Newsletter May 2023
Kia ora and greetings to you, We are excited to announce our 2023 WEBINAR SERIES: Building a Climate of Hope, E tū te mana o Te AoSave the dates! Climate…
Kopua Habitat Restoration
Kopua (near Norsewood/Dannevirke) is the site of a Catholic Cistercian Monastery. Founded in 1954, today the monastic community has about 10 monks (and 4 companions who assist in hosting the…
RDC Webinar Series 2023
The sessions 1,3 and 4 are moderated by Rod Oram. Session 2 is facilitated by Rabbi Dean Shapiro.More information will be available, soon. Watch the space - and save the…
Blowing the Shofar
In this video, Dr Lenny Bloksberg explains what a shofar is and when and how it is used: https://youtu.be/LSbdk99QJnc
Working Together in Faith to Save our Environment
In February of this year, Auckland Interfaith Council (AIFC) had planned an interfaith clean-up event in South Auckland but unfortunately this had to be postponed for safety reasons following the…
Light in Christianity
Adele Churchman describes the April picture of the 2023 RDC Calendar which shows a Catholic priest lighting the Easter Candle. https://youtu.be/pgLbJMRxGDw
Interview with Rabbi Dean Shapiro
Rabbi Dean Shapiro is the rabbi of Beth Shalom Jewish Progressive Synagogue in Auckland. In addition to serving the Beth Shalom community, he directs The Joseph Project for the Global…
Newsletter March 2023
Happy Norooz and Ramadan Mubarak - kia ora and greetings, Leadership Diversity Days Schools are now registering for the 2023 Leadership Diversity Days to be held in Auckland on 24…
Call for Peace this Easter !
The Religious Diversity Centre in Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to broadcast this startling Call for Peace. We invite you to sign your name to the Call for Peace: Use…
Light in Zoroastrianism
The March picture of the 2023 RDC Calendar shows a Zoroastrian priest with the consecrated fire.Listen to Farida Master as she explains the meaning of light in Zoroastrianism. https://youtu.be/xxg8VPxYlR0
Interview with Priyanca Radhakrishnan
In this interview, Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan gives some insight in her work as Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities. https://youtu.be/tdkVfo_kyXs
Enviroschool
Kia ora tatou,I have been asked to outline how St Joseph’s Feilding became an Enviroschool.I will start with a very brief introduction to the Enviroschool Programme in our region.Enviroschools is an…
Nature is complaining and is calling STOP
by Mary Nash and Mary Eastham On Sunday, 26th February, Mary Eastham, Mary Nash with Julie Randall, ran a follow-up workshop on ‘The Letter’ from Pope Francis to the world.…
Asia Pacific Women of Faith Network Seminar on Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
The RDC recommends the following external event: Register here.
Religious Diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand
The State and Religion:"The State seeks to treat all faith communities and those who profess no religion equally before the law. New Zealand has no official or established religion." (National…
Light – Bahá’i
The February picture of the 2023 Calendar shows the Shrine of The Báb. https://youtu.be/NUVYbGgoGMo
Interfaith Creek Cleanup
This event is organised in cooperation with the Youth Leadership Council (RDC). The event had to be postponed due to the recent flooding and storms in Auckland. Please register to…
Inclusive Faith Project
The RDC is partnering with the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry for Disabled People, Yes! Disability and Inclusive Aotearoa Collective to support a series of regional gatherings that will…
2023 Calendar Pictures
Listen to Ram Lingam explaining the ceremony. Listen to Steve Drake describing the Shrine of The Báb. Listen to Farida Master reflecting on the importance of light in Zoroastrianism Listen…
Light in Hinduism
The January page of the 2023 RDC Calendar depicts the ritual of Aarti. Listen to Ram Lingam to hear what it is about: https://youtu.be/m9EPZxzgJKg
Guru Gobindh Singh
05 January 2023: Today, our Sikh friends celebrate the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, their 10th guru.Guru Gobind Singh bestowed a new discipline - the Khalsa and gave the Sikhs…
Newsletter 18 December 2022
As the 2022 year draws to a close, the Religious Diversity Centre wishes our readers a refreshing holiday break, and a blessed celebration of the festivals of Hanukkah and Christmas for…
Water in Christianity – Dr Christopher Longhurst
The December picture of the 2022 RDC Calendar shows a holy water font situated in a Catholic church. Dr Christopher Longhurst explains its meaning. https://youtu.be/CC2DdDSQvws
The Religious Leaders Forum – 30 Nov 2022
The RDC hosted a November meeting of the Religious Leaders of Aotearoa New Zealand. We were honoured to have had the following special guests joining the meeting: The Hon Priyanca…
Forging a New Path: Multireligious and Intergenerational Advocacy for a Sustainable World
'Religions for Peace' offers: Religions for Peace, in partnership with the City Council of Manresa, Catalonia, Spain and Religions for Peace-Spain-GTER, is honoured to invite you to virtually participate in the "At a Crossroads: A Multireligious…
Newsletter 13 November 2022
Climate Action - Reporting back from COP27Rod Oram, member of the RDC Climate Action Group, once again is ‘our man’ in this year’s UN COP27 Climate Change Conference. This event,…
Beehive Wellington New Zealand
Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism
New Zealand's Hui on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism was held 1-2 November 2022.“The goal of this second Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Hui is to pursue a safer New…
Newsletter 02 November 2022
RDC November News Climate Change - The UN Conference - COP27The 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place this month from 6 to 18 November 2022 in the city of…
Week of Prayer for World Peace 2022
For further information, please see: https://weekofprayerforworldpeace.co.uk/
October Appeal
RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY CENTRE OCTOBER APPEAL—— Understanding, Appreciation & Respect ——- Diwali - a public performance ?? Christmas - Santa Parades ??Aotearoa New Zealand has become a multi-cultural country, and cultural…
Climate Action in Auckland
St Matthew-in-the-City is an Anglican church in the heart of bustling central Auckland.Here is an example of their contribution to the environment: St Matthew-in-the-City is making the climate crisis a…
Water in Sikhism – Harpreet Singh Kohli
RDC Calendar 2022: For the month of October, the Religious Diversity Centre Calendar features a picture of the coast of The Golden Temple of Amritsar - one of the most…
Newsletter 21 September 2022
Climate Action PosterThe second Climate Action poster is now being distributed by the RDC Climate Action Workgroup.The Workgroup’s large aim is for all worship centres in the diverse religious communities…
Water in Judaism – Dr Leonard Bloksberg
The September picture of the 2022 RDC Calendar shows a mikveh.Listen to Dr Leonard Bloksberg as he explains the meaning of this Jewish ritual bath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTxx7iKCBq4
Dr Lenny Bloksberg on Mikvah & Shofar
Dr Leonard Bloksberg has been a Lecturer at the University of California and a Professor at Michigan State University.He is member and regular service leader at the Progressive Jewish Synagogue…
Newsletter 14 August 2022
New website Resources - Videoclips A couple of weeks ago, Muharram started, the first month in the Islamic calendar.Dr Sajjad Naqvi shared some personal thoughts about the Islamic New Year…
Dr Sajjad Naqvi: Faith, Science and Covid19
Dr Sajjad Naqvi is specialised in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. In this interview he shares his thoughts about biological science, Covid-19 and his personal practices as a Muslim. https://youtu.be/EGcmCJW97K4
Water in Islam
Water in Islam - Meaning, Symbolism and Practices (Dr Sajjad Naqvi) and about the Importance according to Theology (Imam Muhammed Ismael Shaakir). https://youtu.be/VXPixGoxKcg https://youtu.be/e8p6X787h90
Leadership Diversity Days
Leadership Diversity Days - Plans Leadership Diversity Days - 2021Leadership Diversity Days - 2019Leadership Diversity Days - 2018
Youth Leadership Council
The Youth Leadership Council Ngā Rangatahi o Māramatanga is the first national body of young people from faith–based communities, with representation of those who do not identify with a religion.…
Nuclear Prayer Day on 06 August 2022
URI, the international interfaith ‘United Religions Initiative’ organisation invites individuals, religious and interfaith communities, to save the date August 6th for the first Nuclear Prayer Day. We in Aotearoa New Zealand have…
Interreligious Dialogue
Prof Douglas Pratt in conversation with Beate Matthies. https://youtu.be/sRo2xEbHTcA
Religion and Government in Aotearoa New Zealand
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is celebrating 50 years of Religious Studies.One of the speakers at the celebrations on 27 July is Emeritus Professor Paul Morris, a Trustee of…
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Baptism – Suzanne Max Gillies
RDC Calendar 2022: For the month of July, the Religious Diversity Centre Calendar 2022 features a picture of the “Baptism according to the traditions of The Church of Jesus Christ…
RDC – Events
COP26 - Maori & Pasifika Voices Presentation of Statement Hate Speech Restrictions Emergency Management Book Launch Prof Douglas Pratt Book Launch Prof Edwina Pio YLC - Auckland YLC - Dunedin…
National Interfaith Forum
The Religious Diversity Centre supports the The National Interfaith Forum which is held every two years.Different regional Interfaith Councils take turns in hosting it. National Interfaith Forum 2018 National Interfaith…
Leadership Diversity Days – Plans for 2021
The Religious Diversity Centre, together with the Auckland Interfaith Council, will host this year the 8th annual Leadership Diversity Day. And as in 2019 two Days will be held, one…
Newsletter 15 June 2022
Kia ora koutou, warm greetings to you all. June is here, giving for the first time in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand a public holiday for Matariki. This is a…
Youth Leadership Council – Ngā Rangatahi o Māramatanga
The Youth Leadership Council: Nga Rangatahi o Māramatanga Launch celebration will take place in Parliament's Grand Hall on 6th July. The evening is to be hosted by MP Ibrahim Omer,…
RDC Climate Action Group
This group gets together to share Life Stories in the context of environmental sustainability. For more information, see here. Let us know if you have a story to share.Here are…
Water in Te Ao Maori – Jenny Te Paa Daniel
RDC Calendar 2022: For the month of June, the Religious Diversity Centre Calendar features a picture of the coast of Kaikoura.Listen to Jenny Te Paa Daniel as she explains the…
Resources & Library Group
Goal: to provide an understanding of Interfaith resources (online and print) and to highlight any information of interest for Aotearoa New Zealand. Convenor: Prof Douglas Pratt
The Bathing of the Buddha – Caitlin Bush
RDC Calendar 2022: For the month of May, the Religious Diversity Centre Calendar 2022 features a picture of the "Bathing of the Buddha". Caitlin Bush describes the ritual in this…
Zoroastriansim
Here is an introduction in the history and tradition of Zoroastrians: https://youtu.be/pZLFvf2AsA8
Sikhism
Here is an introduction into the history and traditions of the Sikh Religion: https://rdc.org.nz/the-sikh-religion-verpal-singh/
Faith in Ukraine
According to Glocalities, their World Survey from 2020 showed that the 5 top values identified in countries of the European Union, the UK, Ukraine and Russia are:Caring, Friendship, Wisdom, Freedom,…
The Coptic Christian Baptism – Peter Mikhail
RDC Calendar 2022: The ceremony of Coptic Christian Baptism explained...
Eco Church
Eco Church
Eco Church encourages congregations in environmental action, integrating eco-friendly choices through worship and teaching, buildings, facilities and land management, community and global partnerships and sustainable lifestyles.
KAICIID Programme 2020
Dr Chris Longhurst - the New Zealander who was part of the 2020 KAICIID Fellowship Programme
Ecology for Climate Justice
How can Christian Social Services contribute as citizens of Earth and be involved with Climate Change?
Growing Gardens & Community
Growing Gardens and Communities (GGAC)
Beth Lew introduces a project in Palmerston North
Prayer for Peace
Interfaith Scotland has invited us to a Prayer for Peace in Ukraine.This is an initiative by the Scottish Catholic Bishops Committee for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Interfaith Scotland.New Zealand date and…
The Angel of Water – Farida Master
RDC Calendar 2022: The picture of the month of March is dedicated to the Zoroastrians
Paul Blaschke on the Radio
Dr Paul Blaschke was guest on the radio programme Muffin Talk .Paul has extensive experience in urban ecology, biodiversity conservation, sustainability and development issues.When the Religious Diversity Centre set up…
Community Diversity Workshops
Workshops for a diverse group of people from a local community.
The Fountain at Ridvan Garden – Steve Drake
RDC Calendar 2022: Steve Drake explains the history of the Baha'i Fountain at the Ridvan Garden which is featured for the month of February