Category: News
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 massive storms and cyclone.
One positive thing to come out of this though, was that we became known to Auckland Council as a group that is serious about working together to make a difference.
Over the past month or so, AIFC has participated in three events organised by the Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust (OWLT) that is working to restore the natural habitat and health of streams in Flatbush, proudly sponsored by the Howick Local Board of Auckland Council.
The events involved organic and inorganic clean-ups and a plant search and rescue exercise to free the native vegetation from harmful invading species along one of the South Auckland creeks.
Our involvement was prompted by Tikkun HaYam (Repair the Sea) a non-profit organisation which is committed to working hand-in-glove with AIFC, while promoting interfaith harmony and co-operation between members of different religions and backgrounds, as we pursue our shared goal of helping to save the environment.
AIFC and Tikkun HaYam will continue to work together and we look forward to organising more joint environment-focussed initiatives to make the world a better place.
Watch this space.
Sacred Spaces 2022 – Report
Report from our visits in 2022:
Video clips with AIFC Members
The Religious Diversity Centre has published a 2022 Interfaith Calendar which features 12 different faiths or religions. Every month a video clip introduces the picture of the month.
Some of our AIFC members introduced “their” picture of the month:
January – Ram Lingam (Hindu)
February – Steve Drake (Baha’i)
May – Caitlin Bush (Buddhist)
Standing for Peace
Standing in solidarity with the victims of the LynnMall terror attack Saturday 11th September, 6.30 pm
This Saturday the 11th of September at 6.30 pm, New Zealanders are invited to light a candle in solidarity with the victims and their families.
Sponsors of this initiative, Dr Tim Pratt, Lead Chaplain at the University of Auckland, and Dr Zain Ali, Professional Teaching Fellow at the University of Auckland, note that, ‘together we stand in support of the ‘golden rule’ that is shared across many cultures and traditions “care for one another”.
Standing for Peace is an initiative for all New Zealanders. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We are shocked and heartbroken by the horrific attacks at LynnMall shopping centre on Friday 3rd September 2021.Those who are planning to participate are encouraged to light a candle at home, and if weather permits, stand with their candles, at their front gate.
The NZHerald will be providing coverage of this event. Please share with family and friends!
Reflections on 2020
Reflections on 2020…
From the Auckland Inter-Faith Council
There are already too many clichés about this year but it is definitely one to remember or forget depending on how you look at it! For the Auckland Inter-Faith Council, in spite of all the uncertainties we were still able to have significant events throughout the year.
On 15 March 2020 before NZ found itself totally shut down we held a moving Interfaith Prayer Service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, remembering the Christchurch tragedy and praying for peace and understanding among all peoples. Over 200 people attended, and we enjoyed choral and musical offerings, prayers from many faith traditions, and a reflective atmosphere. All participants were invited to light a candle during the service, and it felt significant to be together as an interfaith community on that day.
In late July, in collaboration with the Mercy Spirituality Centre, we were able to hold a beautiful evening programme on the theme of the Presence of the Divine, in which members of different faiths shared their experiences.
In August we had our AGM with a special international guest speaker, Dr Maureen Sier, Director of Interfaith Scotland joining us via ZOOM. A long-time friend of AIFC, she shared about the inspiring work of faith communities during lockdown in Scotland. We were honoured to have among our attendees the British Consul General Mr Robin Shackell, who has been quietly supporting the work of AIFC throughout his posting in NZ.
In late Sept./early October for the third year in a row we participated in the Auckland Heritage Festival, offering 4 successful visits to local Sacred Spaces- a mosque, 2 churches (Catholic and Anglican) and a Hindu Temple. The size of the groups (around 30 people per visit) allowed for good engagement between the audience and the presenters, with many questions asked.
In November as President of AIFC I was invited by the Prime Minister to attend a Reception following the opening of the 53rd Parliament in Wellington. It was heartening to see a good number of interfaith colleagues from all over NZ at that event.
Photos of all these events can be found on our Facebook page .
All in all, there is so much to be grateful for, especially as we enjoy our freedom to gather and socialise this holiday season. The work of AIFC in bringing people together, which you so graciously support, is as important as ever as we all reflect on what is most important in life – our families, our communities, and a safe, sustainable and peaceful environment.
Wishing you and your family all the best for 2021!
Ruth Cleaver, President,
Auckland Inter-Faith Council