serving the faith communities of the Goulburn Valley
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A multi-faith prayer service is on in Shepparton today to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and harmony. Shepparton Interfaith Network executive officer Reverend Chris Parnell said the service would coincide with Cultural Diversity Week, from March 16 to 24, and also celebrate the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Harmony, today.
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All in Greater Shepparton are invited to gather at Shepparton’s Albanian Mosque on Acacia St on Friday following afternoon prayers, around 2:10pm. The gathering is in response to the mass murders in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday, Albanian Moslem Society of Shepparton president Enver Sabri said.
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Several religious festivals occur on Thursday 21 March, which is also International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In Australia, we celebrate this week as Cultural Diversity Week. Shepparton Interfaith Network will collaborate with Shepparton Uniting Church to deliver a Multifaith Prayer Service on Thursday, March 21.
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Purim is an unusual Jewish holiday in many respects. First, Esther is the only biblical book in which God is not mentioned. Second, Purim, like Hanukkah, is viewed as a minor festival according to Jewish custom, but has been elevated to a major holiday as a result of the Jewish historical experience. In 2019, Purim will be celebrated on March 21st.
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What do you think it is you know about Victorian Aboriginal people, Spirituality and the end of life journey?
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Every religion has its own way of explaining human suffering and the concept of evil. Most Hindus believe God does not impose evil on people and that evil is a natural part of life. In this article, we look to common questions raised about evil, and the suffering that people endure.
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In observance of Cultural Diversity Week that there will a Multifaith Prayer Service for Cultural Diversity and Harmony on Thursday 21st, at 12:00 noon at Shepparton Uniting Church, 134-140 Fryers Street Shepparton.
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In the month of March, the World Council of Churches is encouraging its fellowship and partners to join the Lott Carey “31 Days of Prayer for Women’s Empowerment,” which is also the 7th Anniversary Global Women’s Prayer Guide. The guide features 31 days of prayer that support justice and equality for women.
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KAICIID’s Dialogue Knowledge Hub (DKH) is pleased to offer the eight-week online course in interreligious dialogue for religious leaders, decision makers, Inter-religious dialogue practitioners and educators. Through a series of assignments, lectures and online forums, participants will learn the history of interreligious dialogue, methodologies, and tools for using dialogue to foster peace, mutual respect and social cohesion.
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Maha Shivaratri is the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popularly known as the night of Siva. Shivaratri 2019 date is March 4, Monday as per the calendars used in India – called panchang.
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Lent is the period of forty days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar, traditionally a time of fasting and reflection. It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and begins with Ash Wednesday. In 2019, the season of Lent begins on 6 March and ends on 18 April.
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Yet we often do ask for a blessing from others; receiving the blessing of a person we respect or admire–often our parents, whether or not they are even alive–can have immense power and significance for us. After witnessing one person bless another, the poet Dan Bellm wrote: “I thought about this scene for a long time afterward, wondering, ‘What is a blessing?’ and really wanting one. Was this only an exchange between two people, or was something more present-something else? When people meet closely and truly, when a person blesses another, is God present? What is a blessing?”
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It is said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama considers this text to be THE source for developing altruism in your character and the “Spirit of Awakening.” It is also said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama recites this prayer every morning as part of his waking rituals. So, if you include it in yours, you are in good company!
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The Victorian Healthcare Association is conducting information sessions for people working in the Victorian health sector to learn about the model of care and quality framework to support implementation of voluntary assisted dying within health services, in metro and regional Victoria.
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Parinirvana Day – or Nirvana Day – is observed primarily by Mahayana Buddhists, most commonly on February 15th. The day commemorates the death of the historical Buddha and his entry into final or complete Nirvana. Nirvana Day is a time for contemplation of the Buddha’s teachings. Shepparton Interfaith Network sends greetings to the Buddhists of Shepparton on this day. We share one article on Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem.
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A powerful documentary – Journey Beyond Fear – shot by a former Benalla woman will screen in Shepparton and Euroa next month in conjunction with Cultural Diversity Week. The Shepparton screening is FREE at GOTAFE, followed by a Q and A session with the filmmakers. … Read more…
My journey with religion and interfaith started before I was born. I am the child of parents who are culturally, racially, and religiously different. My mother is an Afro-Canadian Christian, and my father is an Indo-Guyanese Muslim. Starting with my culturally mixed background and upbringing, my entire life has been about embracing and learning differences with love and a deep sense of appreciation.
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As part of the 2018 Bendigo Zinda Festival, Bendigo Interfaith Council will hold a Forum and Dinner at the All Seasons Conservatory on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Guest speaker will be Sherene Hassan OAM, Education Director of the Islamic Museum of Australia.
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In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma and further violence.
We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that women and men, boys and girls, are safe from rape and violence in homes, schools, work, streets – in all places in our societies.
Eleven years ago, on 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Rudd formally apologised to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly those whose lives had been blighted by the practice of forced child removal. Shepparton Regional Reconciliation Group invites you to join in the celebration of the 11th Anniversary of the National Apology on Wednesday, 13 February, 2019 at Queens Gardens, Shepparton at 8am.
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