Articles

Prayerful and Practical Support for Sri Lanka by Bishop Philip Huggins

01 Jul 2022  |  Author:   | Theme: Civil society and politics; Leadership and institutions

Bishop Huggins delivered this reflection at the Jerusan Healing Ministry – Prayer Wail for Sri Lanka on 25 June 2022. In Luke 9:11-17, we see Jesus heal those who need to be healed. Then, after His teaching and healing ministry, given that the day was drawing to a close, we see Jesus responding to people’s physical needs- ensuring the five thousand have the food they need before returning to their homes and villages.
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Pacific labour mobility and the existential threat of climate change by Peter Hooton (first published in The Interpreter, The Lowy Institute)

24 Jun 2022  |  Author: Dr Peter Hooton  | Theme: Civil society and politics; Public theology and ethics

The consolidation of Australia’s identity as an Asia-Pacific nation is a work in progress. It is as a consistently attentive and engaged Asia-Pacific nation – rather than as a US ally or a European outpost – that Australia will fit in most comfortably with its neighbours and be of most service to its friends further afield. However, in the Pacific, Canberra’s fossil-fuelled failure to take seriously its domestic and international responsibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – in the face of the grave threat posed to Pacific island states by global warming – has done enormous damage to Australia’s standing.
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The call to be a unifying influence: some synergies and suggestions by Philip Huggins

08 Jun 2022  |  Author: Bishop Philip Huggins  | Theme: Public theology and ethics; Leadership and institutions

In recent days I have been drawn to pray that President Putin would have an encounter with the Risen Jesus, like what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus. Reflecting on this, it seems congruent with the desperation felt by many of us as the invasion of Ukraine causes so much suffering and spreads such fear across the globe. Offering this prayer, I have also been drawn to reflect on God’s action, times past, as regards the renewal of hope through peacemakers with a unifying intention.
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Being a Unifying Influence by Bishop Peter Huggins

25 May 2022  |  Author: Bishop Philip Huggins  | Theme: Civil society and politics; Religions and dialogue

Today's It is good to hear our new Prime Minister speak of bringing people together and pledging to end unhelpful divisions. This very intention is helpful. As the saintly Founder of the Taize Community ,Brother Roger, conveys ’the constant search for unity harmonises the human being: it provides thought with deeds and being with action..”
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Climate Justice: Faith Perspectives by Bishop Philip Huggins

12 May 2022  |  Author: Bishop Philip Huggins  | Theme: Civil society and politics; Public theology and ethics

‘What answer do we get from faith traditions regarding climate justice?’ Here are three reflections in response to this question: 1. Compassion is our unifying value. Compassion is at the heart of all major faith traditions. This means that, under no circumstances should we do to others or let happen to others, what we would not want for ourselves or for our loved ones. The recent IPCC Report makes plain that our every decision now matters in the crucial years to 2030,if we are to accomplish the 1.5 degrees target and implement all elements of the Paris Agreement related to climate justice. Compassion requires us to critique every decision we now make ,recognising that the consequences of climate change impact most on those who have had least to do with its causation. That reality is so unjust and so unkind! In Australia this is a big issue as we approach a Federal Election. 2. People of faith, at our very , very best, bring an integration of: Advocacy; Compassionate Services; Research, which informs both our Advocacy and our Services. Plus we integrate all this with our Spiritual Practice: our Prayers and Meditations. 3. Most importantly ,and for further elaboration ,there is this crucial importance of our Prayers and Meditations-our Spiritual Practice.
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