Church News

Orlando horror – Statement by Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Primate of Australia and Archbishop of Melbourne

Statement by Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Primate of Australia and Archbishop of Melbourne – June 15th 2016

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The horrific slaughter of 49 people in Orlando, Florida, by an apparently unhinged gunman is profoundly saddening and shocking. Anglicans, along with other Australians, have been moved by this senseless loss of life.

It is always wrong to target any people because of their sexual orientation, whether it is name-calling in the school playground or this sort of atrocity. Homophobia is always and everywhere wrong. But it would also be wrong to blame Muslims or Islam as a religion for the actions of Omar Mateen. Although he claimed to be acting on behalf of Islamic State, it has since emerged that he was a regular patron of the gay nightclub.

Along with my prayers for the victims’ families and loved ones, I also hope and pray that there is no backlash against Australian Muslims. Christians know what it is to be targeted by extremists because of their faith, and we do not want to see Muslims or people of other faiths or none suffer such persecution.

There will be an ecumenical service, Light of Hope in Darkness, for the victims tomorrow at 6pm at St Paul’s Cathedral. It will be attended by faith leaders, representatives of the Premier, Daniel Andrews, and of the Government and Opposition, and by diplomats from several countries. It will be preceded by a vigil in Federation Square from 5.30pm.

 

 

St George’s Pink Ribbon Luncheon – May 29th 2016

IMG_3916Parishioners, friends & family, Op Shop volunteers, former “Lunch Club” attendees and members of the general community enjoyed our Pink Ribbon Luncheon held in a beautifully decorated Evans Hall.

Highlights included a moving address from Breast Cancer survivor Marie Craw, the support of Mayor Langdon, a nice lunch and fun raffle & silent auction. The function which received wonderful support from localbusinesses, raised over $4000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Heidelberg Mosque Open Day Saturday 28 May 2016

The Elsedeaq Islamic Society (Heidelberg Mosque) is holding a Community Open Day between 11am and 4pm this Saturday 28 May 2016.

The event aims to bring together people from all faiths and none, to learn more about the Muslim faith, the Mosque and Muslim people and cultures.
The Open Day includes tours of the Mosque and an opportunity to meet the Mosque’s Imams. There will also be face painting, jumping castles, free halal BBQ and a gardening demonstrations.

The event is proudly supported by the Somali Australian Council of Victoria, E-focus, Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre, Banyule Interfaith Network, the Victorian Police Muslim Association and Banyule Council.

EVENT DETAILS
When: 11am-4pm, Saturday 28 May 2016
Where: Heidelberg Mosque, 32 Elliot Street, Heidelberg Heights VIC 3081

Contact: For more information about the event call Faisal Shehata, President of the Elsedeaq Islamic Society, on 0417 523 507.