An Iraqi Cobram imam has expressed his sorrow at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in northern Iraq, and urged non-Muslim Australians to understand that the brutality of Islamic State is not what his religion stands for.
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Submission to Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The Shepparton Interfaith Network was invited by the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to appear and make submissions to the Committee during its visit to Shepparton, which took place on Wednesday, 13 August 2014. Appearing for the Shepparton Interfaith Network were the President, Dr Frank Purcell, PhD, and the Secretary, Rev. Chris Parnell. A submission was made to the effect that the constitution, by way of preamble or insertion of a new section into the constitution, should recognise the spiritual dimensions of the cultures, languages and heritages which give purposeful meaning to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Religion and Politics in Australia
The separation of Church and State is the basis on which Australia builds its relationship between religion and politics. This doesn’t mean that our religious beliefs and practices are not allowed to have influence and impact in the public life of our country. This article sets out how religion and politics relate in a country which accepts that there should be a separation of Church and State.
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ISIS – the Challenge for Australia
The declaration by the ISIS jihardist group of an Islamic State, their restoration of the Caliphate and enforcement of a harsh version of Sharia law poses a serious challenge for Muslim and non-Muslim Australians. Part of the challenge will be for Muslim and non-Mulsim Australians to engage in serious dialogue on the key issues raised by this development.
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Religion and State Schools
Religious education in State schools is a highly contested issue in Australia today. Part of the problem arises from the use of school time to allow religious doctrine to be taught by members of religious groups. This article argues that, distinct from religious doctrine, religious studies show the values shared by religious and secular groups. Realising that we share those values is crucial for building social cohesiveness in a multi-cultural, multi-faith society. .
Courageous Compassion
Australian born Buddhist Nun Ven. Robina Courtin will give a talk on Courageous Compassion at Mooroopna Community Hub on the evening of 23rd September 2014.
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Bendigo Eid Dinner
Bendigo Islamic Centre is holding an Eid Dinner to celebrate cultural diversity and promote social harmony.
Five Uniting Religious Principles
It’s disheartening to persons of faith that something as beautiful as religion, which brings so much peace to its adherents, can equally be used to fuel hatred and conflict. But such is the case. One need only think of Sunnis and Shias in Iraq, of Buddhists and Muslims in Myanmar, and of the rise of anti-Muslim parties in Europe, even in such supposed bastions of liberalism as Denmark. In this time of Ramadan, when 1.6 billion Muslims enter a special sacred season of discipline and reflection, all people of faith should confront this contradiction.
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Respecting Difference Forum
On Wednesday 25 June 2014, Greater Shepparton City Council in partnership with the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group and Ethnic Council Shepparton & District, conducted the Respecting Difference Forum as part of the Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity Project. This took place at the Rumbalara Football and Netball rooms at Mercury Drive.
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Ven. Robina Courtin, Australian-born Buddhist nun
Ven. Robina Courtin, Australian-born Buddhist nun with a powerhouse personality, says it took her years to walk the talk of Buddhism. Shepparton Interfaith Network is currently engaged in collaboration to bring Ven. Robina Courtin to the Goulburn Valley to share about compassion. Ven. Robina's previous visit to the Goulburn Valley was in 2003.
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NAIDOC Week 2014 – Celebrating Indigenous Achievement
Shepparton Interfaith Network urges all Australians to celebrate the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week.
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Royal Commission to hold community forum in Bendigo
Bendigo residents are invited to learn more about the work of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse at a community information forum on Wednesday 23 July.
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World Council of Churches announces September Interfaith Summit on Climate Change
The World Council of Churches (WCC) announced it will hold an Interfaith Summit on Climate Change on September 21-22 in New York City. At the summit, organized together with Religions for Peace, more than 30 religious leaders will take a united stand to encourage international and political leaders to address concretely the causes and consequences of climate change.
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Annual Iftaar Celebration
The SADAAT Foundation will conduct a Community Iftaar (Traditional Breaking of Fast) in the Sacred month of Ramadan on Saturday, 19 July at 4:30pm.
Reflections on All-Faith Musical Festival
The Sathya Sai Organisation, Victoria East Region in collaboration with City of Whitehorse and the City of Glen Eira presented an All-Faith Musical Festival at the Kel Watson Theatre at Forest Hill College, Forest Hills. Shepparton Interfaith Network was present and participated.
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Ramadan Greetings to Islamic Communities
On behalf of the faith communities of the Shepparton Interfaith Network and the Goulburn Valley, we extend our warmest wishes to the Islamic Communities of the Goulburn Valley during the holy month of Ramadan.
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Bendigo mosque: Council approves construction
The Bendigo Council has approved plans for the city's first mosque, despite fierce opposition from some locals who claim the council has failed to protect them from terrorists. There was a large police presence at the meeting to maintain order.
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World Elder Abuse Awareness
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was observed in Greater Shepparton. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day seeks to prevent elder abuse incidents by giving targeted information and encouraging community participation on a broad scale. The day is about all of us working together to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older people wherever they live, and to highlight the need for appropriate action.
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Reducing Race Based Discrimination for Health
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting representatives from local service organisations to attend a free short course on reducing race-based discrimination for health. The two day short course will equip participants to build leadership and skills in organisations and communities to address race-based discrimination and to develop a greater appreciation of the benefits of cultural diversity.
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Multi Faith Prayer and Contemplation Room
Several years of planning and co-operation between Shepparton Interfaith Network and Greater Shepparton City Council came to fruition with the opening of the Council's Multi Faith Prayer and Contemplation Room at the Welsford St offices.
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