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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
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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 Related Posts:Diwali: A chance for Fiji to proudly celebrate Read more
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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 Related Posts:Exorcisms on the Read more
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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 Related Posts:Catholic Read more
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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
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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
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The Indonesian bishops’ conference has backed a government minister’s appeal against hate sermons that promote religious or ethnic intolerance. Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, issued the appeal on April 28. It contained nine points targeted at religious preachers and the broader public. Bishop Yohanes Harun Yuwono of Tanjungkarang, chairman of the Commission for Ecumenical Read more
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An English Cardinal and four Muslim leaders from the UK met with Pope Francis this week. They discussed interfaith relations between the religious communities in Britain. Cardinal Vincent Nichols and other Catholic leaders have been working for the past 30 years to develop strong ties with the UK’s local Muslim communities. Francis greeted the group Read more
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A Muslim imam and missionary Mustenser Qamar has extended an invitation to his Lower Hutt community: come over for a cuppa and a chat. The idea behind it is for people to get to know a Muslim. “I was encouraged to do it by what is going on in the world – the proposed Muslim ban [in Read more
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On a wooded lane on Long Island, a white steeple rises from a historic church, home to a congregation established by Dutch settlers. The sign out front says: “Brookville Church, Founded 1732.” It also says Muslim Reform Movement Organization. And New Synagogue of Long Island. And Interfaith Community of Long Island. Together, these four communities Read more
