2018 Forum Series: "Wellsprings of Hope"
Our first forum in 2018 was John Warhurst,
introducing our theme for 2018 "Wellsprings of Hope"
The audio recordings
of the forum are available.
At our second forum, on the eve of Anzac Day,
Associate Professor David Neville
will speak on peace, hope, violence and war.
Our third forum, on 29 May, will be addressed by the writer and columnist
Elizabeth Farrelly.
"Hope and Peace"
A/Prof. David Neville, Tuesday 24 April, 2018
| Speaker: | A/Prof. David Neville |
| Chair: |
Rev'd Dr Thorwald Lorenzen |
| When: |
7:30pm Tuesday 24 April, 2018 |
| Where: |
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture,
Corner Blackall St and Kings Av, Barton |
On the eve of Anzac Day which "commemorates Australians and New
Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peace
keeping operations" Associate Professor David Neville will speak
on Hope and Peace. Religion and Christianity in particular is
often projected as a religion of violence or a religion that
justifies war. However an examination of the New Testament
reveals the "non violent Jesus". Dr Neville , Head of Charles
Sturt University School of Theology and author of A Peaceable
Hope and very recently published The Vehement Jesus will speak
on peace, hope, violence and war.
poster (A4, 130kB)
(A5x2, 130kB)
"Springs of Hope: rethinking the vertical"
Elizabeth Farrelly, Tuesday 29 May, 2018
| Speaker: | Elizabeth Farrelly |
| Chair: | Bishop George Browning |
| When: | 7:30pm Tuesday 29 May, 2018 |
| Where: |
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture,
Corner Blackall St and Kings Av, Barton |
As we spread across the surface of the
planet, fighting for rights, squabbling
over resources and networking wildly
via social media it is tempting to feel
that the horizontal is everything.
But the cross requires both horizontal
and vertical, and therein lies hope.
Elizabeth Farrelly is a writer, columnist, thinker and author,
with a background in philosophy and architecture,
a love of farming and poetry and a yearning for the vertical.
poster (A4, 96kB)
(A5x2, 96kB)
We are an ecumenical, mainstream organization, established in 2008.
We aim to strengthen social justice and ethical structures in Australia;
to promote social justice as a core Christian value;
and to further public education on ethics,
current social justice issues and the Christian perspective on them.
More information about us, our constitution, membership form
Please read the
Message from the Chair: Bishop George Browning
or Bishop Browning's
blog
Statement by Bishop George Browning on the visit of
Benjamin Netanyahu to Australia
The CES Chairman, Bishop George Browning, has written this article:
Australia's foreign policy failing Palestinians
New CES Facebook Group
CES has established a Facebook group to encourage discussion of current social
justice issues. If you are on our mailing list then you are eligible to join.
If you already use Facebook, just search for "Christians for an Ethical
Society" in the "Search Facebook" box in the blue ribbon at the top of your
home page. On the group's front page you will need to click on the "Join"
button and then wait a day or so for our group administrator to admit you to
the group. Guidelines on making posts and comments in the group are posted in
the group - please read them before you post anything or make a comment.
If you don't already use Facebook, you will first have to join Facebook. It's
very simple - all you will need is your email address and a password which you
have to think up and remember. You do not need to provide any of the personal
details requested.
As members of the group you will get reminders of our forums and get access to
discussion and up-to-date information on topics that concern us. We also hope
that your use of the group will allow CES to be known by a wider audience,
particularly amongst the younger generations.
If you do not wish to become a member of the CES group, you will still be able
to view posts but will not be notified of new posts as they occur.
We look forward to seeing you in our CES Facebook group.
Change in postal address
Our post office box address at Hughes is not longer in use.
Our new postal address is
Christians for an Ethical Society
C/- Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture,
George Browning House
15 Blackall Street (cnr King's Avenue)
BARTON ACT 2600
News of CES 2017 Annual General Meeting
The 2017 AGM was held on Tuesday 29 August 2017.
Thorwald Lorenzen is to continue as president.
The new Executive comprises
Bishop George Browning (Chair), David Hunter (Vice-Chair),
Jeremy Dawson (Treasurer),
Ann Skamp (Secretary). Other committee members are:
Bill Bush, Ingrid Moses, Werner Padarin, Clive Rodger and Stephen
Pickard.
The meeting carried a vote of thanks to Robyn Coghlan for serving as
Secretary for many years.
Bishop George Browning presented the Chairman's
Annual Report for 2016-17
2017 Forum Series: "Seeking our Moral Compass"
We are planning forums for 2017 under the theme
"Seeking our Moral Compass"
The first forum of the year was on 16 February 2017 at the
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.
Father Peter L'Estrange introduced the year's
theme and outlined the need for a moral
compass to deliver a fair and harmonious world in the 21st century.
Here are the
audio recordings of his address
Andrew Leigh spoke to our following forum on Wed 19 April
on The Politics of Love.
Here is a copy of
Dr Leigh's address
and here are the
audio recordings of his address
Clive Hamilton spoke to a forum on 3 May.
His title was the title of his new book
Defiant earth: The fate of humans in the Anthropocene
Here is a
recording of the session (46MB)
Our annual dinner forum was held on Thursday 17 August,
when Kristina Keneally spoke on Wisdom in an uncertain world.
On Wednesday 18 October we had a joint forum with the
Catholic Social Justice Commission,
on their Social Justice Statement, on the Sustainable Economy
Fr Frank Brennan SJ was the keynote speaker.
On Tuesday 14 November we had a forum based on a conversation between
Christians and Muslims.
2016 Forum Series: "Common wealth, common good"
We are planning forums for 2016 under the theme
"Common wealth, common good"
The first forum of the year was on 24 February 2016 at the
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.
Bishop George Browning
gave a theological framework for the theme
"Common wealth, common good"
around environmental issues arising from his Ph.D thesis.
This thesis was published by Ecobook on 24 February
and there was a book launch following his address at the forum.
Here is a copy of his address.
Here are the
audio recordings of his address
For the second forum, on 20 April 2016, Rt Rev'd Professor Stephen Pickard
spoke on "Religion, Violence and the Peaceable Kingdom".
Here is a copy of his address.
Dr Brendan Long of the ACCC addressed our third forum on 25 May 2016,
on the topic A Christian Vision for Tax Reform in Australia
Here are the
audio recordings of his address
Our annual dinner forum at the Bella Vista Restaurant in Belconnen on 21 July
was a great success with a full house and much conversation.
Frank Brennan's talk on What makes for Common Good
was well received and reflected in Ingrid Moses' vote of thanks.
Here are the
audio recordings of his address
Our fifth forum was addressed by
Helen Szoke, Chief Executive of Oxfam Australia, on 21 September,
on the topic:
Strategy, not charity: why we need effective aid now.
Here are the
audio recordings of her address
Our sixth forum was a joint forum with the
Catholic Social Justice Commission,
on their Social Justice Statement, on Wed 19 October.
Here are the
audio recordings of the addresses
Our last forum for the year was be addressed by
by Graeme Garrett and Jan Morgan, on 8 November,
who addressed the
topic: Does Beauty say Adieu? The Call of
Beauty in a Disfigured World.
Here are the
audio recordings of the evening.
2015 Forum Series: "Equity and the Human Family"
Our new President, the Reverend Dr Thorwald Lorenzen,
introduced the theme at the first forum on Thursday 12 February.
Under the title,
"Free and equal! Towards a more humane society"
he suggested what Christians may offer to shape a more humane society.
Here is a copy of his
address
Here are the
audio recordings of his address
For our second forum we had Dr Ken Crispin discuss drug law reform.
Here are the
audio recordings of his address
For our third forum we had Paul Bongiorno discussing the role
of the media in Australian society, with reference to the federal budget.
Here are the
audio recordings of his address
Our next event was our winter dinner forum, on Thursday 27 August,
which was a sell-out.
Tim Costello spoke on "Fortress Australia - myth or reality?"
(photo on the right)
Here are the
audio recordings of his address
For the last (purely) CES forum of the year we had Steve Hatfield Dodds,
discussing climate change, on Tuesday 20 October.
Finally, we held a forum held jointly with the
Catholic Social Justice Commission,
at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 11th November 2015.
Speaking on the Catholic Bishops' 2015-16 Social Justice Statement:
For Those Who've Come Across the Seas:
Justice for refugees and asylum seekers
were Jon Stanhope, Sr Jane Keogh and Felix Macharidza
(a refugee from Zimbabwe) with Genevieve Jacobs moderating.
Here are the
audio recordings of the addresses
See here for details
of these forums and of previous years' forums.
Our forums seek to encourage discussion from the floor.
A $5 donation is suggested to cover forum costs.
Supper is provided after each forum.
Further material related to recent forums
Australian Religious Response to Climate Change climate mega-petition
ARRCC is inviting supporters to work with other people of faith in their own
electorates to gather signatures, on paper, for a 150-electorate mega-petition.
More information here
Our dinner forum speakers this year, Frank Brennan, and last year,
Tim Costello, with Robert Manne and John Menadue, have written
this piece on a possible solution to Australia's refugee policy dilemma.
Vatican conference on just war theory, April 2016
Landmark Vatican conference rejects just war theory, asks for
encyclical on nonviolence
appeal issued by participants in
the conference
Climate change policy
Steve Hatfield Dodds has an
article in the Conversation,
which covers the issues he addressed at the forum on 20 October.
Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy
The Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy (CAPaD) seeks to improve the
democratic process by
- developing and supporting citizen, community and civil society
engagement in public decision-making
- empowering Canberrans to engage in owning and planning
for our common future and the common good
- facilitating opportunities for citizen input to government
deliberations
- developing citizens' capacity to hold governments and policy
makers more directly accountable.
To do this CAPaD will bring together individuals and civil
society groups from across the Canberra region.
Similar bodies have been developed, or are forming around the
world and in Australia, such as the
Sydney Alliance
Letter to the Treasurer, September 2015
Our Chair and Past President, Bishop George Browning, has
written to the Scott Morrison, the new Federal Treasurer.
Drug law reform
Following Dr Ken Crispin's address to our forum on 21 April 2015
we take this opportunity to introduce
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform,
an organisation based in the ACT.
Its
newsletters contain some interesting reading.
Here is a useful website addressing drug and alcohol abuse:
Lifting the Lid
Refugees
Malcolm Fraser, who was Prime Minister (Liberal Party)
from 1975 to 1983, has issued a
press release
on the HRC Enquiry into children in detention
(sourced from Refugee Action Committee, 12 Feb 2015)
Here is a link to the AHRC report in question:
The Forgotten Children: National Inquiry into Children in Immigration
Detention (2014)
Australia 21
has several publications on refugee policy, including
Refugees and asylum seekers: Finding a better way and
Beyond the boats: building an asylum and refugee policy for the long term
Here is author and outspoken Refugee Rights supporter
Tim Winton giving a speech at the Palm Sunday Walk for Refugees 2015
Federal Budget, May 2014
Our Chair and Past President, Bishop George Browning, has
written to the Prime Minister about the Federal budget of May 2014.
Re-establishing the Power of the People
Speakers:
Emeritus Professor Bob Douglas,
Karolina Szukalska and Rev'd Steve Clarke
This forum was held on Thursday 11 October 2012,
but is topical at present due to the proposals to establish a
"Canberra Alliance" along the lines of the
Sydney Alliance,
and we now have audio files for the separate addresses, see
here.
Recent Newsletters
2017
November |
September |
July |
April |
March |
February |
January |
2016
November |
October (2) |
October |
September |
July (2) |
July |
June (2) |
June |
May (2) |
May |
April |
March |
February |
January |
2015
November |
October |
September (2) |
September |
August (3) |
August (2) |
August |
July |
May (2) |
May |
April (2) |
April |
February |
January (including
message from the Chair: Bishop George Browning) |
For more information about some of these events, and also some
past events and relevant links, see
here.
Forum on Combatting Slavery Today, 27th Mar 2018
An invitation to the public:
to hear firsthand about legislation for A Modern Slavery Act in Australia;
listen to people who have been involved through organisations to combat slavery;
to mark the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance
of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade (25 March).
Date: 27th Mar 2018 7:30pm-9:15pm
Location: Chapel at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
Further details |
Flyer
CANBERRA - A TALE OF TWO CITIES, 29th Mar 2018
Canberra is an affluent society, with relatively higher socio-economic outcomes on most measures compared to the rest of Australia.
This affluence may, however, mask entrenched disadvantage, financial stress, social isolation and poverty.
This IGPA seminar explores whether Canberra is the city we like to think it is - caring, compassionate and egalitarian; or the city which for many residents is complacent, self-satisfied and uncaring.
DATE: Thursday 29 March 2018
TIME: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
VENUE: Function Room, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre,
180 London Circuit, CANBERRA CITY
SPEAKERS:
Bishop Emeritus Pat Power, Sarah Murdoch, Toni Hassan, Dr John Falzon
Australian Catholic Bishops' Social Justice Statement for 2017-18
The 2017-18 Social Justice Statement,
Everyone's Business: Developing an inclusive and sustainable economy,
will be launched on 7 September 2017.
Here is a briefing on its theme.
Meet a Muslim : Monday 26 June 2017
Muslims for Progressive Values would like to invite you to attend a Meet a
Muslim event on 26 June (Monday) at Belconnen Library from 6-8pm. The Meet a
Muslim initiative is a social yet informative event which brings together
Muslims and non-Muslims in a relaxed environment to get to know one another as
well as giving people an opportunity to ask questions about Islam.
information and registration details
Churches working together on refugee advocacy
lessons learnt from the last 4 years - policy and practice!
Thursday 2 March 2017
Misha Coleman has been the Executive Officer of the Australian Churches Refugee
Taskforce (ACRT) since its establishment in 2012 and will share her insights
and respond to questions on the highlights and lessons learnt during her time
with the ACRT
This event will be on Thursday 2 March 2017, 7:30-9:30pm, at the
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture,
15 Blackall St Barton, ACT.
It is organized by the Faith Based Working Group of the Refugee Action
Committee (RAC) Canberra.
ARRCC is a multi-faith, member-based organisation of people from around
Australia who are committed to taking action on climate change.
For Such a Time As This, Saturday 18 June 2016
The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn's Commission for Women,
together with the Anglican and Uniting Churches will host an Ecumenical
Response to Domestic Violence, For Such a Time As This,
on Saturday 18 June, 10am to 4pm, at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Barton.
Domestic violence experts will examine the nature of violence and look for
practical solutions.
BYO lunch, beverages provided. A donation would be appreciated to cover costs.
Inquiries to Margaret 0417 418 838 or commissionforwomencg@gmail.com.
Justice for Palestine - Is it Possible?
Friday 6 May, 2016
Topic: Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine (AJPP)
invite you to a dinner to hear Melissa Parke MP, ALP member for
Fremantle, speak on Justice for Palestine - Is it Possible?
When: Friday 6 May at 7 pm
Where: Canberra Labor Club, 51 Chandler St, Belconnen
Cost is $35 per person - The evening will include a three course dinner (with
bar service) with special dietary needs met if requested
Bookings are essential, with payment in advance (by 1 May)
to AJPP's account (BSB 805-022; Account 03424708 in Beyond Bank).
Add your name as a reference.
Please email ajpp1948@gmail.com to advise your payment and any dietary
needs.
Further details |
Flyer
For further information Kathryn Kelly on 0417 269 984,
or Kevin Bray on 0406 376 878.
Spin & Secrecy - Refugees & the Media,
Tuesday 16 February, 2016
6:30pm Tuesday 16 February,
Manning Clark Lecture Theatre, ANU
This free public forum aims to shed light on how the culture of spin and
secrecy surrounding the very politicised issue of Australia's refugee policy
has impacted on the ability of journalists
to provide accurate and impartial information.
The forum is organised by the
Refugee Action Committee
Further details here
This Changes Everything, Tuesday, 10 November and Monday, 16 November
What if confronting the climate crisis is the best chance we'll ever get to
build a better world? Filmed over 211 shoot days in nine countries and five
continents over four years, This Changes Everything
is an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change.
This movie is promoted by Conservation Council ACT Region &
Canberra People's Climate March
showings
Tuesday, 10 November
and
Monday, 16 November
People's Climate March on Sunday, 29 November
Join in the
People's Climate March
on Sunday, 29 November. It is a
family-friendly event that will start at Federation Mall (Parliament House
lawns) at 12 noon and end with a festival that will focus on celebrating what
we as a community have already achieved, hope for the future, and next steps
people can take.
The Drug Law Wars: Twenty years of families fighting at the front
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform
would be pleased if you would join them at a
BOOK LAUNCH to commemorate FFDLR's twenty years
on Wednesday 18th November, 2015 12.30pm
in the Reception Room at the Legislative Assembly
Civic Square, Canberra City.
The book will be launched by Senator Katy Gallagher
Refreshments provided
RSVP: for catering purposes by 11th November to Marion on 02 61697678 or
mcconnell@ffdlr.org.au
The Religious Short Film Prize
Bringing the religious spirit alive through film
Film and religion belong together. The reason is simple; they both
explore, in different ways, what it means to be a human being in the universe.
The Religious Short Film Prize
is an opportunity for film-makers to explore
the religious quest through a powerful contemporary medium.
Religious themes are as varied as human beings are in the world.
The Religious Short Film Prize falls under the
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture's (ACC&C)
pillar dedicated to the Arts, Sciences and Culture.
Further information
The Australian Peacewomen Awards
5:30-9pm, Thursday 28 May 2015, University House, ANU
The inaugural Australian Peacewomen Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate
Australia's contribution to the peace process and will recognise the talents
and dedication of Australian women whose activities have promoted peace at the
local, national and/or international levels. This year's award recipients
include Helen Caldicott, Anne Gallagher, Helen Durham and Kirstie Parker.
More information about the PeaceWomen Awards
The Women's Power to Stop War Conference
9:00am-6:00pm, Friday 29 May 2015
The Women's Power to Stop War Conference will discuss the who, what, where,
how, why of Women's Power to Stop War, with keynote speakers, panel discussion,
a mini debate "Government Diplomacy vs NGO Advocacy – who is the best
peace-builder?", and conversations with subject matter experts on WILPF's three
program areas, disarmament, human rights and gender, peace and security.
More information about the Women's POwer to Stop War Conference
St Thomas More Forum: Australia's Social Contract,
Tuesday 14 April 2015
Presented by Chris Richardson,
Director of Deloitte Access Economics
Place: Holy Faith Hall, 30 White Crescent, Campbell
Date: Tuesday April 14, 2015
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm (Followed by a light supper)
Registration and pre-payment required
Sharon Brewer (02) 6163 4300
The war to end all wars: Our responsibility to those who died:
Tuesday 4 November 2014
A public forum to consider Australia's WW1 commemoration and whether it
pays appropriate respect to those who died believing in a better world.
World War 1 brought death to approximately 61,000 Australians and shattered
the lives of countless others. Globally, a generation was virtually lost.
The legacy of the war continues to this day. A century on, does our
commemoration stop short of asking the hard questions such as how such a
cataclysmic event could occur, what we learnt from it and whether that
responsibility to learn has been lost amid the flag-waving ?
Tuesday 4 November 2014, 7.30 pm
The Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall St,
Barton.
Organised by the Medical Association for Prevention of War, a Chorus of
Women, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (ACT
Branch), Honest History and the UN Association of Australia (ACT Branch)
A Chorus of Women: A Passion for Peace
A Passion for Peace
is a community oratorio being developed by Canberra's
A Chorus of Women. It will be performed at the Albert Hall, Yarralumla,
between 27 April and 1 May 2015, immediately following the ANZAC
Centenary commemorations.
Other related events before then.
More information
and here
Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility -
big bank investments in fossil fuels
The ACCR says:
"Australian banks are major financiers of fossil fuels, especially coal. As
well as loans their superannuation and investment operations are significant
investors in fossil fuel companies.
ACCR's research leads us to believe that this investment in 'unburnable
carbon' is a financial risk for investors as well as major environmental issue.
ACCR wants investors to know what the banks are doing, and we want banks to
reduce their risky fossil fuel investments."
They need the support of 100 shareholders in each of the big banks, to enable
them to move shareholder resolutions.
Read more here
Items of potential interest - please have a look