BOOK YOUR FREE BUS SEAT TO THE VICTORIAN INTERFAITH CONFERENCE IN BENDIGO. REGISTRATION IS FREE TOO.

To see the Bendigo program, please go here.

DACORUM INTERFAITH NETWORK IN THE UK: JAY LAKHANI TO SPEAK ON HINDUISM & AN INTERFAITH WEEK EVENT

Greetings

As usual, this email is sent "blind copied" to a number of people who have at some time expressed interest in DIN.  This time we have two important requests;

First, we have a special speaker at our next meeting on Monday 11th September at 7:30pm, at the Quaker (Society of Friends) Meeting House.

Jay Lakhani studied theoretical physics and more recently has spoken and broadcast widely about science, "spiritual humanism", and his Hindu perspective.  I am attaching to this email a poster (use the JPG or PNG file formats) advertising what we hope will be a "question and answer" very interesting session.  (One question might well be, what does he mean by spiritual humanism). We would be grateful if you could arrange to display this poster in any local meeting places or schools, colleges that you think appropriate. If you cannot print the poster (in colour), reply to me with your postal address and I hope to post to you A4 sized versions on card.

N. B., a vital request.  We have already given notice of our Inter Faith Week event on Sunday 19th November 12:00 noon at Adeyfield Community Centre.   As part of that event, we want to have stalls (generally on tables) representing as many as possible of the many Faith groups existing in the Dacorum area.  You may remember the public Interfaith event we had in November 2014, with many stalls, with a variety of literature, leaflets, posters, history, symbols and artefacts.  This year we will not be having public speeches about the individual faiths, but the stalls we hope will encourage face to face discussion, with interest to members of the public attending.  The purpose is not to proselytise, but increase mutual understanding. Could you please consider yourself organising, or asking leaders in your faith group, getting volunteers together to provide the material and if possible staff the stall.

I would be very grateful for quick interim responses, not necessarily committing yourself to anything, but registering possible interest, or stating that you have passed the request on to others.  If there are several offers from different parts of the same faith group, I will try to facilitate liaison between them, avoiding obvious duplication but encouraging individuality and diversity wherever that seems appropriate.

Norman Spink - on behalf of DIN

CALL OUT BY THE PLANETARY HEALING ARTISTS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC TO PLANETARY HEALING ARTISTS

PHAAA - Planetary Healing Artists Association of Australia inc. 

is a not for profit organization that creates a forum for artists including visual artists, performers, writers, healers, 

and other creatives in the community to share ideas for a sustainable future in a creative way. 

The main purpose is supporting an environmentally sustainable planet. 

WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN US at 7.30pm, 

1st Thursday bi-monthly upstairs at St Kilda RSL, 

88 Acland Street, St Kilda

On behalf of the Planetary Healing Artists' Association, COMMON and WIN Foundation

We are forwarding this email to invite Faith/Spiritual artists to exhibit to our upcoming art exhibition, One World.

There are 2 weeks to go now for submission forms to be in by 5th September 2017.
'One World', art exhibition is dedicated to world peace and will celebrate spirituality, faith and belief. It will explore the common connections between people with diverse beliefs, and promote the idea that by uniting for a common vision of a better world for all, that together we can make a difference. It is our hope that the exhibition will promote greater understanding and compassion in the broader community.

The exhibition will open on UN International Peace Day, 21st September 2017 and will run until 29th September at 4Dverse Gallery in St Kilda (1/118A Carlisle St - opposite the Town Hall).

We are calling for artworks along these themes in a variety of visual art mediums, representing a diverse range of beliefs and faiths. Submissions are due on 5th September (see attached for a flyer and submission form) and will be selected by a Panel curating the exhibition. 

Please share this email with your networks and let us know if you would like to exhibit your artwork.

Blessings
Maria
for the Planetary Healing Artists Team

info@planetaryhealingartists.org

www.planetaryhealingartists.org

Volunteers always win...  the more you get to act, the more opportunities you create. Raise your hand. Step forward. Step up. You'll be glad you did.  Jeff Haden

UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION : INTERFAITH PEACEBUILDING

Interfaith Peacebuilding

This age of globalization needs enlightened leaders in each faith who can examine their sacred writings and traditions and identify the aspects that can benefit all humanity as well as those that preserve each religion's identity. UPF calls on people of faith to honor the Divine indwelling in a way that encourages understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of all faiths for the well-being of our communities and peace in the world.

• Resources for organizing interfaith programs
• UPF's Statement on Interreligious Dialogue
• PowerPoint presentation on Interfaith Peacebuilding
• Proposal for establishing an interreligious council at the United Nations
• Landmark address by UPF Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon on "The Responsibility of Religious Leaders in Building a Culture of Peace"
• UPF's interfaith journal Dialogue & Alliance

UPF has an Office for Interfaith Understanding & Cooperation among Religions in Jerusalem, c/o Dr. Nurit Hirshfeld.

INTERFAITH ORGANIZATIONS

• KAICIID Dialogue Center
• Parliament of the World's Religions
• United Religions Initiative: Cooperation Circles
• US Institute of Peace: Religion and Peacemaking Program
• World Conference of Religions for Peace
• World Congress of Faiths

Interfaith push for action on climate change ahead of the UN's December conference on climate change in Paris

Faith leaders hand over a statement signed by 154 religious leaders from different faith groups to the Executive Director of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana Figueres.

Photo Credit: ACT Alliance

[ACNS] As representatives from almost 200 countries conclude their final round of negotiations in Bonn, Germany, this week, ahead of December’s UN-led international conference on climate change in Paris; a number of leading Anglicans and Episcopalians have put their name to a statement calling for an ambitious climate agreement.

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Primate of Southern Africa; Presiding Bishop Francisco De Assis Da Silva from the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil (Anglican Church in Brazil); the Rt Revd Juan David Alvarado Melgar and the Most Revd Armando Guerra Soria, Bishops of El Salvador and Guatemala in the Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America (Anglican Church in the Central America region); the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam and the Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishops of Salisbury and Dudley in the Church of England; and Dr Agnes Abuom, from the Anglican Church of Kenya and moderator of the central committee of the World Council of Churches, are amongst a number of Anglicans and 154 religious leaders who signed the statement that was handed to negotiators this week.

In addition to calling for an ambitious climate agreement, the statement urges all governments to commit to emission cuts and climate risk reduction. They also pledge important contributions from their own faith communities, including divestment from fossil energy.

The statement was handed to the UN’s executive director of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana Figueres, on behalf of the faith leaders by Cornelia Füllkrug-Weitzel, director of Bread for the World, Germany, and Karin Kortmann, vice president of the Catholic Lay Council of Germany.

“Guided by our religious beliefs, we as faith leaders have come together to call for an ambitious Paris outcome,” Ms Kortmann said. “In the past month the UN family has decided to take responsibility for both, environment and humankind by approving the Agenda 2030.

“In Paris the heads of states and governments have the chance to give evidence, how serious they are. The survival of millions of human beings depends on them.”

And Ms Füllkrug-Weitzel said: “We urge governments to commit to building climate resilience, phasing out fossil energies and reaching zero emissions by mid-century. We call for a robust mechanism to review and ratchet up ambitions, transparency and accountability rules applicable to all, and the provision of finance and support to poor and vulnerable countries.”

This faith leaders’ statement builds on a growing number of calls from faith groups made throughout the past year, including the Pope’s encyclical Laudato Si’, the declaration of the New York Interfaith Summit, the Lambeth Declaration, and the Islamic declaration on climate change.

“Such calls mark the engagement of different faith groups working together towards the same goals,” the ACT Alliance, which organised the statement, said. “The message from faith groups is now unequivocal.”

• Click here to read the full statement and list of signatories on the ACT Alliance website.

What is the Heart of our Humanity : Relecting on the history of Interfaith and the Parliament of the World's Religions

What is the Heart of our Humanity:  Boroondara Interfaith Network

(Please pass on to your respective networks) The Boroondara Interfaith Network, in partnership with Swinburne Chaplaincy and Swinburne University, invite you to join: What is the Heart of our Humanity? | Community reflection on the history of interfaith and the Parliament of the World’s Religions Date: Wednesday 11 November 2015       Time: 4pm to 6:30pm Location: Level 2, Swinburne Multi Faith Facility, The George Building, 34 Wakefield Street, Hawthorn The Parliament is the oldest and most inclusive gathering of people of all faith traditions across the globe. At this year’s conference in Salt Lake City, over 10,000 people came together to discuss topics about compassion, peace, justice and sustainability. As part of our reflection, hear about some of the key issues raised at the Parliament and share in a community conversation about the meaning of our humanity here in Boroondara. A vegetarian afternoon tea will be provided. Please feel free to distribute to your networks. All are welcome. RSVP: This is a free event, however bookings are essential. Register online at: www.heartofhumanity.eventbrite.com.au Note: If you would like to attend this event and have specific access, communication or dietary needs please call 9278 4753 by Monday 2 November and we will do our best to accommodate you. Read More

Sikhs at the 2015 Parliament of the World's Religions in Salt Lake City

Sikhs served up thousands of free meals at the #2015Parliament in Salt Lake City http://t.co/pb7MAGBa4m pic.twitter.com/ijjGQxVNI8

— Huffington Post (@HuffingtonPost) October 18, 2015

Australia's beauty lies in the harmony & diversity within our society. Let's support and maintain this.

THESE ARE THE HEADLINES REGARDING 

WHAT HAPPENED IN MELBOURNE

ON SATURDAY 18 JULY 2015 

AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

Who was the centre of attention in front of and near Victoria's Parliament House yesterday?  Reclaim Australia and their associates wanted to provide a double focus of attention: themselves and Muslims living in Australia.

No Room for Racism and its sympathisers were equally determined on a dual focus: to counter the racism of Reclaim Australia and its cohort and to make the public aware of their organisation.

Did the events of the day go as planned for both sides?  Possibly. Possibly not.  However, it seems that there were elements on both sides who were prepared for trouble one way or another.  

A group with a similar title to Reclaim Australia hit Ballarat early in 2014.  Restore Australia arrived in Ballarat trying to incite antagonism to the building of a mosque in the city - a city which was the site of Australia's first document demanding democratic rights.  As can be seen from this Facebook presence, drumming up opposition to the mosque being built by Ballarat's small Islamic community was not too successful.  

What Restore Australia did not take into account in the Ballarat situation is that community friendships had already been forged within the broader community by the time they blew into town.  The local Islamic community had friends - a broad spectrum of friends.  And the then Mayor was an early responder.

Meanwhile, amid all this swirling of clashing tensions and violent police intervention, what were Muslims doing? Yesterday was the beginning of Eid celebrations. Muslims were enjoying themselves. Behind them was a month of fasting. Now can come the feasting.  Perhaps Reclaim Australia chose the day and date deliberately with an intent to insult Muslims - or perhaps they knew there would not be a Muslim in sight or hearing of their rampage!

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria has issued the following statement.

Statement on Nationwide Rallies:  Faith Communities Council of Victoria The Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) has issued the following statement in light of reports that over the weekend of the 18/19th July 2015, Reclaim Australia is planning nationwide rallies which we believe are divisive and not in the nation’s best interests.  The acceptance of our multicultural and multifaith society is one of Australia's greatest achievements and assets. The celebration of this rich diversity that exists in our society ensures we remain innovative, resilient and globally competitive - all of which enhances our society and increases our standard of living. Like any asset, our multicultural and multifaith identity needs to be continuously nourished and threats to undermine it need be addressed. The current environment fueled by economic uncertainty and fear is encouraging the rise of extreme groups like Reclaim Australia and UPF (United Patriots Front), who are intent on disenfranchising minorities and disturbing the peace within our society. These groups demonstrate they possess anti-Muslim, anti-Asian, anti-Indigenous, anti-Semitic and anti-Refugee sentiments. We, the Faith Communities Council of Victoria, actively discourage any kind of involvement with these groups and see them as a threat to peace and social cohesion within our society.  We believe there has to be a continuous dialogue promoting multiculturalism and multifaith. We also encourage all to discourage others from supporting these groups in any way. The harmony and diversity in our society is the basis of the beauty of Australia, and we request your support in maintaining this. Faith Communities Council of Victoria is comprised of the following peak bodies: Baha'i Community of Victoria, Brahma Kumaris Australia, Buddhist Council of Victoria, Hindu Community Council of Victoria, Islamic Council of Victoria, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria and Victorian Council of Churches.

How the interfaith movement engenders mutual understanding and appreciation ....

Published on 24 Apr 2015

Dr. Brian Birch discusses how the Interfaith Movement can help address today's critical issues, and how interfaith dialogue lends itself to strengthening one's respective religious tradition, to discovering shared values and beliefs, and to gaining greater mutual understanding.

From The Editor of Beside The Creek,

interfaith understanding and appreciation

is a work of peace.

Currently the world is a mess of wars and conflicts -

human activities which will not bear good or useful fruit.

Understanding a broader humanity and what makes it tick

is not only interesting and fun,

it helps us to understanding each other's place in the world

and the contribution that each of us make to human culture.

Jay Phillilps Center for Interfaith Learning

For your edification and education and exploration - a very interesting interfaith site...

The Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning

The Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning is a collaborative enterprise of the University of St. Thomas and Saint John’s University (MN), and it also serves the College of Saint Benedict (MN), which shares a common curriculum with Saint John's. Its mission is to promote interfaith learning, friendship, and service among people of various religions.

Victorian Interfaith Network Conference 2014 - Sunday 23 November

2014 Victorian Interfaith Network Conference - Sunday, November 23rd

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria, in association with Monash Interfaith Gathering and City of Monash, would like to invite you to the 2014 Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference on Sunday, November 23rd 2014.

The Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference (VINC) is a grass-roots conference which aims to help build the capacity and sustainability of existing multifaith/interfaith networks, bring people up-to-date with current multifaith/interfaith matters and provide networking opportunities

Mulgrave Community Centre

The 2014 VINC will be held at Mulgrave Community Centre - 355 Wellington Road, Mulgrave Victoria (Melway 80 D1).

The City of Monash is one of the most culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities in Victoria with at least 45% of Monash residents born overseas, 69% with at least one parent born overseas, 48% speaking a language other than English at home and over 30 religions represented in the Monash Municipality.

Monash Interfaith Gathering and City of Monash look forward to hosting this annual multifaith event and creating an opportunity for dialogue, sharing of good practice examples, networking and relationship building.

Schedule:

• 12:00pm-1:25pm Registration and Lunch (lunch closes 1:15pm)
• 1:30pm-2:15pm Honoured guests and keynote speech on Domestic Violence: Why Faith Communities need to be involved
• 2:20pm-3:15pm Workshops and Plenary sessions
• 3:20pm-3:45pm Afternoon Tea
• 3:50pm-4:45pm Workshops and Plenary sessions
• 4:50pm-5:00pm Closing ceremony

Workshops & Plenary Sessions:

1. Finding & writing grants for interfaith networks
2. Ideas on what programs to run in your interfaith network
3. Domestic Violence – why faith communities must be involved
4. The role of interfaith networks in a growing multifaith Victoria

Enrolment for workshops and planery sessions can be made on the day of event. Each attendee can enrol in up to two sessions. Please arrive early to ensure you enrol in your preferred sessions. For more information on each session click here.

Registration:To register for this free event please go to vinc.eventbrite.com.au - click on the green Register button, fill out your name and email address, and let us know of any special dietary requirements. Please note, places are limited so register early.

Further information:For more information on the 2014 Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference please contact:

• Mohamed Mohideen, Monash Interfaith Gathering - Mobile: 0425 739 364   Email:monashinterfaith@gmail.com   OR
• Sandy Kouroupidis, Faith Communities Council of Victoria - Mobile: 0413 347 055  OR Email:officer@faithvictoria.org.au

This event is proudly supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Faith Communities Council of Victoria, City of Monash and Monash Interfaith Gathering

Media release can be downloaded from here

Other material relating to the conference can be read on line and/or downloaded from the inclusions below:

The Multifaith Perspectives Program - free radio and media training for young people

Received from Faith Communities Council of Victoria ~~~

SYN is looking for young people of diverse faith backgrounds for The Multifaith Perspectives Program. You can receive FREE radio and media training AND the opportunity to promote understanding and acceptance in the community on your own live radio show.

Participants will receive:

- FREE radio and media training

- The opportunity to be part of a weekly radio program Saturday afternoons on SYN Radio

- Form your own program as a group - make the content YOU want to make.

- 1 year SYN membership and support

- A chance to make new friends, learn new skills and have fun as part of the SYN community

SYN is looking for anyone aged 12-25 interested in multifaith/interfaith dialogue. No prior experience necessary.

This project is supported by funding from the Victorian Multicultural Commission under their "Promoting Harmony - Multifaith/Interfaith Grants"

To apply go to: http://www.syn.org.au/MultifaithPerspectives

Applications close August 25.

For more information contact Danae Gibson, Diversity Programming Coordinator:
Direct Line: 03 9925 4192  Mobile: 0439 384 569  E-mail: training@syn.org.au

Deepening understanding - Dr Michalis S. Michael speaks about why we need to work together - Melton Interfaith Network

Melton Interfaith Network invites you to:

Faith in Meltona collaborative forum between faiths

Date: Tuesday 5 August, 2014    Time: 7.15pm – 9pm
Location: Balam Balam room, ground floor - Melton Library and Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton

Guest Speaker: Dr Michális S. Michael
Senior Research Fellow & Deputy Director, Centre for Dialogue Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University
Speaking on Interfaith: why we need to work together

Dr Michael’s work seeks to deepen our understanding of the increasingly complex and often volatile social, political and cultural environments. He explores dialogue as a way to bring differing groups together to explore alternative visions. His work provides both governmental and non-governmental agencies with new possibilities for defusing polarisation and maximising the prospects for constructive engagement, through mutually enriching intercultural, interfaith and interethnic dialogue.

All welcome. Food provided. To assist with catering, please RSVP your dietary requirements by 29 July 2014 -  Ring our Secretary: David Cowan davidcowan2@gotalk.net.au on 0424 125 690.

• Car park at rear and street parking at front of building
• Disability accessible venue, including disability parking at rear and front of building
• Need an interpreter? Please let us know

This forum is proudly supported by Melton City Council and Victorian Multicultural Commission

About Melton Interfaith Network

• Our Mission: A cohesive, tolerant and harmonious community
• Our Vision: To promote respect, understanding, cooperation and appreciation for the many religious and faith traditions within our community

The Legacy of Rev Prof Robert Anderson - The Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria)

The Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria) invites you to:

The Annual Sr Shirley Sedawie Oration on:

The Legacy of Rev Prof Robert Anderson AM

Delivered by Dr John Bodycomb, OAM

Picture above from Crosslight

Date: Sunday, 10 August 2014  Time: 2:30pm

Location: The Danglow Centre, St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, 12 Charnwood Grove, St Kilda, VIC 3182

The Rev Dr John Bodycomb is a Uniting Church minister, in active retirement.  He has been religious educator, university chaplain and dean of a theological school, as well as minister with congregations in Australia, the USA and New Zealand.  His doctorate is in the sociology of religion.  He was a close friend of Professor Robert Anderson and was on the staff of the Uniting Church Theological Hall with him.

For further information please contact Liz Parker at:

The Council of Christians and Jews (Vic) Inc.

326 Church Street, Richmond  VIC  3121

Telephone/Fax:  (03)  9429 5212, Email:  ccjvic@bigpond.net.au

Compassion - an essential ingredient for a better community

From Margarent Lenan Ellis, 

Public Relations Officer - Ballarat Interfaith Network ~~~

Ballarat Interfaith Network (BIN) is delighted to partner with the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council (BRMC) in hosting an Interfaith Forum calling for Compassion as an Essential Ingredientfor a Better Community.

This public forum, to be held at M.A.D.E. on Friday 22 August at 6pm, presents the opportunity to hear speakers from diverse faith backgrounds offer spiritual insight into the healing and enabling power of compassion – within ourselves, our families, communities and nations of the world.

By juxtaposing Ghandi’s quote on the forum flier: Be the Change you want See in the World with a topic calling for increased compassion as a way of implementing positive change, this interfaith forum invites all attending to both hear and contribute to deeply purposeful discussion. 

Following introduction of the topic by the guest speakers, everyone will have the opportunity to respond to and discuss the topic with others in the audience.

Such discussions can be stimulating, revelatory and even challenging – catalysts for change within ourselves, and our own fields of influence.

We hope you take the time to join BRMC and BIN in participating in this Interfaith Forum at M.A.D.E.  (102 Stawell St Sth, Ballarat) at 6pm on Friday 22 August.

The Australian Fair for Freedom of Belief & Religion - on this weekend at MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart)

Apologies for only providing this information now.

However, I have only just found out by email.

More details at the AFFBR website and

the media release below which has been obtained on-line

from TasmanianTimes.com

Links in the media release below have been placed by the Ed.

MONA to host 

The Australian Fair for Freedom of Belief and Religion

Delia Nicholls 

Research Curator and Media Manager 

Museum of Old and New Art
27.05.14 6:12 pm

Mona is hosting the inaugural Australian Fair for Freedom of Belief and Religion to be held from July 26 to 27, 2014.

The AFFBR seeks to bring together a wide range of groups, communities and organisations from around Australia to present a broad spectrum of beliefs and religious views as represented in our contemporary society.  The AFFBR will run for two days and will include forums and workshops offering visitors the chance to experience and to learn about many diverse viewpoints.

“I am sure everyone will be wondering why Mona is doing this given David Walsh’s clear statements of non-belief in any gods,” says Jarrod Rawlins, Mona’s assistant curator.

“We have the freedom to offer a forum where everyone can engage with and learn about the beliefs and religious views that are part of many people’s lives. We hope the fair is a place of freedom, tolerance and learning,” Rawlins added.

Rawlins confirmed that expressions of interest have been sent to many groups inviting them to take part and so far there has been a great response.  He said that Mona will not charge any fee to registered participants to take part in the fair, and that there were still a handful of positions available.

IN SUMMARY
What:  Australian Fair for Freedom of Belief and Religion
Where: Mona – Museum of Old and New Art
When:  July 26 and 27, 2014; 10 am to 5pm
What provided: exhibition booth, table and chair, cinema for talks and films, spaces for workshops and other related activities
Cost: No booth charges for registered participants
Contact Details: affbr@mona.net.au

PARTICIPATING GROUPS SIGNED TO DATE
Eckankar
Ecorevolutionaries
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hobart
Goddess Association in Australia Inc.
Loads of Laughter (laughing yoga)
Love Hobart
Share International / Tara Network
Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
Tashi Choling Dharma Foundation / Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre
Kabbalah Australia
Hobart Sukyo Mahikari Centre
Ron Cruikshank - Pathways of Light
The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change
Religions for Peace Australia
Brahma Kumaris Australia
The Tasmanian Pagan Alliance
The Emmanuel Synagogue
Hobart Spiritualist Church
The Lotus Centre Hobart
Professor Douglas Ezzy – Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Tasmania, Hobart
Dr. Graeme Miles – Lecturer in Classics, University of Tasmania, Hobart
Mandy Cruikshank - Colour Vibrations (harp meditation)

mona.net.au

The Museum of Old and New Art

It's Time To Share The Faith

Interfaith blogging

Beside the Creek, the blog of the Ballarat Interfaith Network, is but one of many interfaith blogs across the planet.  Here is another, Project Interfaith.