Gather with those from different SEQ faith communities to pray for people in Gaza, especially for a:
• permanent ceasefire (including the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners)
• just peace.
Thanks will also be given to God for the reinstatement of UNRWA funding.
The vigil will commence at 6.45pm and close at 7.45pm. Between 3pm and the vigil commencing, inter-faith leaders and medical professionals will read the names of children who have died since October.
The pre-vigil liturgy will involve:
• 3pm: Prayer by Anglican Archbishop Jeremy Greaves KCSJ.
• 3.10: Inter-faith leaders and medical professionals will read out the names of children who have been killed since October.
• 6.30pm: Scroll of children’s names will be rolled by inter-faith leaders to a bag-piper’s hymn.
The vigil liturgy will go from 6.45pm to 7.45pm, with:
• A senior Torres Strait Islander elder blowing a conch shell.
• Welcome from a Catholic Palestinian mother.
• Acknowledgement of Country.
• Call to worship.
• Introductory prayers by recognised Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders.
• Reciting from holy texts by diverse and senior inter-faith leaders.
• Intercessory prayers led by diverse inter-faith leaders.
• Period of silent reflection.
• Closing prayer.
• A senior Torres Strait Islander elder blowing a conch shell.
• Bag-piper playing hymns.
Those who do not practise a faith/spirituality are warmly encouraged to join in.
Please bring:
• friends, colleagues and family members (children are welcome)
• a glow stick or LED candle
• a cushion (Council has asked that the vigil be chair-free, please)
• open hearts.
This is a vigil especially for those more comfortable with prayer or reflection rather than rallying/marching — please leave signage/banners at home. Those who gather will instead be invited to sign the “Praying for Gaza” banner.
The event is expected to go for 45 to 60 minutes, ending at approximately 7.45pm.
If the weather is wet, an alternative indoor venue will be announced.
The ‘Notice of Intention’ to assemble has been received by Brisbane City Council, Reddacliff Place in Brisbane Square has been booked, and the Queensland Police Service has advised that they will be present.
If you are from outside Brisbane and would like to organise your own inter-faith “Praying for Gaza” vigil, please contact Michelle McDonald for a sample liturgy via focus@anglicanchurchsq.org.a
Reconciliation Action
Joni McCourt (Archdiocese of Brisbane RAP Manager) has collated a calendar of Significant First Nations Dates and Cultural Events for 2024, which you can download by clicking here.
A reminder to save the date for our upcoming RAP Networking workshops (Truth telling – Where to from Now?) As we navigate post referendum, these workshops will provide an opportunity for Parishes and Communities to recommit to Reconciliation. These sessions will be held at the various locations below: 06th April – Southside 20th April – Caboolture 17th August – Rochedale This will be an opportunity to listen with an open heart, learn and engage in meaningful conversations, as we move forward on the shared journey of reconciliation and unity. It is a chance to come together and work on a way forward to chart a path to deliver meaningful results through our RAP by: Supporting RAP initiatives that promote truth-telling and reconciliation. Engaging in actions that build bridges and true reconciliation, respect and unity.Sharing ideas, resources, and tools to engage with parishes and communities to action the RAP deliverables and developing a support network. Click here for more information about each session. |
The Commission is an organisational member of the Queensland Conservation Council and so we invite our readers to add their support to this campaign. Please share with your communities.
Climate change, like nuclear weapons, is a major global threat.
The main cause of the climate emergency is fossil fuels.
Just as fifty years ago the world needed a treaty to defuse the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction, the world today needs a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Watch this video to find out more about this bold new idea gaining traction around the world.
Join hundreds of organisations and individuals in endorsing the concept at www.fossilfueltreaty.org
There are lots of resources available for free online. We have compiled for you a selection of some that we think will be most useful for you in your planning. You can find this list by clicking the button below.
We Need your help, to raise $100,000 before June 30th, so we can provide adequate support to more than 300 asylum seekers that we are supporting.
We are all aware of the magnitude of the housing crisis in Brisbane. Family and friends in the rental market are experiencing significant challenges due to rising rents and lack of available properties. The impact of this crisis on asylum seekers is devastating. ASRA is driving an Asylum Seeker Housing Appeal.
Please share the poster in your work place, parishes, Communities and with family and friends. All contributions give asylum seekers a brighter future.
Click here or the poster.
Modern Slavery Act Review
Disturbingly modern slavery and human trafficking is increasing in Australia. Walk Free’s 2023 Global Slavery Index estimates that on any given day in 2021, there were 41,000 individuals living in modern slavery in Australia.
On May 25th the landmark review of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 was tabled in Parliament. This review, led by Professor John McMillan AO, is a thorough analysis of the operation of the Act in its first three years.
It also makes 30 recommendations to strengthen the Act, to ensure it is meaningfully tackling the scourge of modern slavery, both at home and abroad.
Look at the following links to see further information and how our Catholic Community through ACRATH is responding.
Modern Slavery Act Review
OUR SUBMISSION ON THE MIGRATION BILL
The Australian government has introduced very contentious draft legislation seeking to impose mandatory jail sentences between 1 to 5 years on any non-citizen refusing to cooperate with removal from Australia, despite the fact that they may be likely to be persecuted if sent back to their country or origin. Labor’s draft legislation also proposes to put a ban on Australian visa applications for any country of origin that does not co-operate with the Australian government’s request to accept individuals removed from Australia. This draconian legislation is likely to have significant implications for human rights. It has passed the Lower House and is currently before a Senate Inquiry Committee for closer investigation. You can read our submission here. We are in the process of organising meetings with key Federal Parliamentarians to voice our strong concern and will be in touch with you soon to update you on what you can do to help.
OUR CALL ON AUSTRALIA TO END MILITARY EQUIPMENT TRADE WITH ISRAEL
Following last week’s successful resolution by the United Nations Humans Rights Council calling on countries to stop selling or shipping weapons to Israel, we called on the Australian government to immediately cease all military equipment with Israel. You can read our statement here, which complements our last two statements on the Gaza conflict calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of Brisbane 