Pauline Rae smsm, Convenor, Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations highlighted how members of other religious traditions are also supporting World Youth Day in the latest edition of Bridges – a newsletter of the Christian-Muslim Network:

It will come as a surprise to many to learn just how welcoming and pro-active other religious communities have been in becoming involved in this “Catholic” event.  Rather than protesting its impact on their lives or accusing authorities of favoritism, some who live in Sydney are offering their support, their venues, their contribution wherever it is needed.

Loreto Sisters Networker newsletter June 2008 contains

Dominican Sr Jenny Gerathy of Waratah preached the homily, asking “Why do we as individuals choose to be here tonight?”  Later Jenny reflected, “I never dreamt so many people would be there. The whole liturgy was both powerful and moving. It was a privilege to be there. The silence of the Congregation as I preached was profound. I had a sense of the Spirit bursting forth as at the first Pentecost, as the Congregation rose and applauded the signing of the Covenant. It was truly a joy-filled occasion. ”

It takes place every ten years at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is the one occasion when all bishops can meet for worship, study and conversation. Archbishops, diocesan, assistant and suffragan bishops are invited.

Also invited are bishops from other churches 'in communion' with the Anglican Communion, bishops from United Churches and a number of ecumenical guests.

Spouses of the 800+ bishops who attend are invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury's wife to a parallel, independent gathering: the Spouses' Conference.

The current Archbishop of Canterbury - Rowan Williams - has called the next Lambeth Conference for July 2008. His wife, Jane, will convene the Spouses' Conference.

* to educate the Australian public about who refugees are and why they have come to Australia;
* to help people to understand the many challenges refugees face coming to Australia;
* to celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community;
* to focus on how the community can provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees;
* for community groups and individuals to do something positive for refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people, within Australia but also around the world;
* for service providers to reflect on whether they are providing the best possible service for refugees.

This month’s edition of Mission & Spirituality News, produced by the Broken Bay Institute, focused on the Spirituality of Youth.  Included in this edition is an interview with Anthony Yacoub.  Anthony is an 18 year old student studying for a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney.  He was a student of Our Lay of Lebanon College, (under the Order of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family) Harris Park.  Anthony was College Captain, HSC Dux, SRC Coordinator, recipient of the: Principal’s Award, Australian Defence Force’s Long Tan Teamwork and Leadership Award (2006 and 2007), Rotary Youth Award – ‘Achievement of Merit’.

I was particularly interested in his comments in answer to the question “If you could make one significant change in the church, what would it be and why?”   Anthony’s reply was as follows:

On Tuesday 27th May 2008, Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue delivered an address as part of National Reconciliation Week at St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, Adelaide

a)  a better balance of men and women, clergy, religious and laity on existing councils organizations and advisory bodies, at the national level;
b)  a better balance of men and women in leadership roles at the national level;
c)  a better balance of men and women in professional roles within the church at national level;