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Religions for Peace (Australia)

[Edited extract of public address]

Religions for Peace (Australia) is Australia’s largest community-based organization working for inter-religious harmony and social cohesion.

In abbreviated form, it is known as RfP Australia. It is affiliated with the World Conference of Religions for Peace (now known as Religions for Peace International) with its headquarters in New York – its website is www.religionsforpeace.org It is the world’s largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s great religions dedicated to promoting peace. It has 54 national chapters together with cross-national interreligious councils in Africa, Europe, etc.

It strives also to create multireligious partnerships to confront the world’s most dire issues: stopping war, ending poverty and protecting the earth. Religious communities are the largest and best organized civil institutions in the world, claiming the allegiance of billions across cultural, racial, language, class and cast divides. As grassroots organizations, they have country-based and culturally-based infrastructure and resources to mobilize people as necessary and to deploy assistance and support to where it is most needed.

The mission of Religions for Peace Australia is to work for interreligious peace and harmony and for social cohesion in Australia as well as upholding the universal values of authentic religion and spirituality. Its aims are:

(a) to work with faith traditions and religious organizations for interreligious understanding and harmony in Australia, including the right to freedom of belief, and across the world
(b) to highlight the salience of religion in multifaith Australia, highlighting its resources and the importance of religion and spirituality in national life
(c) to work with religious and interfaith organizations as well as with government and civil agencies in achieving social cohesion in Australia
(d) to create social wealth for the Australian nation, ensuring that the role of religious bodies is positively appreciated
(e) to sponsor activities and events, including research and evaluative studies, into the multicultural and interfaith perspective in society
(f) to work with educational bodies to educate the different levels and sectors of society about religion itself and the many faith traditions
(g) to support national and local interfaith organizations in Australia in their work in local government areas
(h) to organise meetings of religious leaders at national and local levels and with political and civic leaders
(i) to encourage interfaith activity and the formation of interfaith organizations among particular groups, including the young

If interested in supporting this uniting approach to achieving aspirations, there are many ways to get involved. Check out their website for regularly posted community-led events, or if preferring to quietly support the work of others, consider becoming an individual member.

Inquiries/More Information:
Religions for Peace Australia Inc.
PO Box 1383, Carlton Victoria 3053
Tel: 9700 1250

GEIFN Gathers

Glen Eira Interfaith Network has occasional gatherings as part of its aspiration to foster understanding and build trust that uniting together with a shared goal can bring. 

Inquiries/More Information:
Check out the website, sign up for regular newsletter or contact organizers for more details.

Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) Volunteer Overseas 2015 Information Evening

Time: 6.30-7.45pm
Where: Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Cnr Flinders and Spencer Streets, Melbourne
Date: Monday 16 February
RSVP: www.australianvolunteers.com or call 1800 331 292

 The goal of AVID program is for Australian volunteers to make an effective contribution to development objectives of Australian Government and its partner governments through working with people and organisations in developing countries.

Work directly with people in developing communities overseas. From Pacific Island nations to South East Asia and Africa.
-- Mentoring and skill sharing is the key, so a number of years' experience in your field is essential
-- People are needed in management, finance, agriculture, health, marketing, trades, education, information technology, human resources - the list goes on.
-- Settle in for 12-18 months and live like a local
-- Airfares, modest living allowances, insurance and accommodation covered, plus extensive briefing
In 2013-14, a total of 2,006 volunteers were supported in 43 countries with the majority of the volunteers on assignment in the Asia Pacific region.

Organisers: 
AVID program is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and implemented through three partners: Scope Global, Australian Volunteers International and Australian Red Cross.
http://www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/

Hamer Scholarships

2015 Language Study Opportunities for up to 160 Victorians to study language in China, Indonesia, Japan or Korea

A Victorian Government Initiative designed to build language and cultural capabilities between Victorians and China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

Scholarships of $10,000 ea for China or Indonesia and $15,000 ea for Japan or Korea

Online applications for study in the second half of 2015 will open from 9 March to 5 April 2015.

Applications open to Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 21+, primarily Victorians working in all private, public, not for profit, academic and creative industries with linkages to China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea. Study duration at least five months and applicants should explain how receiving scholarship would significantly benefit their business, career path, study plan, or employer's future engagement with China, Indonesia, Japan or Korea.

Organisers: Department of State Development, Business and Innovation, Program Manager, International VGBOs and Coordination 

Abraham our Father - the figure of Abraham in Jewish Tradition

When: 3 Sessions: Sundays 8, 22 February, 15 March 2015. 7.30-9.15pm.

 Where: St Kilda-Elsternwick Baptist Church, 9 Pakington Street St Kilda

Abraham has a special status in all three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In Judaism he is known as the first of the three Patriarchs and the first person in human history to recognise the unity of God. What does Jewish tradition mean when it calls Abraham 'our Father'? What sort of person is portrayed by the stories of Abraham in the Bible? And what role does the figure of Abraham play in the lives of Jews today?

In this three-session course we'll be drawing on Jewish tradition to guide our reading of specific stories in the Abraham cycle:
Abraham's call, the annunciation and birth of Isaac, and the sacrifice of Isaac.

By the end we hope to bring new understandings to Abraham, Jewish tradition and ways that we can read the Bible.

Presenter: 
Rabbi Fred Morgan

Rabbi Morgan is Emeritus Rabbi of Temple Beth Israel, St Kilda, where he served as Senior Rabbi for 16 years. He trained to be a rabbi in London and prior to coming to Australia he served a synagogue in the UK for 13 years.

He is currently Professorial Fellow in Theology and Interfaith Relations at Australian Catholic University, and he also coordinates the "Grass Roots Dialogue Project" for the Victorian Council of Christians and Jews. This is an innovative program designed to introduce principles of interfaith dialogue to Jews and Christians at a grass roots level.

He is married to Sue and they have three children and one grandchild.

Auspiced by the City of Port Phillip Mulitifath Network

 Cost: Gold coin donation to the work of the network

 Further Information: Alan Marr 0407 095 695

Equality for Women is Progress for all

2015 International Women’s Day Event

[Edited extract of public address]


Speakers:
-- Merissa Mathew founder of the Butterfly Foundation http://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/contact-us/

Where: Sandrigham Yacht club, Jetty Road, Sandringham VIC 3191 http://www.syc.com.au 

Bookings/More Information:
The Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central Inc.
John Lehner, Membership Committee 
Tel: 9579 3048

GEIFN Gathers

Glen Eira Interfaith Network has monthly  breakfasts as part of its aspiration to foster understanding and build trust that uniting  together regularly can bring. No bookings required, just turn up 1st Wednesday of month at venue and look for a familiar face. Bring your own (self, spouse, partner, children, pet) or advise attendance so a GEIFN Gatherer can welcome you. Date and venue for next Gather below.

Breakfast: 7.30*-8.00am
Coffee/Tea: 8-8.30am
Come for a part or stay for both. Participants pay own costs.

*January later start due to venue's holiday opening time

Spot Cafe
http://www.spotcaffeteria.com/

In keeping with the "flash-gather" idea, venue does not know we are coming and may be subject to change due to changing nature of things. 

Organiser
Contact GEIFN Gathers coordinator Carey 0438 371 488 with questions, advise attendance, leave a mobile number for an SMS reminder on day or to be advised of changed plans.

Wikimedia Foundation 2014 Report

[Edited extract of donor address]

Thank you for your invaluable gift of bringing knowledge to every human around the world.

My name is Lila Tretikov, and I’m the Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation. Over the past year, gifts like yours powered our efforts to expand the encyclopedia in 287 languages and to make it more accessible all over the world. We strive most to impact those who would not have access to education otherwise. We bring knowledge to people like Akshaya Iyengar from Solapur, India. Growing up in this small textile manufacturing town, she used Wikipedia as her primary learning source. For students in these areas, where books are scarce but mobile Internet access exists, Wikipedia is instrumental. Akshaya went on to graduate from college in India and now works as a software engineer in the United States. She credits Wikipedia with powering half of her knowledge.

This story is not unique. Our mission is lofty and presents great challenges. Most people who use Wikipedia are surprised to hear it is run by a non-profit organization and funded by your donations. Each year, just enough people donate to keep the sum of all human knowledge available for everyone. Thank you for making this mission possible.

On behalf of nearly half a billion people who read Wikipedia, thousands of volunteer editors, and staff at the Foundation, I thank you for keeping Wikipedia online and ad-free this year.

Thank you,
Lila

Lila Tretikov
Executive Director,
Wikimedia Foundation

Many employers will match employee contributions: please check with your company to see if they have a corporate matching gift program.

More Information:
The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 
U.S. tax-exempt number: 20-0049703

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre 2014 Report

[Edited extract of public address]

Thank you for all of your efforts in 2014, we could not have achieved what we have without you. We want to thank everyone who donated to our Christmas Appeal. 

If you haven't already, please consider donating and join us in standing up for asylum seekers.

We couldn't possibly list all of our achievements from 2014, but here are some of them:
-- Building and moving into our amazing new Footscray home, with 680 volunteers helping over 39 working bees to turn the shell of an old office building into a vibrant, welcoming Centre.
-- Providing English classes and employment services to more than 740 members through our new Dandenong Centre.
-- Delivering over 2300 legal appointments, 3200 health appointments, 4000 hours of English classes and 1500 counselling appointments.
-- Serving 40,000 community meals throughout the year and providing groceries to over 200 families each week.
-- Through our social enterprises, catering more than 760 events and providing over 6000 hours of cleaning services.
-- Engaging and educating 21,500 people through our Schools and Speakers Programs.Brokering 110 sustainable jobs for asylum seekers.
-- Providing almost 200,000 hours of public transport, distributing almost 40,000 nappies and providing 1400 asylum seekers with winter coats and blankets through our material aid program.
-- Partnering with Get-Up to arrange a Light the Dark vigil for Reza Berati after he was murdered in detention on Manus Island.

Inquiries/More Information:
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Melbourne, VIC 3011Australia
website: www.asrc.org.au

New Year's Hopes and Resolutions

Dr. Mary Nelson

Executive Director

In Ramah, a voice is heard, crying and weeping loudly.
Rachel mourns for her children, and refuses to be comforted, because they are no more.
But I, the Lord, say to dry your tears.
Someday your children will come home from the enemy’s land.
Then all you had done for them will be greatly rewarded.
So don’t lose hope. 
- Jeremiah 31: 14-17
There have been a lot of tears in these last months—school girls stolen and missing in Nigeria, young men abducted and killed in Mexico, youth leaving their homes and joining ISIS, young men killed on the streets, and the mass murder of students in a school in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Too easily some of us succumb to despair and hopelessness. Others of us are not involved, don’t feel the pain. It seems distant to us. But on the streets in my Chicago community, it is not distant. The violence is here and now. The killings happen. Young lives snuffed out. There are a lot of tears.
So what do we do? Wring our hands and give up? Try and ignore the violence?
We will be facing this issue at the upcoming 2015 Parliament in Salt Lake City, October 15-19th, and looking for people to identify what can and is being done, and to make our personal commitments to take positive action.
In the meantime, it would be a good resolution for 2015 for each of us to commit to do something with and for young people—providing alternatives to violence, showing there is another way, joining others to open up doors of opportunity for better education, ensuring that each child has possibilities for a future with hope.
Jim Wallis often says, “Hope is believing in spite of the evidence, and then watching the evidence change.”
So I, like the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, will not lose hope for 2015.
More Information:
Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
Telephone: 312-629-2990

Online Registration:

Happy Holidays from Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions

Imam Malik Mujahid

Board Chair of the Parliament


Dear Friends,

The holiday season is a great occasion to share memories and hopes for the future. 
As hate, anger, and fear is rising in the world, we all must rise with loving human relationships to create space for hope. We must work together for peace, justice and sustainability. 
The 2015 Parliament is one such occasion where more than 10,000 interfaith networkers will come together from 80+ nations and religions come together to share and learn from each other for the betterment of the world. 
Here is what we request you to do during this holiday season when we will all have more opportunity to talk to each other than normal days. 
  • Bring up these topics during family gatherings:
    • Climate Change, War & Violence, Widening Income Gap
    • What can we do at an individual level to meet these challenges
    • What civil society, religious and interfaith organizations can do in this regard
  • If some unique ideas emerge this holiday season you may want to submit a program proposal to the next Parliament. Maybe your family has some unique solutions. Here is where you can submit a proposal. 
  • Plan together to attend the next Parliament where these three critical issues will be discussed. Now we have 4 Nobel Laureates who are confirmed to deliver keynote addresses. 
  • If you or your friends have not yet registered, please do so now to take advantage of the 40% off Early Bird registration. 
  • Please do encourage younger members of the family to attend the Parliament. It is their world which we all are trying to improve for the better.

Peace, 




Imam Malik Mujahid
Chair 
P.S. Please do remember to donate before the year's end.

P.P.S. ...and please watch out for waste during the holiday season. The USDA estimates that 15% of food items we buy are thrown out without opening. Wasteful consumption drives ruthless production requiring fossil fuels damaging to the earth. 
More Information:
Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
Telephone: 312-629-2990

Online Registration:

Buddhist Council of Victoria Buddhist and Interfaith Prayer and Blessing Ceremony

[Edited extract of public address]

On behalf of the Buddhist and Interfaith Communities of Victoria the Buddhist Council of Victoria hosted an Interfaith Prayer and Blessing Ceremony to express our deepest condolence and sympathy to the victims of the Sydney hostage tragedy, their friends and families.

We share the sense of shock and loss caused by this senseless and traumatic act on those innocent individuals, their families, workmates and friends and on the peace and harmony of our Australian society.

Venerable Buddhist Sangha, Priests, Nuns, Faith Leaders and Representatives of our various Religious and Spiritual Communities joined in an Interfaith Prayer and Blessing Ceremony to offer our condolences, blessings and heartfelt love to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer throughout harrowing and difficult times.

We joined together on this occasion to express our devotion to peace and harmony for the happiness and well-being of all within our Australian community.

A special thankyou to attending Committee Members and Buddhist Society of Victoria, East Malvern for providing such a warm welcome and supportive venue.

More information:
BVC Vice President Gerald Lim
Telephone 0413 336 543

Making Interfaith a Staple of Society, Bringing people of faith together for a better world.

Professor, The Reverend Gary D Bouma AM

Chair, Local Board of Directors

2009 Parliament of the World's Religions Melbourne

[Edited extract from public address from

Five years ago the Parliament of the World’s Religions convened in Melbourne, Australia. It was a grand occasion made colourful literally and spiritually by the presence of the richest diversity of religions, faiths, spiritualities, and ways of life.

In the process of preparing for and conducting the 2009 Parliament, interreligious relations in Melbourne and the State of Victoria were greatly enhanced. Building on decades of positive interfaith leadership and political leaders from all major parties committed to promoting a multicultural and multifaith society characterised by intergroup understanding grounded in mutual respect, the 2009 Parliament drew together new and younger people who had not worked together in making harmony real. They joined those who had gone before and added their own dimensions to the effort.

For example, as a direct result of the 2009 Parliament, the number of City Councils in the City of Melbourne with ‘interreligious committees’ rose from 3 to 23 leaving only a few without. This brought the energy of interfaith activities to the grass-roots level and continues to produce much fruit. This means that local issues can be managed at the local level in the first instance. Local leadership is drawn into supporting activities as diverse as Iftar dinners during Ramadan, to Bathing the Buddha gatherings, to colourful Divali festivals and a host of other religious events. It is normal and expected for civic and religious leaders to be seen together at events and it is apparent that they know each other and work together.

Many country towns in the state of Victoria also have interreligious councils as increasing numbers of migrants settle outside the capital cities. These newcomers are welcomed as their numbers keep open vital services in towns with declining populations. So schools remain open along with banks, pharmacies and other commercial establishments. Indeed, while Australia tries to discourage refugees, many rural communities say, "send them here, we will welcome them."

While some of this might have happened without the 2009 Parliament, it cannot be denied that the event had a major effect accelerating and adding quality and depth to a process already in place.

Faith Leaders Call for Unity and Peace

Statement on behalf of the Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG) and Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) in response to the tragic event in Sydney 

 The members of the Victorian Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG) and the Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) would like to offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims of the Sydney hostage crisis and their families.  We also extend our sincere gratitude to the police and emergency services personnel who put their lives at risk in the service of others.

We are shocked and saddened by this terrible act of violence and our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragic event. 

Australia is a diverse and harmonious place where people from many different cultures, religions and spiritualties have made their home. Together, we live in peace and respect one another. 

 We support the National Board of Imams and the wider Muslim community who have stated that the beliefs and acts of the individual responsible do not reflect the teachings of Islam, nor the desire for peace of Australian Muslims. 

During this sad and difficult time we call upon all Australians to unite in affirming peace and continuing to support one another. 

The overwhelming community support, including the #illridewith you Twitter campaign is heartening and reflects our shared humanity and values. 

We encourage all people to reach out to each other in the spirit of peace.    

More Information: http://faithvictoria.org.au

The MAG consists of approximately 20 senior representatives from Victoria’s diverse faith communities, including the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and interfaith communities. The MAG represents the voice of Victoria’s faith leaders to the Victorian Government.


The FCCV is an umbrella multifaith body contributing to the harmony of the Victorian community by promoting positive relations between people of different faiths and greater public knowledge and mutual understanding of the teachings, customs and practices of Victoria's diverse faith traditions.

GEIFN Gathers

GEIFN’s casual series of [monthly] breakfasts to practice inter-faith-ing. Those interested in building friendship with people of other backgrounds through informality and local cafe culture, feel welcome.

No bookings required, just turn up [1st Wednesday] of month at venue and look for a familiar face. [Spouses, partners, children welcome.] The next dates and venue are listed below. 

Breakfast: 7-8.00am
Coffee/Tea: 8-8.30am
Come for a part or stay for both. Participants pay own costs.

2014
NOW CONSISTENT VENUE: 1st Monday each month
1 September, 6 October:
Spot Cafe
215 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North 3161

2014
NEW CONVENIENT DAY: 1st Wednesday each month
5 November, 3 December:
Spot Cafe
215 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North 3161

2015
NEW YEAR: 1st Wednesday each month
7 January, 4 February, 4 March:
Spot Cafe
215 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North 3161

In keeping with the "flash-gather" idea, venue does not know we are coming and may be subject to change due to changing nature of things. 

Organiser
Contact GEIFN Gathers coordinator Carey 0438 371 488 with questions, advise attendance, leave a mobile number for an SMS reminder on day or to be advised of changed plans.

Kingston Interfaith Network Art Exhibition - Humanity, Harmony and Happiness

Opening Night: Tuesday, 5 August 2014 Time: 6-8pm
Location: St Nicholas Gallery 9 Bear St, Mordialloc

Discussion with Panel of Artists: Sunday 17 August Time: 2-4pm
Location: as above

Exhibition will be open between 4– 23 August 2014
Location: as above
Gallery opening hours: Mon-Thur: 12-3pm, Sat:10am-1pm

Expressions of interest for artwork submissions due Monday 30th June
Contact: Kate Daddo kate.daddo@kingston.vic.gov.au or (03) 9581 4734

GEIFN Gathers*


To accommodate increasing personal demands in busy times, GEIFN is embarking on a casual series of [monthly] breakfasts to get-inter-faith-ing. Those interested in building friendship, informality and interfaith, while exploring local cafe culture, all welcome.

No bookings required, just turn up [1st Monday] of month at the venue and look for a familiar face. [Spouses, partners, children welcome.] The next 3  dates and venues are listed below. 

* Temporary Working Title. Attending participants can cast your vote for this and other suggestions: Groovers, Grazers, Gobblers, Grubbers, GEIFNtogethers.

Breakfast: 7-8.00am
Coffee/Tea: 8-8.30am
Come for a part or stay for both. Participants pay own costs.

Monday 2 June: 
Cafe Uffizi
53 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield Junction

Monday 7 July:
Queenie Apple Wholefoods Cafe, 
768 Glen Huntley Road, Caulfield South

Monday 4 Aug:
Spot Cafe
215 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North, 
[Review Format, Modify in necessary, Decide next 3 locations]

In keeping with the "flash-gather" idea, venues do not know we are coming and may be subject to change due to changing nature of things. Notify GEIFN Gathers coordinator Carey 0438 371 488 if you have questions or are coming, leave a mobile number for an SMS reminder on day or advice of changed plans.

Clergy to Clergy Breakfasts

The GEIFN plan to arrange for small groups of local religious leaders to meet informally for breakfasts. We will be contacting religious leaders in the Glen Eira community to invite and make arrangements.

Listening to the Sounds of Silence - a multifaith imperative

The Swinburne Multi faith facility invites you to its 3rd anniversary celebration:

Topic: Listening to the sounds of silence - a multifaith imperative.
Date: Wednesday, 7th May 2014 Time: 4.00pm-5.30pm
Location: Swinburne University [GS 302] - The George 34 Wakefield Street, Hawthorn (3 minutes' walk from the Glenferrie Station)

Opened by the Swinburne Vice Chancellor Professor Linda Kristjanson and addressed by Rev Dr Denham Grierson (FACE) - internationally recognised educator and Emeritus Professor at the United Faculty of Theology – Melbourne. Denham will approach the event from a perspective that seeks to engage the academic community rather than bring a particular faith perspective. His starts with the questions: Is there one God or many? Can such a dispute be resolved? His topic: Listening to the sounds of silence - a multi faith imperative.

His reflection engages the thought of Stephen Prothero - Boston University Professor of Religion and particularly his 2012 book God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World. Prothero delves into the different problems and solutions that Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Yoruba Religion, Daoism and Atheism strive to combat.

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP to tcarson@swin.edu.au by Friday 2nd May 2014.

Contact: Rev. Newton Daddow, Chaplain Swinburne University: Telephone +61 3 9214 8489 Mobile 0425 757038 Email:ndaddow@swin.edu.au

Challenges for Minority Religions in the Middle East

Keynote speaker: Dr Debbie Weissman, President International Council of Christians and Jews
Date: Sunday, 1 June 2014 Time: 2.30 pm
Location: Edmund Rice Education Australia - 9 The Vaucluse, Richmond (off Church Street, ample parking)
Vehicle entry from St Kevin's Waterford Campus on the Vaucluse opp. St Ignatius Church.
Cost: $10.00
RSVP: Please advise attendance by ringing or emailing (03) 9429 5212, ccjvic@bigpond.net.au

Walking with Pope Francis - Interfaith Relations in the Midst of Contemporary Global Challenges

A conversation led by Prof. John Pawlikowski OSM (of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago)

Thursday 22 May, 2014, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Room M5.30
Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy

RSVP: edmund.chia@acu.edu.au Phone: (03) 9953 3432

AGM Report

We were graciously hosted for our Annual General Meeting held on Mon 28 Apr 14, by Rabbi Stein  and other members of Kehilat Nitzan.

David Southwick MP, the State Member for the seat of Caulfield and Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services was a guest at the meeting.

We were privileged to have Professor Gary Bouma as our Guest Speaker.  Professor Bouma presented on why Australia is successfully multifaith and compared the Australian position with that of other nations and discussed factors that contribute to this, including demographic factors, a culture of multiculturalism, theological factors and political leadership.

There was no change to office holders at the meeting, with Mark Bender from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continuing as Chair and Ruth Arber from Kehilat Nitzan as Secretary.


Being Happyness

Thanks to all who prepared, attended and participated in our recent event.

It was an enjoyable, enlightening and social evening - with great food (as has become somewhat of a hallmark for our events!)














Next Public Event: Being Happyness, 15/11/12@7pm

Being Happiness

A Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist Perspective

Join this warm and friendly discussion with Abhay Awasthi, Jasbir Singh and Julian Bamford as they share their spiritual tradition, personal observations and experience on the path to happy-ness.

When:

Thursday 15 November 2012


What:

@7.00pm Supper

A vegetarian plate to share will be welcome

@7.30-9pm Discussion

Followed by audience questions


Where:

St John’s Uniting Church, side entrance
, 567 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick

How to get involved:

1. Be kind to yourself and to others.
2. Check back here as details will be updated closer to the date.
3. Share the news with your family, friends, colleagues or centre. Download a PDF A4 Poster high resolution (1.2MB).

Next Committee Meeting


Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 
5 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North
Thurs 25th Oct, 7.30-9.00pm.
Contact email@gleneirainterfaith.org for more details if wishing to attend.

Next Committee Meeting

Private address in Caulfield North.
 4th Oct, 7.30-9.00pm.
Contact email@gleneirainterfaith.org for more details if wishing to attend.

When Passover meets Easter and Shavuot meets Pentecost - Jewish and Christian perspectives

Approximately 30 people joined us for fascinating and friendly experience where we heard Christian and Jewish perspectives on Easter and Passover.

Rabbi Shamir Caplan spoke of what Pasech stands for and highlighted the opportunity it provides to reflect on a number of themes, including, the birth of nation, freedom from oppression, the moral duty which should influence our conduct toward others, the importance of family and the value in our questioning and engaging. We also heard of the importance of humility and the need for us all to cleanse the 'leven' from our lives.

David Schutz, Executive Officer, Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of the Catholic Archdioces of Melbourne explained some of the aspects of Easter that relate to elements of Passover. In the Easter Vigil, the new fire (and the candle lighted from it) are seen as images of the pillar of fire and cloud that the people followed through the wilderness. The crossing of the Red Sea is taken to be an image of Baptism: by going down into the water, those who are baptised are buried with Christ. By coming out of it, they enter into the freedom of the people of God.

These informative discussions were preceded and followed by mingling and delicious supper.

Thanks to all those who supported the event - we look forward to the next one.

When Passover meets Easter and Shavout meets Pentecost

Women's Interfaith Seder

To celebrate the Jewish Festival of Passover

131-133 Hawthorn Rd
Caulfied North
Tues 27 Mar 12
7.00 pm

$20 / $15 concession - includes kosher Passover-style meal

Limited places - Bookings Required Ph 9523 0535 / office@ncjwa.org.au

Interesting research just released

2011 Freedom of Religion and Belief in 21st Century Australia
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/frb/Report_2011.pdf

JCMA IFTAR dinner, Sun 28 August

The Jewish Christian Muslim Association women's committee are delighted to announce that we are holding an interfaith fund-raising IFTAR dinner, in which we are invited to share a meal with our Muslim friends to break their daily fast during the month of Ramadan.
 
Proceeds will be shared equally between JCMA and Tents4Peace, run by our friend and colleague Fazila Tasmim.
 
Please see the flyer for details, and please book for catering purposes.
 
 

Colourfest Film Festival

Australia's first national short film festival dedicated to the works of culturally diverse Australian film makers. Screening in three cities, four venues with a total of eight sessions Colourfest is a festival worth checking out.

16th of July – Footscray Community Arts Centre, Footscray. Session 1 @ 4-6pm, 
session 2 @ 6-8pm.

http://footscrayarts.com/a​ccess-blog-event/colourfes​t/

BOOKINGS - http://colourfest.com.au/


Bills of Rights and Religious Freedom Lecture

The Melbourne Law School is hosting a free public lecture 'Do Bills of Rights Protect or Endanger Religious Freedom: The American Constitutional Experience'

Thursday 14 July 2011, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, 185 Pelham St Carlton

RSVP required via the web address below

http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/index.cfm?objectid=4B1D1CB1-B0D0-AB80-E28E8C05438EC230&DiaryID=5139

Under our Hats -ADC Function

Muslim, Jewish & Sikh women talk about fashion, faith and how it feels to look different
7.30 pm, Wednesday 29 June
Blue Room @ Multicultural Hub Corner Victoria & Elizabeth Sts
Opposite Victoria Market $10/$5 including light supper
Info: 9572 5770 or reception@antidef.org.au

Next Meeting

Thursday 30 June, 7.30pm

197 Danks St, Albert Park

The meeting will be held in 'The Theatre'
Off street parking available

All welcome
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