Muslims worldwide will celebrate one of their biggest holidays under the long shadow of the coronavirus, with millions confined to their homes and others gripped by economic concerns during what is usually a festive time of shopping and celebration.
… Read more…
The theme for NRW 2020 is In this together and Reconciliation Australia invites Australians to explore our past, learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and develop a deeper understanding of our national story. The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health invite you to a webinar presentation by Mr Shane Charles at 10:30am on Wednesday 27th May 14, 2020. There will be an opportunity for Q & A at the end of the presentation.
… Read more…
As challenging as these days of quarantine have been, I take comfort in the many ways this strange time of separation have enabled us – however ironically – to come together. Here are a few of the “blessings of separation” I’ve experienced in the age of COVID-19.
… Read more…
Bali has remained largely free of the coronavirus, much less than Indonesia as a whole, and only a small fraction of the cases in western countries. Its Hindu way of life and self-discipline have protected it. Bali’s spiritual power and tourist value will endure.
The Covid-19 Pandemic is causing a massive loss of life, particularly for the elderly, and millions worldwide have tested positive for the virus. Yet the psychological suffering the pandemic causes may be as difficult as the physical suffering, writes Dr David Frawley of the American Institute of Vedic Studies.
As part of the Australian Government’s mental health response to COVID-19, Independent Community Living Australia has launched its new eFriend service for all Australians aged 18 and over. eFriend is a free, virtual peer support service that provides Australians with non-clinical, peer-based mental health support. eFriend connects people to a consistent, trained peer support worker via video call, borrowing from the ‘befriending’ model used in the UK to help combat loneliness.
… Read more…
This letter comes from civil society groups supporting the urgent call from Aboriginal community organisations, services and community members. We urge the Government to immediately respond to requests and letters already sent to the Government in recent weeks by those dealing with the crisis on the frontline. We must ensure proper care of First Nations in the Coronavirus pandemic.
… Read more…
Using lessons learned from building health-competent faith communities and responding to the HIV and AIDS epidemic, African church leaders are doing their best to help their communities cope with the novel coronavirus. They are relying, in part, on practical guides and community-friendly reflections developed by the World Council of Churches Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy Programme.
… Read more…
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every year on 12 May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. Here we bring you a complilation of multifaith prayers for nurses (and healthworkers) from the World’s Religions, along with the Nightingale Prayer, the flame of Florence Nightingale’s legacy.
… Read more…
Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) invites you to be at the forefront of climate action in Australia. In this time of extreme adversity, people of faith can join together in the spirit of love, reverence and compassion.
You are invited to tune into the online “Ramadan Conversations” organised by Affinity. Each episode will be hosted by John Cleary (Former ABC veteran broadcaster) and a Muslim assistant.
… Read more…
In a message for the Buddhist feast of Vesak, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue invites Buddhists and Christians to promote a culture of compassion and fraternity. The Pontifical Council also gives a prayer for coronavirus, that all live with this difficult moment with hope, compassion, and charity.
The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils invites you to: eVesak ~ Coming Together in Kindness for the Buddha’s Birthday on Sunday 10 May 2020 from 4pm to 7pm Online ~ livestream https://www.facebook.com/buddhistcouncil/live/
A quarter of adults in the UK have watched or listened to a religious service since the coronavirus lockdown began, and one in 20 have started praying during the crisis, according to a new survey. Dawn French reprised her role as the Vicar of Dibley for the BBC’s Big Night in – encouraging people to “praise the Lord and praise the NHS”.
In times of crisis, humans have a tendency to turn to religion for comfort and explanation. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Daily data on Google searches for 95 countries demonstrates that the COVID 19 crisis has increased Google searches for prayer (relative to all Google searches) to the highest level ever recorded. This rise amounts to 50% of the previous level of prayer searches or a quarter of the fall in Google searches for flights, which dropped dramatically due to the closure of most international air transport. Prayer searches rose at all levels of economic status, inequality, and insecurity, but not for the 20% least religious countries. The increase is not merely a substitute for services in the physical churches that closed down to limit the spread of the virus. Instead, the rise is due to an intensified demand for religion: We pray to cope with adversity. … Read more…
The health of the Council’s employees, volunteers and the Greater Shepparton community is the Shepparton Council’s top priority. Council’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) is being guided by the latest advice from Commonwealth and State authorities.
… Read more…
Debates began even before the start of Ramadan, and they continue, about how standard practices and especially prayer are affected during the holy month. Al-Jazeera has reported that scholars have generally agreed that Friday prayers should be conducted from home; this has happened as mosques have closed around the world in the past two months.
The Department of Home Affairs has issued advice for religious services during coronavirus. These advices are in 26 languages. Together we can help stop the spread and stay healthy.
… Read more…
Frank and pithy, these five reminders about the reality of impermanence and karma are attributed to the Buddha himself, as taught in the Upajjhatthana Sutta. Though they start with what is plainly “bad news,” contemplating the Five Recollections helps us accept life’s difficulties, motivating us to practice and be kind to ourselves and others.
… Read more…