Dear Friends
During the past weeks I have been touched by the deaths of two ABC personalities serving on ABC radio and TV. John Clarke died suddenly and unexpectedly on 9 April. Just last week on 11 May, we heard of the death of Mark Colvin who had struggled with severe health issues for twenty years.
Bishop Saibo Mabo, 15 May 2017
Our prayers are with the family and friends of Bishop Saibo Mabo on the sad occasion of his passing.
Bishop Mabo was Bishop to the people of the Torres Strait, in the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland since his consecration on 24th February 2002 until his retirement in 2015. During this time he championed the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for Constitutional Recognition and worked passionately for reconciliation between the peoples of Australia.
21 May 2017
The World Council of Churches is calling all churches around the world to unite for a day of prayer on Sunday 21 May 2017.
The situation of people in African countries is desperate.
May we together respond in prayer.
Resources for the day can be found over the page.
“Reconciliation - The Love of Christ Compels Us”
(cf. 2 Corinthians 5:14-20)
28 May – 4 June 2017
In 2017 the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Australia will be observed from 28 May - 4 June 2017 in the week between Ascension and Pentecost.
The theme ‘Reconciliation – the Love of Christ compels us’, celebrates the irrevocable reconciliation that we have received through faith in Jesus Christ. Christ’s love becomes the driving force that moves us beyond our division toward acts of reconciliation
Sydney based Faith Ecology Network (FEN) Prayer Vigil
Come and present a public witness to city workers.
Monday 22nd May 2017
4.30-0.00pm
Town Hall Square, Sydney
Preservation of biological diversity is precious in the eyes of our different faith and ecology disciplines.
National Day of Action: 17 June 2017
Join the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom NSW and ICAN Australia The march is a women-led initiative and inclusive of all genders, ages, cultures and faiths and is part of a National Day of Action across Australia!
| When: | Saturday 17th June at 12-3pm |
| Where: | Jessie Street Centre at 2-12 Macquarie St Parramatta, Sydney |
| Start: | outside the office of Defence Minister, Senator Marise Payne |
| Finish: | with a picnic and music in Prince Alfred Square |
| Featuring: | Dr Helen Caldicott (physician, author and anti-nuclear advocate), |
| Rose Lester (Yankunytjatjara-Anangu) | |
| Asian Women at Work Drumming Group and more |
Leaning into the Spirit
Monday 6 – Thursday 9 November 2017.
University House, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
Keynote Speakers: Professor Paul Murray (Durham, UK), Professor Michael Welker (Heidelberg, Germany)
Early Bird Registrations are open until 31 May 2017.
Visit the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture website to register.
2017 BBI-ACBC eConference
Thursday 10 August 2017, 10:30am-2:45pm (AEST).
'Gospel Leadership in Times of Chaos: the Hope of Pope Francis'
The eConference will bring together a line-up of prominent international and national speakers and panellists from the political, media and business arenas alongside well respected theologians and leaders of religious congregations from across Australia.
Registration is free but mandatory in order to view the event on the day.
Australian Religious Press Association
43rd annual Conference
25 -27 August 2017, Rydges Hotel 59 Federal St Auckland NZ
Inspiration, professional development and networking for ARPA members, including the ARPA Awards Dinner on Saturday night 26 August.
For the programme and information on payment options download the brochure in PDF
For further enquiries, please contact Elizabeth Harris: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the ARPA website
15 - 21 October 2017
Anti-Poverty week starts Sunday 15 October and ends Saturday 21 October.
The UN's International Anti-Poverty Day is Monday 16 October.
Everyone is encouraged to help reduce poverty and hardship by organising an activity during the Week or taking part in an activity organised by others.
The main aims of Anti-Poverty Week are to:
- Strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and in Australia; and
- Encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems, including action by individuals, communities, organisations and governments.
The 2017 Act for Peace Ration Challenge has launched!
There is a crisis in our world right now. Millions of people, forced to leave their homes, are now in desperate need of food, shelter and medical care.
Raise money and awareness for communities threatened by conflict and disaster, take the Act for Peace Ration Challenge. Join more than 10,000 people across Australia, living on refugee rations during Refugee Week (18-25 June).
Faith and Unity Commission: Core business of the NCCA
An unexpected adjustment to the Agenda last November saw me elected to chair the Faith and Unity Commission of the NCCA. Firstly, my deep appreciation goes to outgoing chair, Rev. Canon Cathy Thompson, for her leadership over the last few years. But now, down to business: what exactly do we do?
Asia-Pacific Conference on Comparative Theology
Do you have an interest in inter-religious learning; wish to discover more about the theological and spiritual aspects of comparative theology and philosophy?
The Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Australian Catholic University invites you to:
Asia-Pacific Conference on Comparative Theology
Dates: Wednesday 19 - Thursday 20 July 2017
Venue: Australian Catholic University, Melbourne Campus
Location: 15 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy
Registration: via the website, places are limited
