvard University offers free online course examining Buddhist scriptures
Harvard University’s course “Buddhism Through Its Scriptures” is available for free on their online learning platform.
Buddhist Life Stories of Australia
Buddhism is Australia’s second largest religion, and has a long history dating back to at least the 1850s Gold Rush period, yet the life stories of prominent Buddhists in Australia have remained largely undocumented until now. Buddhist leaders and community members in Australia felt there was an urgent need to record these stories and to preserve them for future generations.
Victoria: Youth Workshop – Global Citizenship and You, Embracing Earth’s Challenge
The Buddhist Council of Victoria in partnership with Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Assoc. USA, Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Assoc. Melbourne Chapter, and The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne will present a workshop for young people to explore enhancing a human/earth relationship.