 |
CAIRS Home > Articles >
January 2007 E-Bulletin 2
17 January 2007
Church leaders offer to mediate Hamas and Fateh conflict in Palestine
Church leaders in Jerusalem have offered to play a mediating role in the Hamas and Fateh dispute in Palestine. They are urging an end to violence in order for them to focus on the true priority of their people - independence, reports Ecumenical News International. "As leaders of the Christian churches in Jerusalem concerned at the present situation in the Palestinian Territories we feel we must voice our anxiety for all our people - Christian and Muslim alike - at the deteriorating relations between Fatah and Hamas leaders and the armed forces," they said in a statement made available on 15 January.
Ekklesia, 15 January, 2007
Ekklesia, 16 January, 2007
Inter Faith Exchange
"Inter Faith Exchange" is an occasional publication of the Churches Commission for Inter Faith Relations. The most recent issue can be downloaded from CTBI. To receive "Inter Faith Exchange" in hard copy pleased contact CCIFR
22 January 2007
I have been asked to publicise Art & Soul
A new spiritual experience for creative folk, who want to combine their faith with their talents in a spiritual journey, through music, artwork, discussion and their interest in creative activity by sharing with others of like mind before God can be a good and growing experience. It takes place in Perth North Church on Monday 22nd January from 7.00pm –till it finishes probably about 9.00pm. Our theme for this event will be The colour BLUE, and amongst the expressions of art there will be time to explore worship through the live music by the presence of a professional jazz singer and her trio, singin’ the blues- an art historian looking at the colour blue in artwork – wordsmiths exploring blueness in poetry and prose - and floral art. Coffee is on tap and the atmosphere will be informal and interactive, but maintaining direction as a good spiritual quest should. It is open to everyone and hopes to involve everyone! Those organising this, hope it might be the first of many, and come from a variety of Christian churches, so you should feel at home. For more details phone 01738 630514 or Andy Campbell 07867 547451
24 January 2007
Islam and Equality
Gender equality, social and political equality, religious equality
A public lecture arranged by University of Glasgow Centre for the Study of Islam and Centre for Inter-Faith Studies by Ayatollah Mahdi Hadavi Professor of Hawza Elniiya Qom Head of the Research Centre of Islamic Culture and Thought Qom / Iran
With responses by Prof. Mona Siddiqui & Dr. Lloyd Ridgeon / University of Glasgow Chair: Prof. Perry Schmidt-Leukel
5-7 pm Boyd Orr Building, Lecture Theatre B Everyone Welcome!
27 January 2007
Holocaust Memorial Day 2007
The Dignity of Difference
Text of a leaflet produced by the Committee for Catholic-Jewish Relations, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales for use on or around Holocaust Memorial Day, 27th January 2007.
What is Holocaust Memorial Day? – It is a day set aside to remember all victims of the Holocaust and other 20th century genocides.
How is it relevant to life today? – During the Nazi regime people were persecuted just for being different. Some were considered to be racially different, for example the Jews, and the Roma and Sinti people (Gypsies). Some were physically or mentally disabled or had mental health problems. Others were homosexual or from other minority groups. Still others were persecuted for their religious or political beliefs.
Intolerance and exclusion still affect many regions of Britain today. Those who are different from the majority face discrimination. Racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and homophobia prevent people living together in a community where different backgrounds and circumstances are valued.
The destructive power of exclusion – the Nazis created a racial state. All groups that did not fit into the pattern of Aryan perfection were deemed unfit in some way to participate fully in the Third Reich. Differences were regarded as weaknesses. Cultural and religious differences, ethnic identity, political persuasion and sexual orientation became factors in demeaning individuals and justifying their removal from participation in society. These “Untermenschen” (lower people) were ultimately driven from their homes, taken to work camps to be used as slave labour or killed in gas chambers in death camps such as Auschwitz.
May the memory of the victims of the Holocaust become our immune system against hate. May we stand together, fighting prejudice together”. Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi. Church teaching on the dignity of all people In Nostra Aetate the Church: deplores feelings of hatred, persecutions and demonstrations of anti-Semitism directed against Jews in any place and at any time; teaches that all men and women have the same dignity, whatever their nation, culture or religion; condemns any kind of discrimination between people by reason of race, colour, class or religion.
Pope Benedict, following his predecessor Pope John Paul II, said “The terrible events of the Shoah must "never cease to rouse consciences, to resolve conflicts, to inspire the building of peace.” (Visit to Synagogue in Cologne, August 2005) At his election the Pope asked all Catholics to co-operate for true social development, one that respects the dignity of all human beings.
What can we do?
Remember together - join with people of other faiths, cultures and communities. Light a candle in your family or church community as a sign of mourning, remembrance and hope. Get to know someone from a minority group – reach out to “the other” who is the “Same. But Different”. Make new communities in your parish feel welcome.
Resources:
The Vatican Documents on Catholic-Jewish Relations
Documents from the Holy See Catholic Truth Society, London
For Holocaust Memorial Day Pack
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust PO Box 49743, London, WC1H 9WU Tel: 0845 838 1883 or visit their website.
For outreach to schools, resource materials, visits to Auschwitz:
Holocaust Educational Trust BCM Box 7892, London WC1N 3XX Tel: 020 7222 6822 or visit their website.
For educational material and visits:
Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre Laxton, Newark, Notts NG22 0PA Tel: 01623 836627
For general information:
The Council of Christians and Jews 1st Floor Camelford House 87-89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP
Tel: 020 7820 0090 or visit their website.
For resources on racial justice and ethnic minorities:
Catholic Association for Racial Justice 9 Henry Road, London N4 2LH Tel: 020 8802 8080 or visit their website.
Additional copies of this leaflet can be obtained from Clare Jardine nds or
Sion Centre for Dialogue and Encounter 34 Chepstow Villas London W11 2QZ Tel: 020 7727 3597 Fax: 020 7313 8281
Edinburgh Interfaith Women's Group
7 February Spirituality practices- prayer, meditation,holy scriptures
28 February Spirituality practices - music and dance
28 March Spring festivals and food
All the meetings are at Nicolson Square Methodist Church and we gather at 7pm to share "finger" food, and then start the conversation about 7.30pm. Please share this information with as many women as possible. Everyone is welcome. Further information from Janice M Clark
7 February - 11 March 2007
The 4th Edinburgh International Festival of Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace
Festival Website here
The Festival Schedule, Brochure, Poster and Registration Forms for the 2007 Middle East Festival are available for downloading in the Downloads section of the Festival website under MESP 2007. The Festival Schedule can also be viewed through the Events Calendar. The Highlight Events section also lists some other events outwith MESP.
15 – 17 May 2007
"The Christian Imperative to Inter Faith Dialogue – Good News for Everyone?"
The 2007 CIPA consultation, which will take place from lunchtime Tuesday 15th May 2007 to lunchtime Thursday 17th May 2007. Please get these dates in your diary today! The venue is All Saints Pastoral Centre, London Colney, Hertfordshire.
The consultation for 2007 will consider these issues: Does inter faith work and engagement further the Kingdom of God? For Christians, what is the biblical basis for engagement in inter faith work? How can Christians be encouraged to engage in inter faith encounter without feeling guilty of compromising their own faith? Considering the current climate of socio-cultural and religious unrest in contemporary plural Britain, why should and how can inter faith work be projected as a priority and whose priority is it?
How do other faiths justify inter faith work from their scriptures? How can people of different faiths explore together what their scriptures say?
During the 48 hours of the consultation we hope to: Review and renew our biblical understanding Explore theological perspectives in relation to our current socio-political context Consider community and regional issues Inter faith concerns Examples and stories Models of good practice
The cost for this consultation is £120 full board (bedroom with common bath & toilet and all meals) or £70 day-visitor (lunch and evening meals).
CIPA 2007 is suitable for anyone who seeks to live and work in a world of many faiths: Teachers, clergy, prison chaplains, university chaplains, students, community workers - Anyone!
The Christian Inter Faith Practitioners’ Association (CIPA) is A support group for Christians of all denominations involved in inter faith work A group endorsed by the Churches Commission for Inter Faith Relations (CCIFR), a commission of the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI)
Further details from, and bookings to : David Jonathan (Johny)
(CIPA 2007) GRASSROOTS
47, High Town Road, LUTON LU2 0BW
3 July - 14 August 2007
Joint Jewish- Christian- Moslem Religious Studies Programme in the Holy Land
Galilee College, Israel is holding a summer programme. The programme, of six weeks, will include approximately 150 academic hours including lectures, study tours, field trips and panel discussions.
The programme is intended for students of Religious Studies and Theology. The course is aimed at extending the participants knowledge of relationship and interactions between the three monotheistic religions in the Holy Land, and high light recent religious trends as well as religious aspects of the current political, social and cultural situation in the region.
The lectures will be given by Christian, Jewish and Moslem academics and Clergy and will offer various aspects of the religious life and importance of religion in the Holy Land.
Candidates should be fluent in English, priority is given to graduate students. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available to qualified candidates.
Students who are interested should e-mail Ms Noa Perl.
continued here