Events and Resources – 23rd September

In This Issue: Social Justice Sunday; Mental Health Week; Anti-Poverty Week; Poverty and Justice Bible; 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence; Institute of Restorative Justice and Penal Reform. Continue reading ‘Events and Resources – 23rd September’

Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is the World’s largest global interreligious event, held once every five years in a different city.
First held in Chicago in 1893, the Parliament of the World’s Religions brings together the world’s religious and spiritual communities, their leaders and their followers to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are discussed and explored in the context of interreligious understanding and cooperation. This event is organised by a non-profit organisation, Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions (based in Chicago) who then employ staff on the ground in the host city. Continue reading ‘Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009′

Taize Pilgrimage of Trust

Every year young people from different parts of world are invited to come and participate in Taize’s International Meeting. They share together in their own experiences of life and faith, joining in Taize’s famous, sung meditative prayer.
February 2010 will see a new stage of Taizé “Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth”, with the 5th meeting of its kind in Asia. There was an international meeting in Manila in 1991 with 15,000 young people participating.The aim of the meeting is to support young people in their search for God and in their desire to commit themselves to the Church and society.
Trust, peace and reconciliation will be central themes of the upcoming meeting. Visit www.taize.fr/en for more information. Continue reading ‘Taize Pilgrimage of Trust’

Christmas Island Bible Update

Thanks for the response to the story in the last “Together Online” that asked for donations towards bibles and other religious items for those in detention on Christmas Island.
An application to the Bible Society for a grant for English and Tamil language bibles has been successful, and the Catholic Women’s league is offering support for other religious items. Continue reading ‘Christmas Island Bible Update’

Handing On the Ecumenical Vision

A significant new development took place at the Australian centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra on Wednesday 9th September 2009.
During a special Day Conference on ecumenism “handing on the vision” there was a ceremony to inaugurate the association of the Centre for Ecumenical Studies (CES) with the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACC&C) Charles Sturt University.
The Executive Director of the ACC&C the Revd Prof Jaimes Haire AM welcomed this association, describing the mission of handing on the ecumenical vision ‘ as part of the ‘core business’ of the ACC&C. Continue reading ‘Handing On the Ecumenical Vision’

VCC calls on Federal Government to Review Aboriginal Policies

The Executive of the Victorian Council of Churches (VCC) calls upon the Federal Government to take the opportunity provided by the reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act to review all Aboriginal policies to ensure that they are in line with Australia’s international obligations.
UN Special Rapporteur Professor James Anaya has pointed out that the Northern Territory Intervention, in its current form and in its delivery, “is incompatible with Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Australia is a party to both treaties. The intervention is also incompatible with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which Australia supports”. Continue reading ‘VCC calls on Federal Government to Review Aboriginal Policies’

Acacia Prison Art

We received word from the Chaplaincy team at Acacia Prison that an Acacia prisoner had won first prize in the Prison Fellowship Australia art competition.
The PFWA (State) competition was exhibited in St. George’s Cathedral two months ago. Acacia inmates won first and second prizes in the paintings and drawings category and a third prize in the applied arts category.
The prize-winning artworks were sent to the national competition in Brisbane.
The normal practice is for prize-winning paintings to be sent to the Prison Fellowship International annual world competition. Congratulations to those involved.

Events for the Heart and Mind – 9th September

In This Issue: Deaths in Custody Watch Committee; Saint George’s Cathedral Centre for Spirituality;  Fr Denis Edwards; Breakthrough 2009; The Climate Project; The Looking Forward Fund; South African Zulu Choir; Revd. Prof. Robert Gribben; David Marr’s CARAD & CASE for Refugees talk Audio. Continue reading ‘Events for the Heart and Mind – 9th September’

Sustainable September

Sustainable September demonstrates sustainability in action in WA, and celebrates the people who are creating a just and sustainable future, in community, business, government, industry and education.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved -go to http://www.sustainableseptember.net.au/
STOP WATTS ENERGY SAVING CHALLENGE FOR ORGANISATIONS
Want to fight climate change?
Want to save your organisation money?
Want the glory of being crowned the greatest energy saver? Continue reading ‘Sustainable September’

Crosses for Christmas Island

The Carad worker on Christmas Island has had requests from some of those in immigration detention for her to supply them with English language bibles.
Many are Sri Lankan Catholics and have requested religious pictures, crosses and rosary beads.
The Council of Churches is helping to provide these materials.
If you wish to donate please contact the Council of Churches’ office on 92743888 or email administrator@churcheswa.com.au.