DAREBIN INTERFAITH - at the cutting edge

It seems to The Editor of Beside The Creek that Darebin Interfaith Council is at the cutting edge of the interfaith movement in Australia - because of its location, because of its demographic, because it was an early organisation of the interfaith movement in Victoria.

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Joint Statement condemning violence proclaimed by Darebin’s 
Baha’i’, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim representatives.
Picture from here

Welcome to the June edition of the Darebin Interfaith e-Bulletin. We join with the local Buddhist community who celebrate Vesak, or Buddha’s Day, during this time. Why not take a moment to discuss with your Buddhist friends what this important occasion means for them.

Please find below and attached programs that may be of interest to you and your congregations, networks, organisations, community groups and friends. Feel free to distribute the information to anyone you feel may be interested.

In this edition below:

·         7th June - Climate Change Workshop

·         7th June - Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Festival

·         10^th June - Darebin Council Traffic & Transport Consultation (10th, 20th & 24th June)

·         13th June - Empower Youth Leadership

·         13th June - Coburg Mosque Tour

·         14th June - Refugee Week Celebration in Darebin

·         14th June - Tour to Places of Worship in Brimbank & Maribyrnong

·         16th June - ISIS, Sectarianism and Islamophobia

·         18 June - Refugee Week: Melton Interfaith Network

·         20th June - Street Iftar in Meadow Heights

·         20 June - Friendship Gathering with Yarra Interfaith Network

·         21st June - Night of the Winter Solstice

·         27 June - Iftar Dinner with Australia Light Foundation Mosque  

·         29 June - Business, Faith, Law, and Morality: The Asylum Seeker Debate

·         18 July - 'How Different Are We?’ - Nelson Mandela Day

·         Farsi Mother’s Playgroup (Every Thursday during school terms)

·         Australia Citizenship Announcement

·         Stop Watch VIC

·         About the Darebin Interfaith Council (DIFC)

Climate Change Workshop (7th June)

The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) and Greenfaith is running a community workshop on climate change.

Date & Time: Sunday, June 7, from 12:00pm-5:00pm
Venue: Multicultural Hub, Cnr Therry & Elizabeth Sts, Melbourne 

Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Festival (7th June)

On Sunday June 7th 2015, the Mornington Peninsula community will come together to celebrate at the Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Festival.

This annual festival is a celebration of diversity through music, dance, art, film, workshops and food - a celebration of multiculturalism, a celebration of multifaith, a celebration of the diversity within our community, and a celebration of our unique indigenous history.

Date & Time: Sunday, June 7^th, from 12:30pm-4:30pm
Venue: Peninsula Community Theatre - corner of Nepean Highway & Wilsons Road, Mornington VIC (Melways Ref: 145 E2)

Entry: FREE

Further Information:

• Phone: Judy O'Donnell on 0400 088 410
• Email: celebrate@interfaithfestival.com.au
• Web: www.interfaithfestival.org.au

Come and celebrate in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Bring your family as there will be special activities for the kids.

Darebin Council Traffic & Transport Consultation (10th, 20th & 24th June)

Darebin Council is about to undertake a citywide consultation with our residents and businesses to identify the traffic and transport priorities of our community. This information will help shape the upcoming implementation of the Darebin Traffic Management Strategy, as well as help Council prioritise the projects that we advocate to the state government about.

We will have an online survey available for the month of June at www.darebin.vic.gov.au/yoursay  as well as community forums where everyone is welcome to come along and share concerns and ideas, and ask questions of our Councillors and Council staff.  The dates are locations for the forums are:

·         Wednesday 10 June, 7.00 – 8.30pm, Keon Park Children’s Hub, 1-7 Dole Ave, Reservoir

·         Saturday 20 June 10.00 – 11.30am, Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell St and St Georges Rd, Preston

·         Wednesday 24 June, 7.00 – 8.30pm, Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote

Empower Youth Leadership (13th June)

The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne, Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association, and the Victorian Multicultural Commission are running a youth workshop to bring the influences of the social environment, our attitudes, our goals, our sense of self to consciousness so we can come to understand why we think what we think as we go through life.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 13, from 10:00am-5:00pm
Venue: Chellwe Room, Victorian Council of Churches, L4, Causeway House, 306 Lil Collins St, Melbourne
RSVP: linda@udg.com.au 

Coburg Mosque Tour (13th June)

Benevolence Australia is holding a tour of one of Australia's longest established mosques and Muslim community centres - Coburg Mosque.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 13, from 2pm-3pm
Venue: Coburg Mosque, 31 Nicholson St, Coburg
Dress: Appropriately, i.e. long pants or dress, head covering for women

Refugee Week Celebration in Darebin (14th June)

Darebin Mayor Councillor Steven Tsitas invites you to the opening of

Refugee Week 2015, WITH COURAGE LET US ALL COMBINE.

The celebration will be in memory of Late Hon. Malcolm Fraser’s contribution to the settlement, welfare and successful integration of Vietnamese refugees into Australia.

Celebrating the courage of refugees and of people who fight against persecution and injustice. A call for unity and for action to welcome refugees and asylum seekers to acknowledge their contribution to building a cohesive and prosperous city.

Date & Time: Sunday, 14 June, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Venue: Preston Shire Hall, 286 Gower Street, Preston, Vic, 3072 

RSVP: Kenichi Kurioka on phone 8470 8630 or email kenichi.Kurioka@darebin.vic.gov.au 

Tour to Places of Worship in Brimbank & Maribyrnong (14th June)

The Brimbank and Maribyrnong Interfaith Network would like to invite you to:

Places of Worship Bus Tour

Date & Time: Sunday, 14 June, from 10am (Maribyrnong) and 10:15am (Brimbank) to 2:30pm

Pick-up Location: 

·         10am – Meet at Maribyrnong Council Town Hall located at the corner of Hyde & Napier St, Footscray

·         10:15am – Meet at Brimbank City Council Municipal Offices located at 6-18 Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine
 

Finish at approximately 2:30pm – Drop off is at pick up point.

As part of Refugee Week, participating venues include:

·         Quang Minh Buddhist Temple in Braybrook

·         Sikh Temple in Hoppers Crossing

·         Hindu Temple in Rockbank

A light lunch will be served.

Please wear comfortable shoes and modest clothing covering thighs and shoulders. You may be asked to remove your shoes or cover your head to enter some areas of worship.

RSVP: This is a free community event but registration is essential. Limited spaces. All are welcome to attend.

Register online at: www.interfaithbustour.eventbrite.com.au or call (03) 9688 0342.

ISIS, Sectarianism and Islamophobia (16th June)

The Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights, Middle East Studies Forum, the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation are running a public workshop titled; ISIS, Sectarianism and Islamophobia.

Speakers include; Prof Kevin Dunn, Dr Benjamin Isakhan, Dr Virginie Andre, Ghaith Krayem, Saara Sabbagh and Albert Fatileh.

Date & Time: Tuesday, June 16, from 10:00am-3:00pm
Venue: Burwood Corporate Centre Level 2, Building BC Deakin University 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood
RSVP: adcg-admin@deakin.edu.au

Refugee Week: Melton Interfaith Network (18 June)

Melton Interfaith Network in conjunction with Melton City Council invites you to celebrate:

Refugee Week, With Courage Let us all combine.

Date & Time: Thursday 18 June, from 12.00pm - 1.00pm

Venue: Melton Library & Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton

Keynote Speaker: David MacPhail from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Lunch Provided

RSVP: 11 June 2015; David Cowan david@modern.com.au or 0424 125 690

Street Iftar in Meadow Heights (20th June)

Sareera Youth and Australia Youth are running their 6th annual Street Iftar free complimentary dinner to share the spirit of Ramadan and celebrate cultural diversity.

Date & Time: Wednesday, June 20, from 4pm
Venue: Meadow Heights Mosque, Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights

(Iftar is an evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset).

Friendship Gathering with Yarra Interfaith Network (20 June)

All are invited to attend an afternoon social get-together for the friends and supporters of the Yarra Interfaith Network. The afternoon will be a relaxed catch-up with friends and members.

Date & Time: Saturday, 20 June, from 2:30pm

Venue: Meeting Room (The New Complex), Old Colonists, Rushall Park, 20 Rushall Crescent, Fitzroy
 

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome.

For more information: Leona (Secretary) leona21@bigpond.com

Night of the Winter Solstice (21st June)

The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne would like to invite you to the “Night of the Winter Solstice” - an evening of beautiful music, chants and candle lighting. Experience mystical and transformative insights into your life’s journey.

Date & Time: Sunday, June 21, from 5pm - 7:15pm

Venue: St John’s Uniting Church - Corner Mt Alexander Road and Buckley Street, Essendon

Special Guests:

·         Venerable Chang Ji is an ordained nun under Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association in the Chinese Mahayana tradition of Buddhism.

·         Dr Alexander John Shaia is a spiritual director, educator, and psychologist

·         Cath Connelly is considered one of Australia's leading Celtic harpers. Interfaith Gathering in St John’s Church

Enquiries: Rev. Helen Summers, The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne    

Phone: (03) 9650 7163  Email: info@interfaithcentre.org.au
 

Proudly supported by St John’s Uniting Church, Dharma Drum Mountain Melbourne Chapter andQuadrato.

Iftar Dinner with Australia Light Foundation Mosque (27 June)

The Brimbank and Maribyrnong Interfaith Network in partnership with Australia Light Foundation Mosque invite you to join us for an Iftar Dinner (Evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset).

Date & Time: Saturday, 27 June 2015, from 5:15pm

Venue: Australia Light Foundation Mosque, 291-293 Sunshine Road, Tottenham

The venue has disability access and car parking facilities at the front and around the side and back of the building.

Please wear modest clothing covering thighs and shoulders. You may be asked to remove your shoes or cover your head. This is a no cost community event but registration is essential. Limited spaces. All welcome to attend.

RSVP by 19 June 2015: lightfoundation@hotmail.com or call 0419 876 846.

Please inform us on any dietary requirements so that it can be taken into consideration.

Business, Faith, Law, and Morality: The Asylum Seeker Debate (29 June)

We are conducting a free debate. What is Your opinion?

The Asylum Seeker issue needs resolving. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to listen to expert opinion and have your considerations and suggestions discussed.

What is the role of Faith and in the Asylum Seeker debate?

Are Asylum Seekers an Economic opportunity or threat?

Does Business have a role to play in the Asylum Seeker debate?

Do we have a Moral obligation to assist Asylum Seekers?

Is Australia’s policy to discourage some Asylum Seekers Legal?

Date & Time: Monday, 29 June, from 7:20 seated for prompt 7:30 start

Venue: Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (For more details visit: bflm.eventbrite.com.au)

RSVP: To reserve your FREE ticket and read more information, visit: bflm.eventbrite.com.au

Experts to lead the discussion include:

·         Julian Burnside AO QC. Julian is a high profile barrister committed to human rights who has been nominated a National Living Treasure.

·         Jarrod McKenna Jarrod, who was a practicing Pastor, and his family live with 17 newly settled asylum seekers at the First Home Project. He established Love Makes A Way and is currently on secondment from World Vision to Common Grace.

·         Ivor Ries worked as a journalist overseas and here writing the esteemed Chanticleer for the AFR.

·         Rev Prof Andrew Dutney is president of the Uniting Church is widely published, and regularly broadcast, in both religious and mainstream ethics.

·         Pamela Curr Is one of Who's Who Australian women and works at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

·         Ruth Bungay - is a multi-disciplined business consultant and economist.

'How Different Are We?’ - Nelson Mandela Day (18 July)

'How Different Are We?' celebrates our commonalities as people, united against the human rights violations that asylum seekers are enduring in detention.

Date & Time: Saturday, 18 July, from 12:00pm to 12:30pm

Venue: Federation Square, Corner Swanston Street & Flinders Street,
Melbourne

Group dance: YOU are invited to participate in the group dance on the day. All people of all backgrounds and ages (16 yrs+) are welcome – asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, non-refugees and all Melbournians. No dance experience is needed.

There are, however, compulsory and non-compulsory rehearsals if you wish to participate in the group dance.

Registration & information: http://howdifferentarewe.eventbrite.com.au

Facebook: How Different Are We?

Email: deb@howdifferentarewe.net

Farsi Mother’s Playgroup (Every Thursday during school terms)

Do you know of any Farsi (Persian) speaking mothers who would appreciate a culturally sensitive playgroup for their children (aged 0-6)? This program is facilitated by a qualified Early Years Practitioner who speaks Persian/Fasi.

Date & Time: Every Thursday Morning, 10 am to 12 pm (During school terms)

Venue: 104a Reynard Street, Coburg

All enquiries to: Rebecca Heffernan on Ph: 9386 7128, Email:

earlyyears@rrnh.org.au   

Australia Citizenship Announcement

The Commonwealth Government intends to update the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 so dual nationals who engage in terrorism can lose their citizenship.

Further details about this announcement can be found at:

http://www.pm.gov.au/media/2015-05-26/new-measures-strengthen-australian-citizenship-0

Stop Watch VIC

As part of their three-year action plan to address community concerns about racial profiling, Victoria Police have committed to implement a trial of ‘stop & search’ receipting in 2015, called the Receipting Proof of Concept (RPOC). It will be the first project of this type in Australia.

Access the Fact Sheet:  https://gallery.mailchimp.com/baf6d50953be65b638141c64c/files/StopWatch_20Factsheet_20Workers.pdf

About the Darebin Interfaith Council (DIFC)

The Darebin Interfaith Council (DIFC) acts as a reference group to the City of Darebin. Since 2005, the DIFC has endeavoured to build compassionate communities through collaboration and being on the forefront of numerous grassroots issues facing our community.

The Darebin Interfaith Bulletin seeks to promote activities that are consistent with the aims and values of the Darebin Interfaith Council and that foster interfaith dialogue and collaboration relevant to the interfaith community within the municipality of Darebin. To promote your activities in this newsletter, please provide text and web links to your promotional material. Within the above criteria, we are happy to promote your activities subject to editorial discretion.

If you received this message in error or no longer wish to receive Darebin interfaith material, please reply “Stop” and your email will be removed from our distribution list.

Regards,

Aziz Cooper
Interfaith Development Officer  |  Community Planning and Customer Service
T 84708519 M 0413 704 634
(Work Days: Wednesday & Thursday) 

Hallowe'en is upon us. No, it's not late October. But it is Hallowe'en in the Eastern Orthodox Church

This post below comes from the blog Khanya.  Khanya is the work of Steve Hayes who lives in South Africa. You can read about him in the "About me" section of his blog.  Steve is the oldest internet friend (since the late 1990s) of The Editor of Beside The Creek - first, they corresponded by email ... and then cam blogging and Yahoo Groups.  Steve is of an Anglican background but is a Deacon in the Serbian Orthodox Church these days.  Please note that the Orthodox calendar is Julian not our western Gregorian calendar ... so feast days in the Eastern Church occur differently from those in the Western Church.

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The evening of the Saturday after Pentecost is the Orthodox Hallowe’en, following immediately upon the Leavetaking of Pentecost.

Synaxis of All Saints – Orthodox Church in America:

The Sunday following Pentecost is dedicated to All Saints, both those who are known to us, and those who are known only to God. There have been saints at all times, and they have come from every corner of the earth. They were Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, Monastics, and Righteous, yet all were perfected by the same Holy Spirit.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to rise above our fallen state and to attain sainthood, thereby fulfilling God’s directive to “be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16, etc.). Therefore, it is fitting to commemorate All Saints on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

In the Western Church All Saints Day is always on the same calendar date, November 1st, so Hallowe’en is always the evening before, and it is followed by All Souls Day on November 2nd. In the Orthodox Church the calendar date varies, because Hallowe’en is always on the Saturday after Pentecost. And All Souls Day is always a week before, on the Saturday before Pentecost. Actually the Orthodox Church has more than one All Souls Day — there are several of them, spread through the year.

There are saints commemorated by name on every day throughout the year, but All Saints Day we remember all those, known and unknown, who have lived lives pleasing to God.

Troparion — Tone 4

As with fine porphyry and royal purple,
Your church has been adorned with Your martyrs’ blood shed throughout all the world.
She cries to You, O Christ God:
Send down Your bounties on Your people,
Grant peace to Your habitation, and great mercy to our souls!

Kontakion — Tone 8

The universe offers You the God-bearing martyrs,
As the first fruits of creation, O Lord and Creator.
Through the Theotokos, and their prayers establish Your Church in peace!

More hymns from the Orthodox Hallowe’en Vespers

Tone 6 (from the Pentecostarion) (Having placed all their hope)

The Saviour’s inspired Disciples
became instruments of the Spirit through faith.
They were scattered to the ends of the earth,
sowing the glad tidings of the true faith.
From their divine garden the army of martyrs blossomed in grace.
They became images of Christ’s saving Passion,
enduring every kind of torture, scourging, and fire.//
Now they boldly pray for our souls.

v. (3) For with the Lord there is mercy and with Him is plenteous redemption, and He will deliver Israel from all his iniquities.

The noble martyrs, burning with love of the Lord,
laughed at the fires and were consumed as burning coals.
Through Christ, they burned the withered arrogance of error.
They stilled the roaring of beasts with the voice of their prayers.
Beheaded, they decapitated the demonic hosts.
By the shedding of their own blood they watered the Church with faith.

v. (2) Praise the Lord, all nations! Praise Him, all peoples!

The heroic martyrs wrestled with beasts and were torn by their claws.
They were dismembered, slashed with swords, and shot with arrows;
they were consumed in the flames and pierced with lances.
All this they willingly endured,
for already they saw their unfading crowns, and the glory of Christ,
before Whom they boldly pray for our souls.

v. (1) For His mercy is abundant towards us; and the truth of the Lord endures for ever.

Come, let us praise the heroes of our faith:
Apostles, martyrs, holy priests, and noble women!
They fought for the faith in every part of the earth.
Though born of earth, they were united with the heavenly hosts.
Through their sufferings, they triumphed over evil by the grace of Christ.
As unfading lights, they illumine our hearts,
and with boldness they pray for our souls.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O divine choir of martyrs,
ye are the pillars of the Church and the fulfillment of the Gospel.
By your deeds ye have fulfilled the Savior’s words.
Ye have closed the gates of hell and defended the Church.
The shedding of your blood has dried up the libations poured out to idols.
Your sacrifice has nourished the body of the faithful.
Standing crowned before God, ye amazed the Angels.
Pray unceasingly to Him that our souls may be saved!

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Invitation to a World Environment Day event hosted by Church of Scientology : Guest speaker - Dr Berhan Ahmed

Interfaith Gathering on the Night of the Winter Solstice - Melbourne - 21 June 2015

Faith Communities Council of Victoria - June 2015 - Latest news & Upcoming Events

	Latest News & Upcoming Events June 2015
		Upcoming Events Scarves Story: Gippsland Ethnic Communities Council 4th June 11:00am Read More Interfaith Festival: Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network 7th June 12:30pm Read More Tour to Places of Worship: Dandenong Interfaith Network 10th June 8:30am Read More Tolerance & Respect of other Religions: Lajna Imaillah Victoria 13th June 11:00am Read More Annual General Meeting 2015: Council of Christians and Jews (Vic) 14th June 3:00pm Read More Tour to Islamic Museum of Australia: Casey Multi-Faith Network 16th June 9:30am Read More ISIS, Sectarianism and Islamophobia: Middle East Studies Forum 16th June 10:00am Read More Friendship Gathering: Yarra Interfaith Network 20th June 2:30pm Read More How Jesus The Faithful Jew became The Christ of Christianity: Council of Christians and Jews Vic 5th July 2:00pm Read More Multifaith Future Leaders Program 21st July 5:00pm Read More Climate Change Workshop: Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) / Greenfaith 26th July 12:00pm Read More Religious Dates & Holidays Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom (Sikhism) 16th June Read More Beginning of the Month of Ramadan (Islam) 18th June Read More Ashala Puja / Dharma Day (Buddhism) 2nd July Read More Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha'i) 10th July Read More Laylat al Qadr – Night of Destiny (Islam) 13th July Read More Ancestor Day / Ulambana / Obon- Mahayana) (Buddhism) 13th July Read More Eid ul Fitr – End of Ramadan and breaking of the Fast (Islam) 18th July Read More Tisha B’Av / Fast of Av (Judaism) 26th July Read More Obon (Shintoism) 13th August Read More Assumption of Mary (Christianity) 15th August Read More Latest news Interfaith September: Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania  Throughout the month of September, congregations within the Uniting Church in Australia, as well as congregations and groups from other denominations and religions are encouraged to participate in Interfaith September - an initiative to create a community of hospitality, conversation and friendship with people of all faiths in their neighbourhood. Read More Listening to the Land (Autumn): Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network  On Saturday 23rd May 2015, thirty-five people came together at Green's Bush, Main Ridge for the 'Listening to the Land' autumn program. Read More Symphony of Peace Prayers: Geelong Interfaith Network  On Sunday, 17 May 2015, the Geelong Interfaith Network took part in the Symphony of Peace Prayers (SOPP) at Geelong West Town Hall. Read More Jewish Bus Tour: Frankston Interfaith Network  On Wednesday 29 April 2015, twenty nine people departed Frankston Visitor Information centre for a bus tour to the Jewish Museum of Australia, St Kilda and the Progressive Synagogue of Temple Beth Israel, St Kilda followed by a kosher lunch in Elsternwick. Read More Faith Communities Council of Victoria on Facebook & Twitter  Did you know the Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) posts over 200 multifaith events and news articles per year on its website: faithvictoria.org.au Read More Articles Local: Good Samaritan assaulted after standing up for Muslim women who were abused on Melbourne train The Age, 26 May 2015 'Bomb proofing' Melbourne Jewish centre: Government funds $500,000 security wall The Age, 11 May 2015 Prevention better than deradicalisation as number of teenage jihadis grows The Age, 14 May 2015 Ancient Coptic Orthodox Church develops new high-rise parish in Melbourne CBD The Age, 4 May 2015 Media Release: State budget announced Andrew's government supports diversity and the arts Multicultural Arts Victoria, 6 May 2015 Muslim women’s football team to play historic curtain-raiser at MCG Herald Sun, 12 May 2015 The Art of Zhen Shan Ren in Melbourne Epoch Times, 14 May 2015 This is our Islam: Ararat Muslims reveal what it is like to be a religious minority in a country town ABC, 11 May 2015 Monash hospital agrees to female-only doctor requests after complaint The Age, 6 May 2015 National: Religious leaders call on Abbott government and Labor to pledge deep carbon cuts Sydney Morning Herald, 26 May 2015 This Is Why Australia Has ‘National Sorry Day’ Time, 25 May 2015 Sellicks Hills Buddha: Retreat to attract 20,000 visitors a year Herald Sun, 18 May 2015 Ingleside’s big landmark is an article of faith and beauty Daily Telegraph, 13 March 2015 Indigenous oral history honoured by Jewish community J Wire, 11 May 2015 Australian Megachurch Band Hillsong United Wins Billboard Music Award Ahead of 'Empires' Release Christian Post, 18 May 2015 Toowoomba residents will put city on show at UNESCO The Chronicle, 20 May 2015 Far-flung Broken Hill an unlikely base for two young Mormon missionaries ABC, 16 May 2015 International: ‘Olympics of religions’ receives a preview in Salt Lake City The Salt Lake Tribune, 25 April 2015 First Divine Liturgy in 93 Years Held in Historic Greek Orthodox Church in Izmir, Turkey Pappas Post, 16 May 2015 World's largest temple to be built in India  The Telegraph, 26 May 2015 Emotional moment for 'Sikh Samaritan' Daily Mail Australia, 25 May 2015 Dutch cabinet approves partial ban on Islamic veil in public areas The Guardian, 23 May 2015 The Challenges Faced By Religious Minorities Practicing Their Faith Malaysian Digest, 8 May 2015 The World’s Religions Bring Compassion to Nepal Parliament of Religions, 5 May 2015 Articles of Interest A Day in the Life of the Dalai Lama Lion’s Roar, 29 May 2015 Inside the World’s Largest Free Kitchen Munchies, 28 April 2015 Interfaith Collaboration – Walking the Talk Uri.org, 18 May 2015 Get literate in myth, religion and theology The Conversation, 20 March 2015 Arlington Cemetery Gravestones Honor America's Fallen Soldiers Of Every (And No) Faith Huffington Post, 25 May 2015 Multimedia: Islamic Sects informationisbeautiful.net 14 Powerful Moments Of Love And Sacrifice That Will Change How You See Hindus And Muslims Buzz Feed, 22 May 2015 Audio: Art as a spiritual practice ABC Radio, 24 May 2015 Has religion fallen off the radar in Australia? ABC Radio, 30 April 2015 Flesh and divinity–pagans, Jews and Christians ABC Radio, 2 April 2015 Video: Baha'i protest World News Australia, 17 May 2015 Hip-Hop Hijabis: Spitting Rhymes About Being Muslim And Female 18 May 2015 Resources Religion Fact Sheet What can you do as bystander Workplace Cultural Diversity Tool FCCV on Facebook and Twitter: To receive FCCV news on a regular basis, Like us onFacebook or Follow us on Twitter

True spirituality is caring for one another. A Sikh man gives his turban second priority.

Because this is what true spirituality is: caring for one another.
Posted by Diana Haywood on Sunday, 17 May 2015

Bhutanese vigil for Nepal - Saturday 16 May 2015, Broadmeadows. Details below.

The Bhutanese Community in Australia (BCA), currently residing in the municipality of Hume, Moreland & Melton, is holding Multifaith Vigil to remember the earthquake victims in Nepal and extend an invitation to communities of faith.

The community is saddened and shocked by the devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitudes on Saturday 25th April, causing unimaginable loss of lives, property, and destruction that is hard to comprehend. Authorities in Nepal have confirmed over 8,000 deaths and the fate of many more people in collapsed buildings and villages near the quake’s epicentre remains still unaccounted for.

At this difficult time, 

a Multifaith Vigil has been organised 

to remember and pray 

for the lost and recovery of the injured.

Date & Time: 

Saturday, 16th May 2015, from 2:00pm to 3:00pm (sharp)

Venue: 

Hume Global Hume Learning Centre Plaza, 

1093 Pascoe Vale Rd, Broadmeadows

For more information, 

please contact Tila on 0401 565 884 

or Khara 0403 702 595.

We heartily request all the communities 

from every faith and walks of life 

to please join us to support and pray for our brothers and sisters in Nepal, 

and stand hand in hand in solidarity.

Aziz Cooper
Interfaith Development Officer  |  Community Planning and Customer Service
T 84708519 M 0413 704 634
(Work Days: Wednesday & Thursday) 

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers in detention

Please copy this post to 

your Facebook, your Google+, Twitter - 

everywhere you can - 

so that mothers cruelly detained will know 

that there are Australian mothers, parents, grandparents, 

thinking of them and their children on this day.

Monash Health, the niqab and discrimination

One of Victoria's largest hospitals will change its policy on female-only care after a Muslim patient wearing a full-length niqab complained of discrimination during an antenatal visit at one of its clinics.

For Ziarata Zia, the niqab she wears – which reveals only her eyes, hands and feet – is central to her Muslim faith.

Ms Zia, who moved from Afghanistan to Melbourne in 2010, believes it is a sin to be seen without it or be touched by a man other than her husband or immediate family, except in an emergency.

Two years ago, a significant conflict arose during Ms Zia's antenatal consultation at a Monash clinic because she requested a female doctor. Afterwards she lodged a discrimination complaint at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

With advice from Victoria Legal Aid, Ms Zia resolved the matter before the hearing and was involved in a review of the hospital's policies by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

The commission found that the hospital's policy told pregnant patients who wanted to see a female midwife or doctor "for cultural or personal reasons" that this was not possible at Monash Health, and they should consider "other options of care".

The above text is from The Age of 6 May 2015.  

To read more, please go here