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ASRC | Asylum Seeker Resource Centre - July 2015

[Edited extract from public address]

When you donate to the ASRC, your donation goes directly into programs that change the lives of people seeking asylum. Here's what your donation has achieved in the last 12 months:

  • Creation of Australia's first facility to empower asylum seekers through employment, education and mentoring. The Innovation Hub has already helped over 150 people gain social and economic independence since its doors opened in January
  • As one of the only providers of free emergency legal aid for asylum seekers in Australia, the ASRC clocked-up more than 2,326 free legal appointments and has saved hundreds of people from being sent back to harm.
  • Secured employment for 49% of asylum seeker members in the Dandenong Centre employment program, and sustainable employment for over 25 people through  the ASRC Catering, and Cleaning social enteprises
  • Crowdfunded and launched the Food Justice Truck, which offers fresh food to asylum seekers in Victoria at a 75% discount
  • Secured 13,500 nights of shelter for asylum seekers, preventing homelessness for 116 asylum seekers

For those with a surplus, 
Foodbank is in need of:
-- Honey
-- Toothpaste
-- Shampoo & conditioner
Material Aid is in need of:
-- Large pots (suitable for families)
-- Single, double & queen sheet sets

Did you know of benefits to your place from engaging socially enterprising ASRC Catering or ASRC Cleaning?

MORE:

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
214-218 Nicholson St
Footscray
Melbourne, VIC 3011 Australia

PPMN | A Shared Meal | Sunday 21 June | 7-9pm

The Port Phillip Multifaith Network are hosting A Shared Meal to raise awareness of the contributions of refugees to Australia. There are still some spots available. If you – or people you know - are part of an organisation that is a member of the Multifaith Network and would like to attend, please contact your representatives and ask if you can attend with them.

The aims of the event are to:
  • celebrate the achievements of refugees so that they can be recognised as inspirational role models for other migrants; 
  • counter some recent negative portrayals and stereotypes of migrant and refugee experiences; 
  • increase awareness of the diversity of cultural and religious groups in the Port Phillip area and commonalities between them. 
Special Guests:
Our three guest speakers from three continents represent some of Australia’s intake of refugees since the 1940s to the present day and will share their personal journeys and insights and how we all have a role to play.
Condiments:
Entertainment will be provided by local community choirs and musicians and delicious vegetarian food was provided by Vegelicious

GEIFN Gatherers: "We would just like to extend our gratitude for a beautiful evening last night of connection, openness and increased understanding." | "Merci" | "Eh? How preposterous!", "Which bit, dear, that she's black, Moslim or in Brighton", "Oh don't be daft, none of that - she said her husband doesn't drink beer. What'll we bring when they invite us over for a bbq?" "Things certainly are a'changing!" | "Shanti" | "Namaste" | "Tashi Delek" | "Bonzer, mate" | "Thank you for inviting me to such a lovely evening" | "Is it too soon to ask when the next one is?"  | "Eh? How preposterous!", "Which bit, dear, that she's a political asylum seeker, ex-university-lecturer or that got sisters from different parts of the globe working together?", "Oh don't be daft, none of that - she said you don't need a stack of certificates to get no job, she said you could just learn by doing. Is that legal? And isn't that how we use to do it before were told we needed Recognition for Prior Learning to qualify for a certificate?", "Things certainly are a'changin!" 

 MORE:
If you would like to be part of the GEIFN group, please contact Carey Rohrlach 0438 371 488

ASRC | Asylum Seeker Resource Centre - June 2015

[Edited extract of June public address]

For those with a surplus, 
Foodbank is in need of:
-- Honey
-- Toothpaste
-- Shampoo & conditioner
Material Aid is in need of:
-- Large pots (suitable for families)
-- Single, double & queen sheet sets
For a full list of needs, visit here http://www.asrc.org.au/home/our-services/how-we-help/aid/food-and-aid-network/

Did you know of benefits to your place from engaging socially enterprising ASRC Catering or ASRC Cleaning?

MORE:

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
214-218 Nicholson St
Footscray
Melbourne, VIC 3011 Australia
Web: www.asrc.org.au

AG | National Citizenship Consultations

[Edited extract of public address]

Australia is one of the most culturally diverse yet socially cohesive nations on earth. The open and inclusive society we enjoy today has not come about by chance. It is because of an adherence by Australian citizens, whether by birth or by choice, to a core set of values that underpin the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizenship.

On 26 May 2015, Prime Minister Hon Tony Abbott MP, announcd new measures o strenghten Australian citizenship, including a National Consultation on citizenship to:
• improve the understanding of the priviloeges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship;
• examine ways to beter promote this understanding; and
• seek the public's view on further possible measures.

Invitation to provide written input

To obtain a broad range of views on these important issues, we invite you to provide written input in response to a discussion paper Australian Citizenship - Your Right, Your Responsibility with is available on the Citizenship website - www.citizenship.gov.au. The discussion paper includes background information, questions to start the conversation, and details how to submit your views.
Written input can be provided by 30 June 2015.
The Commonwealth Government wants to hear from you. We look forward to your participation in the National Consultation.

Senator the Hon. Concetta Fierravanti-Wells
Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services

The Hon Philip Ruddock MP
Special Envoy for Citizenship and Community Engagment

MORE:

www.citizenship.gov.au

GEACI | Glen Eira Annual Celebration of Interconnectedness

Report


It is a difficult climate with many demands on the individual and household. However, Annual Celebration of Interconnectedness has raised on night 15/6 from presenting diners and pledges from absent friends of $8,000.

The precise figure is unknown as efforts "in kind" are are unlimited and indefinable.

What is known, on 3/6, the $8,000 is purchasing a chest freezer and the balance is in basic grocery items including:
Oils, Rice, Legumes, Ghee, Spices, Nuts, Food Mixes and Other to fill the pledged amount up to $8,000.

16/5 Dinner costs sponsored by Caro Way.

3/6 Grocery buying discount sponsored by Needs Grocery.

3/6 Delivery costs from Elsternwick to Footscray sponsored by Man with a Van.

Throughout: Ancillary Support and moving arrangers by Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Food Bank.

Our combined efforts will assist Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in a small but meaningful way to feed, support and  overcome obstacles for over 500 people weekly.

For those wishing substantiation, a final receipt is available upon request. Unless there is a major change to plan and promises made, this constitutes concluding report.

Except to say, thank you for the role each individual plays in making this piece of the world a brighter and more equitable place for everyone, received with gratitude. Wherever and whenever this is.

On this symbolic occasion, we interconnected to lend a hand to those at a frontline and recipients who are benefitting from friends in the right time in the right place for the right reason. No need to wait until next year, usually a smile on the street is enough, patience in a queue or kindness with a telemarketer.

MORE

Organiser: Caro Way 0438 371 488 on behalf of Glen Eira interfaith activity

SBT | Lace Up Against Social Violence | 13-14 June 2015


[Edited extract from public address]

To move forward against social violence, we must first Step Back Think.

What: Lace Up Against Social Violence is a campaign that aims to raise awareness around social violence and the consequences that a violent decision made in a split second can have on the wider community.

Why: Between 2013 and 2014, there were 19,000 reported social-based assaults in Victoria alone. Since 2000, there have been 96 deaths related to street violence. Of these deaths, 86 were male. Further, 85 were a result of a single punch.
83% of the offenders and 73% of the victims are male with the highest amount of incidents occurring among people aged 15-29.
The Australian Institute of Criminology estimates that crime costs Australia nearly $36 billion a year – some 4.1 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product. Assault accounts for 7% of this cost.

When: This June, help stop this number growing. Join Step Back Think and Lace Up Against Social Violence.
Register your team via stepbackthink.org to receive FREE orange shoe laces to be worn on 13-14 June 2015.

How: In June 2015, Step Back Think are giving sporting teams the opportunity to wear orange shoelaces and participate in one of our education presentations about positive actions you and your teammates can take to avoid instances of violence.

Step Back Think are providing all of this free of charge and simply ask for your participation!
Everyone Can Play A Part: Lace Up. Step Back. Think.

MORE

Step Back Think aims to drive the cultural change that ends social violence. Step Back Think envisions a nation without violence. We imagine a society that condemns incidents of social violence as they would the act of smoking inside a public space, not wearing a seatbelt, drink driving, or littering. This vision is not far from reality and is what our three pillars; Education, Research, and Awareness, are built upon.

Website stepbackthink.org

YouTube https://youtu.be/drEXbOalhBI

ICM | Sacred Journeys: Spirituality, philosophy and personal transformation


[Edited extract from public address]

What: Three Thursdays in August with Dr Nicholas Coleman

Why: For anyone interested in thinking, talking or teaching about religions and the spiritual life
  • “Know Thyself,” said the Delphic Oracle
  • “I am the Way,” said the Cosmic Christ (Jn. 14:6)
  • “Work out your own salvation,” said the Buddha.
  • And know “it is God working within you,” adds St Paul (Phil. 2:13)
  • “I was a hidden treasure who created Creation that I might be known,” says Allah
  • The way of the sacred journey is already within us (Lk. 17:21)
When: 6 to 8pm
6, 13 and 20 August 2015 (Thursdays)

Where: Melbourne CBD (to be confirmed)

Cost: $90 (concession: $75) for 3 sessions

Sessions:
1. How the wisdom of religions connects the world to God
2. The oneness of spirit and the energy of the universe
3. Realising the divine within you

Presenter: Nicholas Coleman is a significantly recognised philosopher of religion in Australia and has spoken at numerous national and international conferences.
His work in the Perennial Philosophy of Religion examines knowledge of the existence of the Divine Mystery often named “God” (G-d).
Dr Coleman’s books include Studies of Religion (2006), The Worlds of Religion (1999), The Journey of the Soul (1996), and Perennial Philosophy Today (1994).

MORE:

Bookings and Inquiries:
The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
PO Box 18335
Collins Street East
Melbourne, Vic 8003
Australia

PWR | Korea | From Ireland to Korea: the Power of Nonviolence and Love in Action


[Edited extract from public address]

Thirty international women peacemakers recently crossed the DMZ with women from North and South Korea. Nobel Peace Laureate and 2015 Parliament speaker Mairead Maguire speaks about power of forgiveness, the strong role of women, and the lessons we can learn for the future. Read more at official 50:50 Inclusive Democracy site>

Article published 50:50 Inclusive Democracy.



MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

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PWR | US | Parliament Statement Addresses Police and Judicial Abuse of Law and Freedom

[Edited extract from public address]


Recent and recurring events across the United States have raised questions about the role and responsibilities of police and judicial officials. Permissible latitude of their actions within the law should be cause for serious reflection. Read more at official PWR site>



Parliament Communications Staff and in particular Nafia Khan contributed to this article.



MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

PWR | Norway | Three Burmese Monks Honored by Parliament at Nobel Institute


[Edited extract from public address]

Three Buddhist monks returned to Burma from Norway's Nobel Institute with World Harmony Awards, presented by the Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik of the Christian Democratic Party joined Imam Malik Mujahid, Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, in awarding the monks at the opening of the Oslo Conference to Stop the Systematic Persecution of Burma’s Rohingya.

These extraordinary monks challenge the widespread perception that all Buddhist monks clamor for violence against the Rohingyas,” Mujahid said presenting the awards to His Holiness Rev. Seindita, His Holiness Rev. Withudda, and His Holiness Rev. Zawtikka.
Read More at official PWR site>


Parliament Communications Staff



MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

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CoPP | Art Exhibition: Standing on Sacred Ground

What: Prepare to be amazed at the diverse range of techniques and messages being expressed.
Why: Galiamble and Winja Ulupna men's and women's recovery houses will present an art exhibition to coincide with NAIDOC week and flag raising ceremony at St Kilda Town Hall. Galiamble Men's Recovery Centre has been located in the St Kilda area for the past 37 ears and promotes Indigenous reconciliation and social inclusion through their programming and production of artwork.
When: Wednesday 10 June to Wednesday 8 July 2015
Where: The Gallery, St Kilda Town Hall, Cnr St Kilda Road and Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Cost: Free admittance

MORE:


Ngwala Willumbong Co-operative Ltd
93 Wellington Street
St Kilda Victoria 3182
PO Box 361, St Kilda Victoria 3182
Tel: 03 9510 3233
Fax: 03 9510 6288
Email: reception@ngwala.org
Website: http://www.ngwala.org.au/galiamble-mens-recovery-centre.html

GECC | Glen Eira City Council's Foundation for Youth Excellence program


[Edited extract from public address]


Glen Eira City Council's Foundation for Youth Excellence program recognises young people who have achieved excellence in fields of:

creative and performing arts;
education;
leadership; or
sport.

Grants are given out on a quarterly basis and awarded to young people, to help them achieve further success in their chosen field.

What is excellence

Excellence is about striving to reach the highest level in your chosen field or endeavour.

Who can apply

Young people between 10 and 25 years (inclusive), living in our city who are competing or performing at a state, national or international level in creative and performing arts, education, leadership or sport activities.

How to apply

Applicants need to complete an application form and include a letter of selection from supporting club, society, organising body or education institution. Supporting evidence, including references and letters of support, need to be attached to your application form.

Closing dates

The Foundation Committee assesses applications quarterly each year.

Closing dates are:
3rd    Quarter   –   31 July
4th    Quarter   –   31 October

MORE:

For an application form, or for further information, contact us on 9524 3676 or follow the link below or  http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Community/Youth/Foundation_for_Youth_Excellence_program

PWR | Nepal | The World’s Religions Bring Compassion to Nepal


[Edited extract of public address]

The Parliament of the World’s Religions stands in awe over the collaborations of faith communities in helping the people of Nepal. Our prayers are with the nation now and always.

In the aftermath of the devastating 25 April 2015, 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, faith communities are stepping up to coordinate relief efforts. Stories emerging in the early days of recovery illustrate the possibility of human compassion on a mass scale.

The Venerable Renchen, representative of the Buddhist community, and Manohar Prasad Sah of the ‎Hindu community said: ‘We are doing our best, and when religions come together they can meet ‎the basic needs of the people. Solidarity, peace and charity are concepts shared by all.



Parliament Communications Staff and in particular Nafia Khan contributed to this article.



MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

profile.id | City of Glen Eira Profile

[Edited extract from public address]

How well do you know your area?

According to the 2011 Census, the City of Glen Eira estimated resident population for 2014 is
144,059
with a population density of 37.25 persons per hectare.
http://profile.id.com.au/glen-eira/home

In the City of Glen Eira, the number of non-religious persons experienced the greatest change
+6,842
compared to non-Christians and Christians in 2011.

Check out how your religion or non-religion fared

http://profile.id.com.au/glen-eira/religion

ABMT | Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in Glen Eira - Thursday 28 May 10.30am-11.30am


Carnegie, Caulfield and Bentleigh libraries

Glen Eira residents, workers and visitors are invited to join other locals for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Come along and raise your cup to help raise funds to beat cancer.

MORE:

Glen Eira Library Service
http://library.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Whats_on/Events/Australias_Biggest_Morning_Tea

Cancer Council
Web: http://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/

PWR | US | The Power of Love and Compassion to Stop Violence and Start Healing

[Edited extract of public address]

Baltimore’s riots this week have highlighted the growing unrest and injustices across America. Many are being forced to rethink assumptions we’ve made about race, power, civility, and compassion.  We seem to have forgotten concepts like fairness and justice as a nation. Without this moral compass to guide us, what’s left?
Read full article http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/news/index.php/2015/05/the-power-of-love-and-compassion-to-stop-the-violence-and-start-the-healing?mc_cid=a761024445&mc_eid=432c1b1ac4
By Jon Ramer, Shared with permission of CompassionGames.org




MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

Vesak | Youth Leadership Workshop - Melbourne Town Hall, Saturday 23 May 2015 @ 9.30am-12 noon

Living in the 21st Century: Rewriting the Future of Your Life

[Edited extract from public address]

The world all-around you may be in crisis, but you don’t have to be. You can learn to bounce back, find deeper meaning in life, and revive your mind and body.

A unique and valuable opportunity for participants 18–30 years of age to experience a Youth Leadership workshop conducted by Senior Nun Chang Ji of Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association, USA

Venerable Chang Ji is an ordained nun in the Chinese Mahayana tradition of Buddhism since 2004 under Dharma Drum Mountain. In her role as the International Affairs Special Assistant to the late Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association, she participated in many international conferences, including the World Economic Forum, World Bank, as well as meetings at the United Nations, etc.

Venerable Chang Ji is committed to teaching the tenets of contemplative action to young adults worldwide and has led many youth leadership workshops and meditation retreats to this effect. She has been a facilitator in programs for young leaders in conflict and post-conflict areas from Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan and Cambodia, and works to spread awareness of Spiritual Environmentalism as taught by her teacher, the late Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen to young people all over the world.

The workshop will cover: 
1. Being - Who Am I?
2. Knowing - Inner knowing, social injustice, external knowing, integrating both to find your vision
3. Doing - Where and how change happens

The workshop will be held as part of the Victorian United Nations Day of Vesak 2015.

Registration/Inquiries:
Please email wbu@bdcu.org.au. (Early registration is recommended as workshop places are limited).

MORE:
VICTORIAN OBSERVANCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS DAY OF VESAK
Victoria's Buddhist Community Celebrating Together
2015 Organising Committee
Website: www.unvesak.org
Email: unvesakmelb@gmail.com
Tel: (03) 9754 3334
Fax: (03) 9754 3334



ASRC | Asylum Seeker Resource Centre - May 2015


Edited extract of April public address]

For those with a surplus, 
Foodbank is in need of:
-- Tinned Salmon and Sardines
-- Shaving item
-- Honey
Material Aid is in need of:
-- Coats
-- Blankets
-- Beanies & scarves
For a full list of needs, visit here http://www.asrc.org.au/home/our-services/how-we-help/aid/food-and-aid-network/

Did you know of benefits to your place from engaging socially enterprising ASRC Catering or  ASRC Cleaning?

MORE:

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
214-218 Nicholson St
Footscray
Melbourne, VIC 3011 Australia
Web: www.asrc.org.au

NRW | National Reconciliation Week - 27 May-3 June 2015

[Edited extract of public address]

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.

Events held nationally, check online for events held nearest you.

MORE:

Reconciliation Australia
Old Parliament
House, King George Terrace, Parkes ACT
PO Box 4773, Kingston ACT 2604
ABN 76 092 919 769
Tel: 02 6273 9200
Fax: 02 6273 9201
Email: enquiries@reconciliation.org.au


NRW | The Long Walk - Saturday, 30 May 2015, 12 noon-6pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Federation Square, Corner Swanston & Flinders Streets Melbourne VIC 3000, Melbourne

Come TOGETHER for free fun family activities, workshops, community stalls and food vendors. Sing and dance TOGETHER with performances by some of Australia's best entertainers.

Then walk TOGETHER with Michael Long for the annual walk to the 'G for the Dreamtime AFL game.

MORE:

The Long Walk
Nicole Caulfield
Tel: 03 8340 2172
Email: education@thelongwalk.com.au
Web: http://thelongwalk.com.au/

NRW | Murrumbeena Celebration Day of National Reconciliation Week - Sunday 31 May, 12-3pm

Join your local community in an afternoon of celebration.

Mallanbool Reserve, Corner Leila and Murrumbeena Roads, Murrumbeena
(Melway 68 K8)

Program includes:
  • Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony
  • Indigenous dance workshop
  • Bush tucker BBQ
  • Guided tours of natural flora and fauna with cultural and historical insights.
Reconciliation: It's time to change it up!
MORE:

Glen Eira City Council
Tori Hayat
Tel: 03 9524 3371
Email: thayat@gleneira.vic.gov.au

Follow Glen Eira Arts and Culture on facebook www.facebook.com/gleneiraarts

PWR | Homelessness: How Can We Help?


[Edited extract from public address]

Homelessness remains a pressing issue. 

In America, according to the most recent data available, at least 100 million people around the globe are considered homeless. More than 3.5 million people residing in the United States are homeless and 25% are under the age of 18. Whereas homelessness is rooted in poverty in countries like India, Nigeria, and France, the U.S. has seen an increase in homelessness due to a variety of factors. They include – but are not limited to – veterans returning from armed conflict overseas, the 2007 housing crisis which left thousands of families without homes, and those suffering from mental illness without access to housing and necessary treatment.

Homeless prevention legislation in America has yielded mixed results. Cook County (IL) Sheriff Tom Dart halted foreclosure-based evictions during the winter of 2008 to protect rent-paying tenants, consequently compounding problems by making lenders less likely to extend loan payments to the most vulnerable.

In Salt Lake City, Utah, an alternative method was employed. The city provided its chronically homeless individuals with housing and counseling, saving the state an average of $8,000 per homeless person. By utilizing this program model, homelessness in Salt Lake decreased by 72% between 2005 to 2014.

In other states, some governments are criminalizing the homeless by passing reactive legislation. The cost of enforcing the criminalization of homelessness costs more than housing the homeless. The practice spars public outcry because it is ultimately worsening the situation. This is why community groups and interfaith leaders are stepping in to help fill the gaps.

Interfaith groups have provided social services to assist the homeless through food banks and food drives, soup kitchens, shelters, and even counseling and rehabilitation. In order to address the issue proactively, interfaith groups are now also working to prevent homelessness. An interfaith group in St. Petersburg, Florida is finally able to launch a rotating shelter for homeless families after establishing the program within the last several years. In Fayetteville, North Carolina, community leaders held a forum between the homeless community and residents that want to help them. By opening the dialogue in this manner, both homeless advocates and those they serve have a voice.

Without discussion and brainstorming, problems like homelessness cannot be successfully addressed. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs donated $3 million to Interfaith Community Services to further the organization’s mission of erasing veteran homelessness. Right now, an Interfaith Resource Center is planning the construction of a year-round overnight shelter for the homeless in Columbia, Missouri. Additionally, a couple in Athens, Georgia is hosting a week of fun activities and learning opportunities to help raise funds for Interfaith Hospitality Network Athens, a nonprofit organization that assists the homeless.

Helping the homeless remains a major priority for faith communities. Although homelessness may continue to be a problem in the future, the call to “live compassionately,” as Karen Armstrong says, means one should remain uncomfortable so long as his or her fellow brother or sister is suffering. Interfaith cooperation can achieve a sharp reduction in homelessness if communities continue to think and act together. All faith traditions are called to serve the needy in their doctrines and teachings. Presently, tracking homelessness remains a challenge for agencies and governments. But with the assistance of faith communities’ cooperation, effective and innovative models for eradicating homelessness can be implemented.


Parliament Staff including interns Shani Belshaw, Nafia Khan, and Daniel Wolff contributed to this article.



MORE: Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions
70 East Lake Street, Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: 312-629-2990
Fax: 312-629-2991
Email: 2015@parliamentofreligions.org

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Check out the latest edition here and, if you would like to receive, scroll down to the bottom for subscription options.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

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