Brisbane Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

The following is extracted from a 2001 Easter sermon by the Reverend Michael McGee adapted from a story by Jim Wallace.

A group of friends of various religious denominations were seated in fellowship discussing the true meaning of Easter one Sunday when the Baptist said: “I believe we place too much emphasis on chocolate bunnies, colored rabbits and Easter eggs instead of the spiritual aspects, which is the real meaning of Easter. That’s what I believe,” said the Baptist. “Me too,” said the Methodist. “Me too,” said the Lutheran. “Me too,” said the Catholic. “Me too,” said the Nazarene. –And the Unitarian Universalist was silent.

“I believe the real meaning of Easter is that Christ died on the Cross for our sins,” said the Methodist. “Me too,” said the Nazarene. “Me too,” said the Lutheran. “Me too,” said the Baptist. “Me too,” said the Lutheran. –And the Unitarian Universalist was silent.

“I believe the real meaning of Easter is the triumph of Jesus over the Grave,” said the Lutheran.
“Me too,” said the Catholic. “Me too,” said the Nazarene. “Me too,” said the Baptist. “Me too,” said the Methodist.
–And the Unitarian Universalist was silent.

“I believe the real meaning of Easter is not only what each of you have said, but also that all people who believe in the sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus are cleansed of original sin through baptism and are restored to the favor of God and many share in His eternal Life,” said the Catholic.
“Me too,” said the Nazarene. “Me too,” said the Baptist. “Me too,” said the Methodist. “Me too,” said the Lutheran.
–And the Unitarian Universalist was silent.

“I believe the real meaning of Easter, in addition to what has already been said, symbolizes that the bodies of all people will be resurrected and joined to their souls to share their final fate,” said the Nazarene.
“Me too,” said the Baptist. “Me too,” said the Methodist. “Me too,” said the Lutheran. “Me too,” said the Catholic.
–And the Unitarian Universalist was silent.

The group then turned to their Unitarian Universalist friend, whom they all recognized as a little strange, and said, “Your silence is a mystery to us. Just what do you believe as a Unitarian Universalist is the real meaning of Easter?”

The Unitarian Universalist said: “I believe the real meaning of Easter is the appreciation of life’s renewing cycles and, that for all things there is a season. I believe the real meaning of Easter is the acknowledgment, with its accompanying sadness, of a very human Jesus who was forced to die on the Cross because of his liberal religious views and beliefs. But most important of all, I believe the real meaning of Easter is the Celebration of Thanksgiving for the presence of the sacred in each and every living person and thing; for the presence of the sacred in the birds that sing; for the presence of the sacred in the flowers which sway and the grasses which rustle in the gentle breezes of spring. This is what I believe is the real meaning of Easter,” said the Unitarian Universalist.
“Me too,” sang the birds.
“Me too,” waved the flowers.
“Me too,” rustled the grasses.
“Me too,” sighed the wind.
— And all the rest were silent.

The Palestinian Arts Culture & Sport Incorporated (‘PACSI’) is screening the film “Lemon Tree”. Based on a true story the film portrays the efforts of a Palestinian widow to stop the Israeli Defense Minister, her next door neighbor, from destroying the lemon trees on her family orchard. The film has achieved critical success and it received nominations for several awards such as ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Screenwriter’ at the European Film Awards.

When: 7pm Saturday 31 March 2012 (From 6pm onwards there will be Arab food and beverages available and a Palestinian cultural display)
Where: Tribal Theatre (formerly the Dendy), 346 George Street in the city
Contact: Kathryn Zahran 0423 123 164 or purchase tickets on the night
Cost: $12 (Concession/child $9)

Refugee Action Collective – Public Forum
Being Smuggled to Freedom: Behind the anti-people smuggling rhetoric
Speakers:

Mark Plunkett, Qld Barrister representing Indonesian fishermen, including juveniles, in people smuggling cases.

Ian Rintoul, Refugee Action Collective (RAC) and prominent refugee campaigner.

3pm
Saturday March 3rd
Kurilpa Hall
174 Boundary St, West End.

For more information contact Paul: 33923843, andrewpaulmac@yahoo.com.au.

On Keeping Australia Nuclear Free – and Independent

PALM SUNDAY PEACE RALLY 1PM 1ST APRIL 2012
Reddacliff Place – top’o the Mall – George St Brisbane
Speakers – Songs – Entertainment
Come along and join us
RALLY FOR PEACE AND NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT INC
Joan Shears – Secretary JustPeace
ph 3855 9497 email
PO Box 2236 Brookside 4053

To all who expressed interest in developing a campaign re the stationing of US military facilites ie bases on Australian soil.

NEXT MEETNG TUESDAY FEBRUARY 14TH  7.30pm QCU 16 Peel St Sth Brisbane

On December 5th a goup of 20 people met in Brisbane and decided to work together on this issue.

The next meeting aims to further develop a campaign opposing the establishment of US military facilities in Australia, but more than that, to stimulate public discourse on Australian independence, peace, real security and our relationship with the peoples of our region.

Norm Bullen has developed a discussion paper (see below) on a campaign proposal for your consideration prior to the meeting.

Other ideas and discussion papers are welcome.

We discussed plans for a public meeting to launch the campaign at the last meeting. This has firmed for the 31st May.

Dr Peter Stanley has agreed to be one of the key note speakers.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Stanley

RSVP for the February 14th meeting would be appreciated.

Kind Regards

Annette Brownlie
0431597256
JustPeace

AUSTRALIA

“FROM UN-EQUAL ALLIANCE – TO ABSOLUTE ALLEGIANCE”

CAMPAIGN STRATEGY

Discussion Paper Only

Campaign Name/Title/Logo

Australians For Independence-Diplomacy-Peace

0bjectives

• To raise/heighten community awareness of Australia’s agreement to host, facilitate,
• expand, and intensify, US Military Bases/Joint Training Facilities on our soil,
• in our air space, and on,  and under our pristine coastal waters.
• To create, promote, and lead the debate on the need for Australia;
• to redefine its identity as a nation that prioritises and promotes universal and lasting  peace
• to value and practice international diplomacy
• to encourage, support, and uphold the rights of all nations to pursue forms of genuine democracy
• to ensure that all Alliances with foreign Governments incorporate the fundamental values of equality, trust, respect, integrity, truth, humanitarianism and uncompromised principles, as minimum requirements
• to build and maximise pressure on all political parties to influence them to develop, amend and implement policies in Government,  that truly represent and reflect the long term “National Interest” of all Australians.

The campaign could be structured around the key policy areas of;

• Foreign Affairs
• Defence/Security
• Economics
• Environment
• Justice – Law and Order
• Social Justice – Human Rights
• Infrastructure – Community Amenities

To achieve maximum effectiveness the campaign would need to attract the support and active participation of the broadest possible cross section of the Social Justice movement representing, Trade Unions, Churches, Peace/Anti War, Environment, Women, Indigenous People, Academics, Social Media Groups e.g Get-up, Community Groups, and other allied and affiliated organisations/groups.

Another important element of the campaign would be the identification, and where possible the recruitment of high profile individuals from all walks of life who may wish to contribute in some way by use of their chosen medium.

The campaign may consist of some or all of the following elements;

• High Profile Public Forums – Community Forums
• Well researched Fact Sheets on the Key Policy areas
• Consolidated Papers/Pamphlets incorporating the Fact Sheets
• Symbolic Media Events on significant days such as Global Day of Action on Military Spending, International Day of Peace, as examples
• Public screenings of appropriate films and documentaries that would raise/heighten community awareness of the campaign issues
• Stand Alone Information Stalls,  and at selected targetted events
• Focussed dialogue on Social Media Networks
• Vigils, Peaceful Demonstrations, Visual Displays
• Feature Articles in participating organisations Journals, News Letters, and on their Websites
• Feature Articles in Commercial Media – Media Interviews in Print/TV
• Manual and E-Petitions
• Letters to the Editor, Talk Back Radio

Other opportunities and avenues available to raise community awareness levels, and to promote the campaign will be dependent upon the diversity of the participating organisations and groups and their willingness to use them.

In order to mount and conduct a successful mid to long term campaign, there will be a need to establish a representative working group drawn from participating organisations to oversee and co-ordinate the basic/fundamental elements that must be a part of any effective campaign;

• Planning
• Organising
• Funding
• Networking

Expectations Of Participating Organisations/Groups

It is  vitally important that the magnitude and the degree of difficulty of achieving the objectives of the campaign are not underestimated.

The current situation of Australia’s “Absolute Allegiance” to what until now has been an Un-Equal US Alliance, has been developed and reinforced over 60 years, by the US and Australian Governments.

Some ingredients that have sustained and strengthened the Alliance are US superpower world dominance, all Australian Governments subservience to US needs and demands, the unfetted power and influence of vested interests, the strength and effectiveness of conservative lobby groups in evoking the fear factor in respect to invasion, and the need to fight a “War on Terror”.

Those combined forces have stifled any form of informed/balanced debate in Australia on the merits, or faults/flaws, of sensitive major policies in areas such as Foreign Affairs, Defence/Security, and in others related to the protection and preservation of Australia’s sovereignty, and also to those that may not be clearly in the “ National Interest”.

When considering the objectives and strategies of this campaign it is also important   to take account of the history, strategies, and success rate of campaigns on similar issues waged over the past 60 years, by committed organisations, and courageous individuals.

Despite the intensity and merits of the campaigns and the efforts of the campaigners, the forces previously described have been successful in denouncing, denigrating, and demonising, the purpose of the campaigns, and those participating in them.  Those forces will adopt the same or similar tactics this time around.

As a result of the above factors the level of knowledge, awareness, concern, and interest, in those defining issues is limited or non-existent.  This has contributed to many, if not most Australians adopting and displaying attitudes and feelings ranging from open hostility, or blind acceptance, to one of total apathy with respect to those issues.

Other important factors that must be recognised, acknowledged, and accepted, when formulating this campaign are;

• That if the campaign is to attract and retain the participation of the broadest possible cross section of the movements/ organisations previously mentioned, and other organisations and individuals who may share mutual concerns about the issues/policies that the campaign seeks to change;

and

• That if the campaign hopes to connect with, raise the awareness of,  influence, and gain the support of ordinary Australians as described above, in order to bring sufficient pressure on a Federal Government in the longer term to make changes to the long entrenched, and the emerging policies, on Foreign Affairs, US Alliance/US Bases, Defence.

Particular attention, and respect, will need to be paid to the fact that organisations and individuals conducting the campaign, and those it seeks to communicate with in the community will have diverse opinions, beliefs, and policy positions on Politics, Religion, Cultural matters, and other issues that the campaign may embrace.

The credibility and the viability of the campaign may rest on its ability to demonstrate to all potential participants, and to the community, that it has the capacity to compromise, and resolve sensitive issues by adopting a spirit of consensus.

_____________________

(Norm Bullen) Co-Convenor, Just Peace Qld

Australia Day 2012 Multi-Faith Ceremony

All members of the community are invited to take part in thie Australia Day Multi-Faith Ceremony to learn more about the variety of faiths represented in Brisbane.
The ceremony will feature live music and a faith procession with representatives from the Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Taoist, Islamic, Sikh and Baha’i communities. The finale will feature members and friends of BWCP (Believing Women for a Culture of Peace) singing “Translink Inspiration”, the multi-faith song harmonising texts from six  different faith traditions, composed by a Muslim woman in Canada.
When: 10 am – 10.45 am, Thursday 26 January 2012
Where: Suncorp Piazza, the Parklands, South Bank, Brisbane

NO US troops in Australia
US out of everywhere

Speakout:
Friday December 16, from 5-7pm
King George Square, City

Come along to this speakout to show your opposition to the plans to permanently station 2500 US marines in Australia. Hear speakers about the impact of US military bases around the world and the international campaign against militarism and war.

Join the Facebook event and invite your friends:

https://www.facebook.com/events/336602683020473/

Occupy Brisbane
www.occupybrisbane.net

• Continuing the history of Australian prostitution to foreign powers- from Great Britain to the USA- embroiling us in wars which are immoral unjust and not in Australia’s interest.
• Loss of Sovereignty and REAL security which comes from respectful relations based on justice and human rights with the peoples of our region.
• Financial cost- interoperability is the catch cry of both Australia and the US . This means buying military hardware from the USA . We have a track record of purchases that don’t eventuate, cost many times more than the original price and often are faulty. We also have a military budget which exceeds our education funding!
• Environmental damage- currently in the news is the toxicity of waters around the central Qld Coast Barrier Reef presumed from materials passing through the ports- past and expanded use of these facilities by nuclear armed and powered naval vessels threatens this wonder of the world.
• Social costs- rape and abuse are well known in US Bases around the world- the agreement will mean US forces have immunity from prosecution under Australian laws.
• Regional costs- cementing the view of neighboring countries that Australia is effectively another state of the USA .
• Potential to negatively impact our relations with China from which we derive significant export income
• Continued disregard for the opinions and wishes of the indigenous peoples of Australia .

This seminar has been organized by the Theosophical Society  as a fundraiser for their support for homeless women…

Date: Saturday 1 October 2011, Venue: Brisbane Theosophical Society, main meeting room, 355 Wickham Terrace., Brisbane

Program: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

9:00 am          Registration and welcome

9:30 am          Using essential oils from the forest   Speaker: Tina Fiedler

10:30 am        morning tea

11:00 am        The importance of forests in healing our planet   Speaker to be confirmed

12:00 noon     Our spiritual connection with nature   Speaker: Dr Lynne Hume

1:00 pm          vegetarian lunch provided

2:00 pm          Creative workshop – Exploring our personal responses to the forest

Led by artist, Karen Cipressi

Cost: Gold coin (or more) donation at the door – Proceeds to our homeless women project

To register, phone Carolyn Harrod on 3378 8534 or add your name to the registration form in the Brisbane TS library by 26 September.

Oxfam Australia (as a member of Oxfam International) recently launched GROW, a major new global campaign aimed at tackling the deep injustices inherent in the world’s food system. They have put together resources for those who may be interested and want to share them with people who are concerned and involved with the environmental issues facing both the local and international community.

Please follow the links to the following promotional items to use as a vibrant engaging, informative and educational resource:
•       The GROW booklet, outlining this fantastic campaign, the challenges we face, and what you can do to help.   http://www.oxfam.org.au/grow/wpcontent/uploads/ 2011/05/20 11_Grow_A5_booklet_lores.pdf

•       The GROW survey form, allowing you and your friends to have your say on food and the food-related issues that concern you. http://www.oxfam.org.au/grow/grow-poll/

•       The GROW wallet brochure, a quick reference guide to enable you to tell others about our campaign and how they can become involved, and The GROW pledge form, so you and your friends can commit
to become part of a global movement. Both can be posted out if requested.

The GROW website: http://www.oxfam.org.au/grow/
The GROW report: http://www.oxfam.org.au/grow/the-grow-report/
What you can do to make good things GROW: http://www.oxfam.org.au/grow/take-action/

GROW EVENTS:
The Grow Forum – Thursday September 15th 2011 - To assist the GROW campaign taking root in Brisbane there is a forum on Thursday September 15 at 6 pm, in the Barbara Fielding Room,
Brisbane Girl’s Grammar School. This will be a great opportunity for you and your group members to participate in one of the national conversations taking place on the issue of GROW and the many ways we
can all positively be involved in creating a new food system on the needs of the vast majority of the hungry – small-scale food producers.
RSVP by phoning Georgie or Celina on 3637 4600 or online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2028939613 as spaces are limited.

World Food Day – Sunday October 16th 2011 - This important date on the ‘GROW’ calendar presents the great chance for you and your group to show your support for global food
justice. If you would like to know more about how you can join world food day please contact annm@oxfam.org.au or phone 3637 4600.