During his visit to Jakarta, Pope Francis lauded the “Tunnel of Fraternity” connecting Istiqlal Mosque and the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, describing it as “a place of dialogue and encounter”. While tunnels are often seen as dark places, Francis observed “Here it is different, for everything is illuminated”. The pope told Read more
Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia is being hailed as a key moment for interfaith relations. He will engage with leaders from different religious communities in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. The pontiff arrived in Jakarta on 3 September, marking the start of his 12-day trip across Asia and Oceania. On 5 September, Pope Francis is Read more
As the clock struck 12 pm, last Sunday Wellington’s religious communities stood together in solidarity, re-imagining President Donald Trump’s photo opportunity with a Bible. Interfaith leaders gathered on the steps of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Wellington to hold their Bibles and other sacred texts for a photo opportunity. But this was a photo of a Read more
Pakistani Muslim villagers are helping rebuild a Catholic church in the eastern city of Gujranwala. The foundation stone of St. Mary’s Church, which is being rebuilt to accommodate more worshipers, was laid in the Butranwali district of Gujranwala in November last year. Around 50 Christian families are estimated to be living in the Muslim-majority community Read more
The spirit of Deepawali unites families, friends and neighbours, enabling people to cross boundaries of ethnicity and religion. says the Catholic Archbishop of Suva, Peter Loy Chong. He has sent a message of greeting to “all our Hindu brothers and sisters as you celebrate one of the most important and brightest celebrations, “Deepawali” or “festival Read more
A meeting of Manawatū women from different faiths provides a chance to talk about both their differences and similarities. A prayer mat is spread, a candle lit and the colourful robes of a bronze deity are smoothed. The door of an old church is opened. A moment of meditation is observed. Continue reading
The new Christchurch Airport prayer room is located on the ground floor next to the domestic baggage area collection point, between international arrivals and the check in hall. The dedication ceremony was attended by representative leaders of the Catholic, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist communities attended and individually blessed the room. Continue reading
When it came to choosing a primary school for my five children, one thing was clear in my mind: I wanted them to have a broad and inclusive education which allowed them to mix with a wide variety of children. That’s why I decided to send them to a Catholic school. Continue reading
The stated reason given for making Samoa a Christian state is to avoid religious tensions. But a political analyst, Grant Wyeth, says the change has the potential to actually create religious tensions. Samoa is no longer a secular state after its Parliament voted on bill which amends the Constitution to officially declare itself as a Christian nation. Read more
An Indonesian court has found Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, the Christian governor of Jakarta, guilty of blasphemy against Islam. After sentencing Purnama, known as Ahok, was taken to Cipinang Penitentiary in Jakarta, which houses criminals including drug dealers and rapists. The sentence was harsher than what prosecutors had asked for. They had recommended two years’ probation Read more