serving the faith communities of the Goulburn Valley
A quest for learning about Sikh heroes and sheroes became a revelation for columnist-turned-author Dr Seerat Kaur Gill, which inspired her to compile a book exploring and illuminating 51 stories of amazing Sikhs, who throughout history, have braved discrimination, hostility, and otherness.
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The Australian National University is undertaking research to investigate the impact that religiosity and identity has on mental wellbeing following drug use. Where possible, multiple religions will be compared to determine any major differences, however the main focus will be on the Islamic faith. Interested persons are invited to participate in the Survey.
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Pillars of Light, a multicultural celebration of Chanukah, will light up Fed Square in a show of unity and hope as our city reopens. Pillars of Light will take place at Federation Square, Melbourne, from 28 November to 5 December, 2021. This is a free event, and is also available online.
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International Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. On this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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As the world deals with the trauma caused by COVID-19, World Kindness Day, observed on Nov. 13 annually, is a good opportunity to reflect on the healing potential of both large and small acts of kindness. Indeed, it was the kind acts of essential workers that helped save many lives.
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Rome — Pope Francis’ landmark 2019 document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” is widely considered a major advancement in the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Muslim world. The document, which was signed in Abu Dhabi when Francis became the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula, calls for a “culture of mutual respect” — and has been heralded by Islamic, Jewish and Christian leaders around the globe.
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24 November every year is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The United Nations is marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence from 25 November to 10 December 2021, under the global theme set by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign: “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”
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The Initiative for Peacebuilding is delivering the Peacebuilding Perspectives Conversation Series with Helen Bishop. Helen has been invited by the Initiative for Peacebuilding to share her thoughts and experience in conversations about how we can envision peacebuilding in Australia in ways that include how we can collectively approach deep cultural and structural forms of violence. Commencing Monday 29 November, this series will run on three Mondays to 13 December, 1.30pm-3.00pm AEDT.
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Now is the age of clergy and spiritual women and men. The faith communities cannot afford to stand on the sidelines, indifferent and uninvolved. They must offer new models of common existence. Not only between people of different faiths and origins, but also at a fundamental quite fundamentally between religions and their believers on the one hand and the state and its laws on the other.
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Join people across Victoria to raise awareness and walk in solidarity with victim-survivors of family violence and violence against women, at the 13th Annual Walk Against Family Violence on Friday 26th November 2021.
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This guide is based on participatory consultations with faith groups and an in-depth review of international and Australian literature undertaken in 2018-2019, which explored the causes and reinforcing factors of family violence and violence against women in faith settings as well as what works to address these factors. The review also included an analysis of promising or emerging practices both locally and abroad that may effectively prevent and respond to family violence and violence against women in faith settings.
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18 November is International Day of Islamic Art. In 2019, UNESCO proclaimed this day to raise awareness to past and contemporary artistic expressions of Islam and the contribution of culture through Islamic Art to civilisation. It encourages worldwide appreciation for Islamic art in all its forms, such as glass, metalwork, pottery, jewellery and textiles.
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On November 14, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform was officially launched by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and their site is now open for enrolment. This much anticipated global project will help Catholic communities create environmental action plans and track their progress to help move our world in the direction of the Laudato Si’ goals.
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The Australian Human Rights Commission is inviting submissions to inform the development of a National Anti-Racism Framework.
The Framework will be a central reference to guide actions on anti-racism and equality by government, NGOs, business, communities, and other sectors. The Commission is deeply interested in hearing from those with expertise and knowledge of anti-racism initiatives and in responding to racism at structural, institutional, and inter-personal levels.
The Australian Human Rights Commission is accepting submissions to inform the development of a National Anti-Racism Framework up to 15 December 2021.
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Guru Nanak is named founder of the Sikh religion. ‘Sikh’ means ‘disciple’ and Guru Nanak believed that one can evolve or achieve salvation only through direct contact with a true master or a ‘sadguru’. His religion has spread not only in North India but also in America, Singapore and Africa. Many Sikhs now live in other countries. The 552nd anniversary of Guru Nanak occurs on Friday, 19 November 2021.
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‘Act; Inspire Change for An Anti-Racism Strategy in Victoria.’ The Nelson Mandela Day Commemorative Committee is excited to bring people of various cultures to celebrate with song and dance in an Anti-racism Multicultural Concert.
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The Australian Human Rights Commission will launch Yajilarra nhingi, mindija warrma (from dreams, let’s make it reality), a beautiful animation which tells the story of First Nations women’s voices on Wednesday, 24th November 2021, from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm AEDT. “Women are the social fabric of our communities and the glue that holds everything together. We are sovereign women. It is time to listen to our voices now.”
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The Interfaith Talanoa Dialogue Call to COP26 issued by the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change on 11 November 2021 tells “As people of faith, we believe that we humans are called to take care of our neighbours and of the Earth. We together envision a planet that secures good health, dignified livelihoods, and a future for all living beings including coming generations. Though we represent diverse faith traditions, we are united in calling upon the COP26 to act now on the climate emergency before it is too late.”
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Diwali – sometimes called Deepavali – is a festival of light. It is a joyful time, a happy family time – observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and in some places, Buddhists. There is a legend that Diwali commemorates the time Lord Krishna saved the earth from an incoming meteorite by raising his hand into the sky and making the meteorite explode.
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