"The Stones Cry Out" screenings
PIEN has arranged national screenings of the entertaining and powerful documentary, "The Stones Cry Out". The film explains that Christianity was born in Palestine 2,000 years ago, yet many are unaware Christians still live there. For over 60 years all Palestinians have suffered displacement, expulsion, & occupation and Palestinian Christians' voices have been drowned out in the turmoil. This is a chance to hear their story.
The event is just days away for the Brunswick screening on 21st September, with another one in Bayswater on 19th October. We don't want you to miss out on this important film. In fact, it is so important that you should bring lots of other people along too. This is an important opportunity to let your friends and church members see and learn about life for Palestinian Christians.
BRUNSWICK: 7:30pm, Thursday, 21st September. Bookings here (a pdf poster to this event available for download here)
BAYSWATER: 7:30pm, Thursday, 19th October. Bookings here (a pdf poster to this event avilable for download here)
If you need any more information, or if you have any trouble with these links, go to the PIEN website event page. We hope you can make it, this is a really important film.
Would you like to show this film in your town or church? Contact PIEN to discuss.
If you need any more information? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Installation of New Bishop
The Victorian Council of Churches joins with the Assyrian Church of the East in giving thanks to our Gracious God for the installation of their Bishop here in Melbourne. Last Sunday, The Rev Fr Ninos Elya was consecrated Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Victoria and New Zealand.
President of Victorian Council of Churches Bishop Peter Danaher with the leadership of the Assyrian Church of the East following the installation of Rev Fr Ninos Elys, Bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Victoria and New Zealand.
The Council prays that the new Diocese and Bishop will be welcomed extensions to the life and witness of our brothers and sisters from the Assyrian Church of the East.
The latest NCCA newsletter (June 2017, Issue 2) is avalaible for viewing here.
The end of the financial year has come and gone but Refugees, People in Poverty and millions who suffer continue to need our support.
Donations are still urgently required and can be tax deductable. Thank you for your continuing support.
To donate, please visit http://www.actforpeace.org.au or Ph: 1800 025 101
Following recent “Consultation on 50 Years of Occupation and the Ecumenical Response,” held in the Holy Land, WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said input received at the meeting will influence the WCC as it refines its strategies and programmes related to just peace in Palestine and Israel.
The WCC will study and analyse an open letter from the National Coalition of Christian Organizations in Palestine describing the state of injustice in the Holy Land, in particular the coalition’s recommendations for how churches worldwide could potentially help bring justice and peace to Palestine and Israel.
Press Release
The Victorian Council of Churches is happy to announce that on the 13th May, as part of the Annual General Meeting of the Victorian Council of Churches, the Council installed a new President. His term is for two years commencing May 2017.
The New President is, The Right Reverend Peter Danaher (Bishop of the Anglican Church). It is his wish to be known as Bishop Peter Danaher.
Peter has had a distinguished ministry within the Anglican Church of Australia serving in both parishes and diocesan roles in both NSW (rural) and Victoria. He has recently retired from full time pastoral ministry at All Saints in Geelong.
As he takes up this new role, he reminds the Church that the gift of unity is already amongst us, that God in his mercy has and continues to call the church to recognise and live more fully within the unity expressed at Pentecost and since, in the Catholicity of the Church.
The leaders of the Victorian Council of Churches at Bishop Peter’s Installation
Mr Ashok Jacob, President of the Victorian Council of Churches is delighted to announce the extension of Rev Ian Smith's term as Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Churches. Rev Smith's term is until August 2019.
The Leadership of the Council commended Rev Ian Smith for his commitment to Ecumenism, engaging with Church leadership and his enthusiasm.
CAPSA and the Uniting Church in Australia are running some Community Action Training in May and June.
There are two workshops focusing on:
- Facilitating Community Conversations
- Meeting your local MP
A flier can be found by clicking on the image below and you can find more information and register here: https://capsa.org.au/action-training-melbourne/
NATIONAL ACTION THIS SUNDAY CALLING FOR JUSTICE FOR REFUGEES
Across the country tens of thousands of people will take to the streets for Palm Sunday actions calling for immediate action on Australia’s shameful treatment of people seeking our protection.
“The US refugee deal is limited and uncertain”, said refugee advocate, Pamela Curr.
“While the US deal may provide protection for some, there are grave concerns that many asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island may be forced to return to dangerous situations. They need fair assessment of their claims, and should be brought to Australia where they can wait in safety. We must end their suffering and bring them here.”
In Melbourne the Walk for Justice for Refugees will be at Sunday 9 April, 2pm at State Library of Victoria, followed by a walk through the Bourke Street Mall returning to the Library.
Speakers include people from refugee backgrounds – Nazir Yousafi, President of the Victorian Afghan Associations Network, Abdelhadi Matar, refugee & Sudanese community leader from Darfur, Idil Ali, community worker from Somali refugee background and volunteer with RISE, and a message recorded by Aziz, an asylum seeker held on Manus Island for nearly 4 years. Representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities will speak in solidarity, and Daniel Webb, Human rights lawyer, and Jane Wylie who was a teacher of refugee children on Nauru will also speak.
There will be a strong interfaith focus, with Muslims, Jews and Christians walking under a single banner. The Mass Melbourne Gospel Choir and other musicians will provide music before and after the Walk. Over 140 organisations have endorsed the Walk in Melbourne, calling for the urgent release of the 2000 refugees (including 160 children) who are still held on Nauru and Manus Island.
Key concerns to be highlighted by speakers included:
- The depression and hopelessness experienced by innocent men, women and children on Nauru and Manus Island, many of whom are are enduring their fourth year of being detained.
- The cruel reality of temporary protection visas. People who have been recognized as refugees face many years of uncertainty and indefinite separation from their loved ones.
- That the ‘fast track’ assessment system is likely to result in many people being deported back to torture or life threatening situations. Assessment processes must be fair, thorough and transparent processes.
“It is time for us to stop the cruelty and show some compassion,” said Sister Brigid Arthur from the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project. “We want to be part of a society that is shaped by compassion and justice for all people, and that must include people who are seeking asylum. Our sense of justice and the ‘fair go’ says it is time to call a halt to this failed and tragic policy. Australia must not deport people to danger - it is time to bring the refugees here and to let them stay.”
Pamela Curr: 0417517075
Sister Brigid Arthur: 0408101134
To arrange media interviews with speakers,
contact Marie Hapke 0409 252 673