From time to time I get to see some inspiring things. Like yesterday, I was invited by Together for Humanity, an organisation that works to build understanding and connection between people of different cultures and faiths, to meet with 11-12 year olds from two schools - the Mount Sinai College (Jewish) and Arkana College (Islamic). We introduced each other to our faiths and prayers, and shared commonalities.
During this excursion, I was reminded of what Martin Luther King said in the midst of the civil rights struggles in the United Stated - "We either learn to live together or we will not live at all."
What Together for Humanity is doing stands in sharp contrast with the actions of some politicians at the moment in regards to the Racial Discrimination Act. The Abbott government wants to remove provisions making it unlawful for someone to publicly "offend, insult, or humiliate" based on race. The amendment will however ban racial vilification. The courts will be given the power to decide what situations constitute as vilification.
On another note, I'm excited to announce Peter Ellyard will be doing the keynote speech at our Future Dimensions conference in May. This conference will examine just what are the religious roots that has contributed to the current ecological crisis.
Peter has been a Senior Adviser to the United Nations system for more than 30 years including to the 1992 Earth Summit. He has been a senior consultant to the UNEP, UNDP and UNESCO and was Chief of Staff of an Environment Minister in Canberra for three years.
Book your seat at the conference before 2 May to get the early bird discount.
I hope you can join us.
Peace,
Rev John Queripel
Minister
[email protected]
During this excursion, I was reminded of what Martin Luther King said in the midst of the civil rights struggles in the United Stated - "We either learn to live together or we will not live at all."
What Together for Humanity is doing stands in sharp contrast with the actions of some politicians at the moment in regards to the Racial Discrimination Act. The Abbott government wants to remove provisions making it unlawful for someone to publicly "offend, insult, or humiliate" based on race. The amendment will however ban racial vilification. The courts will be given the power to decide what situations constitute as vilification.
On another note, I'm excited to announce Peter Ellyard will be doing the keynote speech at our Future Dimensions conference in May. This conference will examine just what are the religious roots that has contributed to the current ecological crisis.
Peter has been a Senior Adviser to the United Nations system for more than 30 years including to the 1992 Earth Summit. He has been a senior consultant to the UNEP, UNDP and UNESCO and was Chief of Staff of an Environment Minister in Canberra for three years.
Book your seat at the conference before 2 May to get the early bird discount.
I hope you can join us.
Peace,
Rev John Queripel
Minister
[email protected]