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 great opportunity to reflect and acknowledge Tangata Whenua and Te Ao Maori: “He taura whiri kotahi mai anō te kopunga tae noa ki te pu au. – From the source to the mouth of the sea all things are joined together as one.”
Listen to Jenny Te Paa Daniel, Co-Chair of the RDC Trust Board, as she explains the importance of water in Te Ao Maori in the ‘2022 Calendar pictures explained’ series.

Here are some news from the RDC:

RDC Climate Action Group
‘E tū te mana o Te Ao, Building a Climate of Hope ’
The RDC Climate Action programme is inviting all faith communities to share the story of action they have taken in the face of the challenges of Climate Change.  The number of stories shared on the website is growing. 
To share your Climate Action story send it to admin@rdc.org.nz.

RDC Research Group
The convenor of the RDC Research group is Professor Paul Morris. One of the current research projects is the national survey of Religious Literacy & Competency in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Listen to Professor Morris in an interview with Beate Matthies.

The Youth Leadership Council (YLC)
The Youth Leadership Council Ngā 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, in recognition of the 10 young people from diverse religious and geographical backgrounds who make up the group’s inaugural membership. Their common vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse faith communities to be acknowledged, respected and celebrated. This will be a chance to showcase the importance of this mahi as these young leaders seek greater understanding, cooperation and peace among faiths.

RDC Support for Inclusive Faith Project
The RDC is partnering with the Ministry of Social Development Office for Disability. Issues to support a series of regional gatherings that will bring people with a disability into conversation with faith leaders so obstacles can be identified and overcome. Practical outcomes will include resources designed to enhance understanding and create positive change. The process itself will enrich participants’ understanding of disability issues and interfaith relationships.
For more information: http://www.yesdisability.org.nz/inclusivefaith

Website, YouTube and Facebook – Resources
Please remember to check out our Website,  YouTube channel and Facebook.

Kia kaha – stay safe,
The Team at the Religious Diversity Centre


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