Date: 2008-03-31 18:08:27
Did you pick it?
In our last newsletter we included an error right at the end, just to keep you on your toes. I use the royal “we”, but really it is I who must bear the responsibility. So what did “we” do?
Under “Don’t forget” there was a reminder regarding events surrounding the visit of Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali to Brisbane. Bishop Nazir-Ali is Anglican Bishop of Rochester and will be delivering the Rollie Busch lecture tonight, 31 March. Bishop Nazir-Ali is a highly respected and courageous thinker on issues of interfaith dialogue, to name just one area he is involved in.
So you see, it is not Rollie Busch who will be at the Multi-Faith Centre tomorrow (!!), but Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, in conversation with Mohammed Abdalla. Click here for details.
Next time I wish to receive lots of protest emails to prove you have at least read the newsletter!
Although the Zimbabwe election has already taken place, the article featuring the calls of students in that country for peace is still a timely signal. The outcome is not certain, and whichever way it officially falls, we need to pray fervently that violence will not erupt.
Forging peace is also the aim of a programme in a very different context, namely that of promoting understanding between the faiths in Queensland. Please promote the call for presenters in the Together for Humanity project.
Meanwhile some groundbreaking conversations are beginning between Muslim leaders and the World Council of Churches (WCC). Below you can click the link to a significant WCC statement in this conversation.
It’s always encouraging to learn of things happening ecumenically in all imaginable parts of Queensland. When a local ecumenical group documents its history, it becomes an invaluable testimony to the journey. This is what Woodgate Churches Together has done. We include a short article about that.
And DON’T FORGET the interesting events coming up in the next week or two. See below for reminders.
At the end of the week may you look back with satisfaction and wonder at the bridges the Spirit has built through you this week.
Glenine Hamlyn
"Let us give peace a chance," urge Christian students in the lead-up to the elections, despite acknowledging a very "uneven playing field".
You can help to break down barriers in a fun way, by becoming a presenter for a new inter-religious programme aimed at schools: Together for Humanity.
"Learning to explore love together" is the title of a new WCC commentary on Christian-Muslim dialogue. It is part of an ongoing process of consultation with Muslim leaders and WCC.
The richness of relationships has become apparent to this ecumenical group, even though their original dream of a more formal partnership was not fulfilled.
Faith in a Plural Society – a Christian-Muslim conversation
Tomorrow – 1 April at the Multi-Faith Centre - with Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali. Click here for details of the event – please phone the organizers concerning late registration.
Make Indigenous Poverty History
Events with Graeme Mundine of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC), 3, 4 and 5 April. See What’s On April for details.
Please note that there has been a change of venue for the event on Friday, 4 April in the evening: it is now being held in Indooroopilly Uniting Church in Station Road, Indooroopilly.
Ecumenical services for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Brisbane: 9 May – click here.
Townsville: 11 May – click here.
Rockhampton: 25 May - click here.
