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Remember -
Qur'an - word for word revelations of Allah - therefore Allah speaking to importance of environment
Hadith - Muhammad - role modelling care for environment

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International Islamic Climate Change Symposium

“A clean energy, sustainable future for everyone ultimately rests on a fundamental shift in the understanding of how we value the environment and each other. Islam’s teachings, which emphasize the duty of humans as stewards of the Earth and the teacher’s role as an appointed guide to correct behavior, provide guidance to take the right action on climate change.”

The leaders called on governments meeting in Paris to “bring their discussions to an equitable and binding conclusion” bearing in mind:

The scientific consensus on climate change, which is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate systems;

The need to set clear targets and monitoring systems;

The dire consequences to planet earth if we do not do so;

The enormous responsibility the COP shoulders on behalf of the rest of humanity, including leading the rest of us to a new way of relating to God’s Earth.

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Islamic leaders have called on the world's 1.6 billion Muslims to play an active role in combatting climate change and have urged governments to conclude an effective universal climate change agreement in Paris at the end of the year.

Faith leaders, senior international development policy makers, academics and other experts made the call in an Islamic Declaration on Climate adopted at an International Islamic Climate Change Symposium in Istanbul in Tuesday.

The leaders called on governments meeting in Paris to "bring their discussions to an equitable and binding conclusion" bearing in mind:

The scientific consensus on climate change, which is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate systems;

The need to set clear targets and monitoring systems;

The dire consequences to planet earth if we do not do so;

The enormous responsibility the COP shoulders on behalf of the rest of humanity, including leading the rest of us to a new way of relating to God's Earth.

Zero Emissions As Soon As Possible

The Muslim leaders furthermore called on the people of all nations and their leaders to phase out greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible in order to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, and to commit themselves to 100 % renewable energy and/or a zero emissions strategy as early as possible. They specifically called on richer nations and oil-producing states to lead the way in phasing out their greenhouse gas emissions as early as possible and no later than the middle of the century.

Welcoming the declaration, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Secretary Christiana Figueres said:

A clean energy, sustainable future for everyone ultimately rests on a fundamental shift in the understanding of how we value the environment and each other. Islam's teachings, which emphasize the duty of humans as stewards of the Earth and the teacher's role as an appointed guide to correct behavior, provide guidance to take the right action on climate change.

Speaking on the first day of the International Islamic Climate Change Symposium on Monday, the UNFCCC's Director for Strategy Halldór Thorgeirsson set out the UN's key expectations for the universal climate change agreement in December. He said: "Due to the fact that warming from carbon dioxide persists for many centuries, any upper limit on warming requires net carbon dioxide emissions to eventually fall to zero. Avoiding dangerous climate change therefore requires fundamental economic transformation, not fine tuning of existing systems, leading to deep, and later full, decarbonisation of energy supply."

Surge in Religious Calls to Support Climate Action

Many faiths and denominations have this year also been calling governments to take action at the Paris climate meeting, along with pledging climate action themselves.

In June, Pope Francis released a papal encyclical letter, in which he called on the world's 1.2 billion Catholics to join the fight against climate change.

The Church of England's General Synod recently urged world leaders to agree long term pathways to a low carbon future, and is among a number of Christian groups promising to redirect their resources into clean energy.

Hindu leaders will release their own statement later this year, and the Buddhist community plans to step up engagement this year building on a Buddhist Declaration on climate change. Hundreds of rabbis released a Rabbinic Letter on the Climate Crisis.

Interfaith groups have also been cooperating throughout the year. The Vatican convened a Religions for Peace conference in the Vatican in April, and initiatives such as our Our Voices network are building coalitions in the run-up to Paris.

The importance of global support by faith groups for effective climate action is underscored by Pew Research Center data, according to which around 84% of the world's population are religiously affiliated.

See also the Climate Action Network International press release.

Image at top of article: Fadi Itani (Twitter)

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Islamic Declaration on Climate Change | UNFCCC

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Islamic leaders have called on the world's 1.6 billion Muslims to play an active role in combatting climate change and have urged governments to conclude an effective universal climate change agreement in Paris at the end of the year.

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Interfaith statement on domestic violence

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Interfaith statement on domestic violence

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World Interfaith Harmony Week - Multifaith Advisory Group statement | Victorian Multicultural Commission

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Unity in Diversity We are one human family on a tiny planet in an incomprehensibly vast universe of divine creation. We live between the mysteries of birth and death for a relatively short time in a vast and magnificent universe. More than ever before, our lives are inter-connected and depend on each other.

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Interfaith dialogue on protection of planet COP 26

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Interfaith dialogue on protection of planet COP 26

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Pope Francis, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury have released a joint statement for the first time, focusing on the protection of Creation and highlighting the importance of the COP26 meeting in November.

Released on 1 September, the beginning of Season of Creation, this ecumenical statement acknowledges the lessons of the pandemic and urges, "May we not waste this moment. We must decide what kind of world we want to leave to future generations. God mandates: 'Choose life, so that you and your children might live' (Dt 30:19).
"We must choose to live differently; we must choose life."
The statement highlights the COP26 gathering in November multiple times as a key moment for decision makers, "We pray for our leaders who will gather in Glasgow to decide the future of our planet and its people...To those with more far-reaching responsibilities-heading administrations, running companies, employing people or investing funds-we say: choose people-centred profits; make short-term sacrifices to safeguard all our futures; become leaders in the transition to just and sustainable economies. 'To whom much is given, much is required.' (Lk 12:48)"

"Accordingly, as leaders of our Churches, we call on everyone, whatever their belief or worldview, to endeavour to listen to the cry of the earth and of people who are poor, examining their behaviour and pledging meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the earth which God has given us."

When speaking about the environmental crisis, they describe it both as a 'harsh justice' and a 'profound injustice'. "We stand before a harsh justice: biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change are the inevitable consequences of our actions, since we have greedily consumed more of the earth's resources than the planet can endure. But we also face a profound injustice: the people bearing the most catastrophic consequences of these abuses are the poorest on the planet and have been the least responsible for causing them."

"We have maximised our own interest at the expense of future generations. By concentrating on our wealth, we find that long-term assets, including the bounty of nature, are depleted for short-term advantage... Now, in this moment, we have an opportunity to repent, to turn around in resolve, to head in the opposite direction ... climate change is not only a future challenge, but an immediate and urgent matter of survival."

The leaders also acknowledge the damage of past and present selfishness which is now affecting the youth and future generations who will bear the brunt of the crisis in coming decades:

"Today's children and teenagers will face catastrophic consequences unless we take responsibility now."

"For their sake, we must choose to eat, travel, spend, invest and live differently, thinking not only of immediate interest and gains but also of future benefits. We repent of our generation's sins. We stand alongside our younger sisters and brothers throughout the world in committed prayer and dedicated action for a future which corresponds ever more to the promises of God."

The trio propose a changing of perspective to see each other as brothers and sisters, in line with Fratelli Tutti."If we think of humanity as a family and work together towards a future based on the common good, we could find ourselves living in a very different world. Together we can share a vision for life where everyone flourishes. Together we can choose to act with love, justice and mercy. Together we can walk towards a fairer and fulfilling society with those who are most vulnerable at the centre."

Finally, they ask each person, church and community to make commitments and live them out for the sake of one another and our world.

"Each of us, individually, must take responsibility for the ways we use our resources. This path requires an ever-closer collaboration among all churches in their commitment to care for creation. Together, as communities, churches, cities and nations, we must change route and discover new ways of working together to break down the traditional barriers between peoples, to stop competing for resources and start collaborating."
"Caring for God's creation is a spiritual commission requiring a response of commitment. This is a critical moment. Our children's future and the future of our common home depend on it."
The full statement can be found here:
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2021/documents/20210901-messaggio-protezionedelcreato.html
Photo Credit: Anglican News, Jeffrey Bruno and Lambeth Palace

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Pope, Patriarch and Archbishop Unite - Office for Social Justice

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"Today's children and teenagers will face catastrophic consequences unless we take responsibility now." Pope Francis, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury have released a joint statement on the protection of Creation.

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Pope Francis' message to Australia's Indigenous Community

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Pope Francis' message to Australia's Indigenous Community

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Pope Francis message to Indigenous Australians

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Pope Francis message to Indigenous Australians

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This site includes images, quotes and references to people who have passed. We have included them to acknowledge, honour and pay respect to their contribution and efforts to our struggles, our progress and achievements.

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This site includes images, quotes and references to people who have passed. We have included them to acknowledge, honour and pay respect to their contribution and efforts to our struggles, our progress and achievements.

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Hand in Hand (Book about reconciliation between Judaism and Indigenous Australia)

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Hand in Hand (Book about reconciliation between Judaism and Indigenous Australia)

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UNSW Shalom College Gamarada Scholarship (Judaism)

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UNSW Shalom College Gamarada Scholarship (Judaism)

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The Shalom Gamarada Scholarship Program was established to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through contributing to higher education and increasing the number of Indigenous professionals. It addresses the serious educational and socio-economic disadvantages which many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face by providing support for students studying long-haul degrees to live in an academic, personal and inclusive community at Shalom College.

Since the started of the program in January 2005, 47 students have graduated, including 23 Aboriginal doctors and 10 lawyers. Our Gamarada residents have also enjoyed a pass rate of well-over 90% in the past 7 years - exceeding that of non-Indigenous Australians. Most of our Gamarada residents are studying long-haul degrees like Medicine and Law and compete against the brightest and most privileged students from around Australia and the world.

The scholarship is awarded based on financial need; course of study; past leadership, cultural and sporting achievements; and commitment to Shalom's collegiate community. Applicants should apply through the standard Shalom College application process and submit an essay on their suitability for the scholarship. Should you have any questions about this program, please contact Emma Parker on emma@shalom.edu.au.

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The Shalom Gamarada Scholarship Program was established to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through contributing to higher education and increasing the number of Indigenous professionals. It addresses the serious educational and socio-economic disadvantages which many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face by providing support for students studying long-haul degrees to live in an academic, personal and inclusive community at Shalom College.

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Bluecare (Uniting Church Charity) Reconciliation

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Bluecare (Uniting Church Charity) Reconciliation

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At Blue Care, reconciliation is at the heart of our programs, services and initiatives to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with opportunities to participate and thrive in life.

Reconciliation is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people coming together to build a healthier society. We do this through building stronger communities, healthier relationships and improving opportunities, for the benefit of all Australians.

As an agency of UnitingCare, Blue Care is committed to the UnitingCare Reconciliation Action Plan, which outlines our vision for reconciliation and the plan we are committed to in order to help us improve access to health and aged care services for Australia's First Nation peoples and strengthen our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members.

Stretch RAP (2017-2020)

UnitingCare's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is our business plan for prioritising and contributing to reconciliation in Australia.

Our Reconciliation Action Plans, built on the Australian Framework of Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate, set up our path to reconciliation in partnership, walking together to right the wrongs of the past, and looking forward to our future, together.

UnitingCare's Stretch RAP (2017-2020) keeps us moving forward on our Reconciliation journey, with specific targets around cultural appreciation, procurement, recruitment and retention, leadership and community participation.

Our Stretch RAP challenges us to:

Increase our percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees so that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients receive culturally appropriate care.

Give a voice to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and clients through strong leadership at all levels of our organisation.

Invite our employees to take part in cultural appreciation training and/or workshops.

Create a culture that recognises and respects the value and knowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to Blue Care's work.

More information

Our Stretch RAP builds on the work of previous UnitingCare RAPs. To view earlier RAPs and to understand the origins of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander autonomy within the Ministry of the Uniting Church, view UnitingCare's Reconciliation page.

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At Blue Care, reconciliation is at the heart of our programs, services and initiatives to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with opportunities to participate and thrive in life. Reconciliation is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people coming together to build a healthier society.

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Martung Upah is NCCA's major fundraising appeal. Income received from this appeal allows us to fund our work, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development Fund. Your gift makes an enormous difference to help us support our First Nations people. Without it, we would not be able to provide educational resources to the wider community; engage the Churches in Indigenous issues or fund important community development projects.

The Martung Upah appeal is one way that you can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples directly.

Our aim is to build a better tomorrow for all First Nations children so that injustice and discrimination will not be part of Australia's future.

We look forward to our continued partnership and thank you for your support.
Martung Upah is from Western Australia and means 'partnership'.

Student at Maparu during WCC Living Letters visit. Photocredit: Hanna Grace

Martung Upah Appeal

To make a secure on line donation click here.

To find out other ways to donate please see below.

How to donate?

To donate by phone, please call our freecall number 1800 025 101

To donate by cheque or credit card, please download the appeal brochure and send the donation form with your cheque (payable to NATSIEC) to Martung Upah Appeal, Locked Bag Q199, Queen Victoria Building, NSW, 1230.

To make a secure on line donation click here.

Please note that donations can be made to Martung Upah throughout the year.

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Martung Upah is NCCA's major fundraising appeal. Income received from this appeal allows us to fund our work, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development Fund. Your gift makes an enormous difference to help us support our First Nations people.

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NCCA support for Aboriginal Reconciliation

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NCCA support for Aboriginal Reconciliation

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Giving strength to the voice of our First People

NCCA is committed to the churches working together for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and for the healing of our peoples. We believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, nurtured and sustained by God before colonisation, are celebrated at the very heart of what is means to be Australian.

We support First Peoples through affirmation of the Statement from the Heart and focused indigenous ecumenical advocacy​.

RECONCILATION AS MISSION FOR AUSTRALIAN CHURCHES
29 October 2020
NCCA Assembly
The NCCA meeting was held online via Zoom and took the form of a discussion and sharing on the importance of relationship building and yarning. This was the first Assembly meeting of this kind.

SEE THE FLYER: Assembly program 29 10 2020 1 (5.91 MB)

REFLECTION ON RECONCILIATION
14 June 2020
A more compassionate Australia would be wonderful!
‍‍Peace and Reconciliation can face strange resistances....As we continue our work of reconciliation, we pray for the grace to see people as Jesus sees them. We pray for the grace to persist with our responsibility as ministers of reconciliation.
READ THE FULL REFLECTION

STATEMENT FROM THE HEART
May 2017
First Nations National Constitutional Convention at Uluru
‍‍The Uluru Statement From The Heart (Uluru Statement) represents a historic consensus of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in seeking constitutional change to enable a Voice to Parliament in the Constitution.
READ THE ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART

PILGRIMAGE OF JUSTICE AND PEACE
June, 2019
In Solidarity with First Nations
The Pilgrimage involved the churches walking together, as First and Second Peoples, around the Parliamentary Triangle in Canberra to significant sights of the Journey towards justice, peace and reconciliation. Prayer and reflection stations included the High Court of Australia, Reconciliation Place and steps of Old Parliament House.

READ MORE: Prayers for Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace 12 June FINAL (620 KB)

CULTURAL SAFETY IN OUR CHURCHES
NCCA Assembly
Postponed during COVID-19 restrictions
The NCCA, like many other organisations, is taking steps to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 (Corona virus) by cancelling or postponing meetings and limiting travel requirements.

DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED

MARTUNG UPAH APPEAL

Martung Upah is the NCCA's major fundraising appeal. Income received from this appeal allows us to fund our work, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development Fund.
DONATE NOW

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER DEVELOPMENT FUND

The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Development Fund (ATSIDF), of the National Council of Churches in Australia, is a tax deductible fund set up to assist Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples by giving small, usually one-off grants for community development projects. The projects are funded through the Martung Upah Appeal.
FIND OUT MORE

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PAST WORK

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) was the peak ecumenical Indigenous body in Australia. It was a commission of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA). With NATSIEC's guidance, the churches worked together for a fair deal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and for the healing of our nation.
FIND OUT MORE

CHRIST AND CULTURE

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) has held 3 indigenous theology themed conferences which were an opportunity for participants to explore faith in their own cultural context.

2007: Indigenous Theology and Spirituality Conference

2009: Christ Through Culture

2011: Mother Tongue Theologising

FIND OUT MORE

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NCCA is committed to the churches working together for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and for the healing of our peoples. We believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, nurtured and sustained by God before colonisation, are celebrated at the very heart of what is means to be Australian.

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Interfaith support for migrant workers (2020)

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Interfaith support for migrant workers (2020)

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The Australian Red Cross has posted information regarding news of funding from the Australian Government. This funding has been promised for the delivery of services for their emergency and casework support for people on temporary visas, for the next six months. We encourage people to read this information before contacting the Red Cross.

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Interfaith Statement on Covid in Australia (2020)

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Interfaith Statement on Covid in Australia (2020)

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To Australia's Religious, Political and Civic Leaders and to the People of Australia,

On Friday, March 20th, 2020, senior interfaith leaders from almost all Australian States and Territories met electronically. We decided to share this message with the Australian community.

Australia is now engaged in a health war against an invisible enemy. We are entering unprecedented times, not seen since the flu epidemic of 1919 with its 10,493 official deaths. In such times of crisis, our faith traditions insist on spiritual calmness and inner serenity, always mindful that we must take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones in accordance with and beyond government directives. Our faith traditions also insist that we show utmost concern for all vulnerable people in our family network, in our faith communities and in our local networks and neighbourhoods.

We should correctly be fearful, but not be overcome with overwhelming terror and despair. With their centuries-long histories, all major faith traditions have extensive experience of past epidemics. The Australian Government has now closed all indoor places of worship, and we support that decision.

We congratulate religious leaders who have closed down religious services and their places of worship and we congratulate those who have taken the initiative to livestream their worship celebrations. We are not against religious buildings remaining open for private, individual prayer on the strict condition that social distance and cleansing provisions are rigidly and regularly enforced.

Faith can be a sustaining force in this time of need, in this time of isolation. We commend to all Australians, especially those in partial or complete lockdown, to seek solace in (i) participating in livestreamed acts of worship, (ii) meditating and praying in the silence of their houses and apartments, (iii) praying before domestic altars, statues and sacred images, (iv) reading and reflecting on passages from the Holy Scriptures of one's spiritual tradition and (v) doing spiritual reading.

In this way, we can all adjust to aloneness and loneliness. And reflect on life and its meaning.

The Covid-19 crisis reminds us all of the fragility and precariousness of life. At this time, we beg religious leaders to avoid extremist and mistaken interpretations of the causes of the plague. And we beg all Australians not to scapegoat particular groups for what is happening and not develop a bunker mentality. And we beg all Australians not to binge- or bulk-buy as it reflects selfishness and a lack of care for, goodwill towards and solidarity with our fellow Australians, especially the vulnerable.

We pray for those who have already died and for their loved ones, and for all those who are ill from the virus as well as those are fearful in the face of the threat of illness and death

We pray for the doctors, nurses and other health workers caring for the sick and perhaps risking their lives, and for the medical scientists working speedily for solutions.

We pray for the health care and emergency services chaplains and their support volunteers who did so much during the bushfires and are now being called upon again to offer their spiritual counselling and pastoral support.

We fear for those who are living alone, especially if they are widowed, and for international students and all others on temporary visas - may they receive the necessary emotional and pastoral support in these times of trial. We are concerned for those living in regional and remote areas to whom we must reach out.

Australia is in an enormous emergency. As the epidemic progresses, we must not underestimate the resultant financial hardship and the mortgage stress that will ensue. We commend the governments, the banks and all other financial institutions for the steps that have already been taken. But more may be needed, not least in multicultural communities who may not have the necessary financial reserves to cope and survive. We ask apartment owners and real estate owners not to evict people and their families when they are unable to pay.

We ask the faith-based welfare organizations to collaborate in mobilising their resources quickly and efficiently to meet the difficulties to be faced by families and individuals, particularly the homeless.

Lastly, we pray for national connectedness and teamwork in addressing the crisis and call upon all faith communities with their on-the-ground spiritual, pastoral and welfare resources in every Australian local, suburban and rural, community to respond quickly and appropriately. We pray.

Chair:
Emeritus Professor Desmond Cahill OAM, RMIT University, Chair, Religions for Peace Australia
Members:
Dr Brian Adams, Director, Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue, Griffith University, Brisbane
Anne Aisatullin, Country Contact, United Religions Initiative, Australia
Ali Ahmed, Secretary, Religions for Peace, Victoria
Dr Susan Ennis, Secretary, Religions for Peace Australia
Dean Sahu Khan, President, Canberra Interfaith Forum
Josie Lacey AM, Chair, Religions for Peace, NSW, Life-member FECCA, Jewish community representative
Dr. Ian Fry, University Scholar, University of Divinity
Ron Mitchell, Convenor Logan Interagency Network, Queensland and Secretary of the Qld Division of the United Nations Association of Australia.
Rev. Chris Parnell, webmaster, www.religionsforpeaceaustralia.org.au, Regional Interfaith Network
Philippa Rowlands, Chair, Multifaith Association of South Australia
Terry Sussmilch, Convenor, Religions for Peace, Tasmania
Rev. Wies Schuiringa, Vice President NSW Ecumenical Council
Rev Ian Smith, Executive Officer, Victorian Council of Churches
Rev Canon Richard Tutin, General Secretary of Queensland Churches Together and a member of the Executive of Queensland Faith Communities Council.
Rev Andrew Williams, Minister of the Word, Darwin Memorial Uniting Church
Professor Samina Yasmeen, Director, Centre for Muslim States and Societies, University of Western Australia, Perth

Media contact: Professor Des Cahill, 0439 995761- available for a video call (emergency Dr Sue Ennis 0400 069 014)
Download this Interfaith Statement on Covid-19

A PRAYER DURING TIMES OF COVID-19
This prayer has been adapted from a prayer prepared by the United Church of Canada and may have to be adapted for particular faith communities.
In this time of Covid-19, we pray:
When we are uncertain, O God of many names, help us be calm;
When information comes from all sides, correct or not, help us to discern;
When fear makes it hard to breathe, and anxiety is the order of the day, slow us down, O Lord;
Help us reach out with our hearts, when we cannot touch with our hands and hugs;
Help us to be socially connected, when we have to be socially distant;
Help us to love as perfectly as we can, knowing that 'perfect love casts out all fear'.

For the doctors, we pray; for the nurses, we pray
For the technicians and janitors and the aides and caregivers, we pray
For the researchers and theorists,
The epidemiologists and investigators,
For those who are sick,
And those who are grieving, we pray
For all who are affected,
All around the world ... we pray
For safety,
For health,
For wholeness.

May we feed the hungry, may we give drink to the thirsty,
May we clothe the naked and house those without homes;
May we walk with those who feel they are alone,
And may we do all that we can do to heal
The sick ... in spite of the epidemic, in spite of the fear

Help us, O Divine Being, that we might help each other

In the love of the divine Creator,
In the name of the spiritual Healer,
That is in all and with all,
We pray.

AMEN, MAY IT BE SO.

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Covid-19 Crisis: An Interfaith Statement

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To Australia's Religious, Political and Civic Leaders and to the People of Australia, On Friday, March 20th, 2020, senior interfaith leaders from almost all Australian States and Territories met electronically. We decided to share this message with the Australian community. Australia is now engaged in a health war against an invisible enemy.

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Interfaith Open Letter in support of the UN Treat on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2020)

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Interfaith Open Letter in support of the UN Treat on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2020)

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Martung Upah is a significant initiative of NCCA working to address First Nations disadvantage.

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Dear Martung Upah Partners, Martung Upah is NCCA’s major fundraising appeal. Income received from this appeal allows us to fund our work, including th...

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https://www.ncca.org.au/departments/thursdays-in-black

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NSW Ecumenical Council - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (2020)

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NSW Ecumenical Council - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (2020)

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https://www.nswec.org.au/our-initiatives/aboriginal-torres-strait-islander

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https://sornotes.weebly.com/year-12.html

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Overcoming family violence (2020)
https://www.nswec.org.au/our-initiatives/overcoming-family-violence

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The Making of Modern Australia: The Australian Soul

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The Making of Modern Australia: The Australian Soul

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A one hour snapshot of religion in Australia from the end of WW2 until about 2010.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRwVnQ8VFWU

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2016 Census - 'no religion' rising fast
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyReleaseDate/7E65A144540551D7CA258148000E2B85?OpenDocument

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Patriarch Bartholomew and the protection of the environment - quotes

https://www.patriarchate.org/bartholomew-quotes

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Affinity Intercultural foundation

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Responding to Climate Change through Religious Collaboration - Affinity

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While Sydney was surrounded by bushfires and smoke, “Faithful Responses to Climate Emergency: Acting In Hope” was the topic addressed by CSU A/Prof Mehmet Ozalp and Ms Thea Ormerod from ARRCC on Thursday 14 November at Affinity Offices in the city. Affinity hosted yet another lecture series on Clima…

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http://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20081111_1.htm

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A fairly simple overview of principles underpinning environmental ethics in Islam to deepen your understanding.
http://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/20081111_1.htm

Specific fatwas that you can use as evidence to support your response:
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/03/01/perlis-issues-a-fatwa-on-environmental-pollution/#6yeQDpAmiYYCUZjs.99

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Access the hadiths that are attributed to A'isha:

http://www.searchtruth.com/searchHadith.php?keyword=Narrated%20Aisha:&book=&translator=1&search=1&search_word=&start=110&records_display=10

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This is the 10 minute clip that we watched in class:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7wz2X5XMeF2b0hRSFFjOXc5WGM

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10 minute clip:
Great Women of Islam - Ayesha bint Abu Bakr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43kBB_seUk4

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Video of ISRA representatives discussing Aisha at Kildare
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B_7v0k05GRIGNnhXS1k1WnZib0k

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Contemporary Experience

Thomas Berry and the environment
http://www.abc.net.au/religion/stories/s2609932.htm

Thomas Berry's site:
http://thomasberry.org/

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Experience

Saint Francis of Assisi (start reading at paragraph 16)
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=50

US Catholic on Francis of Assisi
http://www.uscatholic.org/church/2010/09/st-francis-patron-ecology

St Francis of Assisi and the Church's teaching on the environment
http://www.ushispanicministry.com/st-francis-of-assisi-and-the-churchs-teaching-on-the-environment/

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Natural Law Prezi
https://prezi.com/wug-l8j1bkfu/natural-law-and-the-environment/

Overview
http://a2withkomilla.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/natural-law-and-environmental-ethics.html

Natural Law and the Environment in more detail
http://greenjesuit.org/?p=139

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Issue #1
Modification of habitat

How the wolves changed the rivers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q

Issue #2
Climate Change - Tuvalu

Islands on the front line of climate change
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrT0pNiXYJo

Issue #3
The Price of Palm Oil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A01iDTNQ2rs

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Greek Orthodox

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/11/30/pope_francis__patriarch_bartholomew_sign_joint_declaration/1113026

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Greek Orthodox

Patriarch Bartholomew deepens his stance on Christianity - 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/04/science/bartholomew-i-of-constantinoples-bold-green-stance.html

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Greek Orthodox

Patriarch Bartholomew on Environmental Justice and Peace
https://www.patriarchate.org/bartholomew-quotes

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The Continuing effect of dispossession - 7:30 report clip on rates of indigenous youth incarceration
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/

The continuing effect of dispossession

http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129551281

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Connection to land and people

BTN clip for Mabo Day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiQ8YHDfySA

Aboriginal connection to the land:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm2JYlVPajM

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Deforestation of Amazon continues despite Brazil's best efforts - from Catholic Online

http://www.catholic.org/news/green/story.php?id=56860

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Pope Francis: Destroying the Rainforest is a sin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_Q1GOYiGz4&feature=youtu.be

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More on Laudato Si - appeal for action

http://catholicearthcare.org.au/project/laudato-si-an-urgent-appeal-for-action/

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2015 - Pope on abortion

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2015/s4304452.htm

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Pope radically simplifies annulment

https://www.yahoo.com/news/pope-radically-simplifies-catholic-marriage-annulment-procedures-103928872.html?ref=gs

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Secular commentary on Laudato Si

http://www.wired.com/2015/06/popes-memo-climate-change-mind-blower/

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Catholic commentary on Laudato Si

https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/distinctly-catholic/laudato-si-arrives

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Laudato Si - from the Pope
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

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Religion Post-1945 Updated with  Census Data on 27/06/2017

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Religion Post-1945 Updated with  Census Data on 27/06/2017

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Australian Bureau of Statistics: Losing My Religion
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-27/australians-are-older-ethnically-diverse-and-less-religious/8654440

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Religion Census Summary 2016
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/2071.0~2016~Main%20Features~Religion%20Data%20Summary~70

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National Church Life Survey Results - Here
http://www.ncls.org.au/default.aspx?sitemapid=6988

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http://www.acehsc.net/studies-of-religion-study-notes/