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The Religion and Ethics Report, where religion and ethics meet news and current affairs in Australia and around the world.

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    • Jul 29, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcast

    In India the Cockroach Party calls off its demonstrations for now

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 29:07


    Young voters have a voice in India right now.India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Melbourne to receive a rock star welcome at a mass rally at docklands stadium. But not all Australian Hindus are fans - some see him as a divisive figure with potential impact on social harmony. What do they make of the current pulses of anti-immigration rhetoric emerging from figures like Hanson and her party?Meanwhile in India, the Cockroach Janta party or CJP might have started out as an online joke, bit its grown into a mass protests movement, driven by the discontent of millions of younger voters. What of it's future?With an October 27 poll looming for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — security officials warn the Occupied West Bank is a tinderbox, with Palestinian Christian communities among those under sustained attack from armed settlers. We speak with a Christian Palestinian from Bethlehem with family in Gaza.GUESTS:ABC journalist and former ABC South Asia correspondent Meghna Bali - Her new ABC Compass documentary is here.Professor Assa Doron, from the Australian National University's College of Asia and the Pacific.Dr Yousef Al-Khoury is the Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College in the West Bank. He's currently on a speaking tour Bearing Witness in Australia organised by the group Palestinian Christians in Australia.

    Modi meets Melbourne

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 9:52


    India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Melbourne to receive a rock star welcome at a mass rally at docklands stadium. But not all Australian Hindus are fans - some see him as a divisive figure with potential impact on social harmony. What do they make of the current pulses of anti-immigration rhetoric emerging from figures like Hanson and her party?GUEST:ABC journalist and former ABC South Asia correspondent Meghna Bali - Her new ABC Compass documentary is here.

    West Bank a tinderbox as Jewish settler violence escalates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 10:54


    With an October 27 poll looming for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, security officials warn the Occupied West Bank is a tinderbox, with Palestinian Christian communities among those under sustained attack from armed settlers. We speak with a Christian Palestinian from Bethlehem with family in Gaza.GUEST:Dr Yousef Al-Khoury is the Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College in the West Bank. He's currently on a speaking tour Bearing Witness in Australia organised by the group Palestinian Christians in Australia.

    The CJP: An online joke gets serious in India

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026 7:23


    Young voters have a voice in India right now.The Cockroach Janta Party or CJP might have started out as an online joke, but it's grown into a mass protests movement, driven by the discontent of millions of younger voters. What of it's political future? And who are the key figures in the movement?GUEST:Professor Assa Doron, from the Australian National University's College of Asia and the Pacific.

    Why are rebels attacking the Catholic Church in West Papua?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 9:47


    The Catholic Church has traditionally been sympathetic to the aspirations of West Papuans.But, over the past year, rebels in the Indonesian province of West Papua have attacked several Catholic institutions. The worst was early July, when they killed an American pilot, whose plane was carrying aid for Catholic charities. What's behind these attacks by anti-Indonesian rebels? GUEST:Ahmad Syarif is a researcher at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington. He spent nearly a decade at the Jakarta office of Bower Group Asia. He recently documented the growing violence in a report for The Lowy Interpreter.

    What lies behind attacks against the Catholic Church in West Papua?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 29:07


    Over the past year, rebels in the Indonesian province of West Papua have attacked several Catholic institutions. 

    American Hope: a new Pope Leo biography

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 26:46


    In today's fractured politics, the Pope has approval ratings to die for. An Economist You-Gov poll recently found that among Americans – and not just Catholics --  Pope Leo led Donald Trump in the popularity stakes by 54 points. 

    Are we being proudly human in the face of AI?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 13:04


    Guardian columnist Peter Lewis has been reading the Pope's encyclical, not as an adherent of the Catholic faith but as someone who's “proudly human”.

    Are burial practices driving anti-immigration sentiment in Japan?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 15:14


    Are Islamic burial traditions threatening social cohesian in Japan?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 28:36


    The very slow rise of Muslim immigration hasn't slowed the rise of anti-immigration sentiment in Japanese politics and society. 

    Ayatollah Kamenei funeral a rallying point for Iranians

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 29:07


    It's a funeral taking place over six days, five cities and two countries. Crowds have overwhelmed the streets of Iran to mourn or just watch the funeral procession for the late Ayatollah Khamenei. He and other family members died in February in attacks by the US and Israel. Khamenei ran a brutal regime that killed an estimated 40,000 demonstrators earlier this year, but his funeral has become a rallying point for the nation. The man set to become the next prime minister of Britain, Andy Burnham, is best known as the popular and successful mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England. But long before that, he was a pious altar boy in his local Catholic church in Liverpool. Burnham has referred frequently to his Catholic background and values, even if he observes only some of the church's teaching. How much will faith shape his prime ministership? One of the hallmarks of an authoritarian regime is severe restrictions on religious practice. But there's also been a marked increase in religious repression by individuals, sometimes in defiance of more liberal government policies. The Pew Research Center in Washington has been monitoring this situation.GUESTS:Dr Ali Mamouri  is a Middle East specialist at Deakin University and a former adviser to an earlier reform government in neighbouring Iraq.Hannah Rich is a senior researcher at the London-based think tank Theos.Samirah Majumdar is the lead author of Pew Research's recent report.This program is made on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

    Ayatollah Kamenei funeral a rallying point for Iranians

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 10:21


    It's a funeral taking place over six days, five cities and two countries. Crowds have overwhelmed the streets of Iran to mourn or just watch the funeral procession for the late Ayatollah Khamenei. He and other family members died in February in attacks by the US and Israel. Khamenei ran a brutal regime that killed an estimated 40,000 demonstrators earlier this year, but his funeral has become a rallying point for the nation. GUEST:Dr Ali Mamouri  is a Middle East specialist at Deakin University and a former adviser to an earlier reform government in neighbouring Iraq. 

    Will new UK Labor leader Andy Burnham's Catholicism shape his leadership?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 15:12


    Long before being a PM incumbent, Andy Burnham was a pious altar boy in his local Catholic church in Liverpool. Burnham has referred frequently to his Catholic background and values, even if he observes only some of the church's teaching. How much will faith shape his prime ministership? GUEST:Hannah Rich is a senior researcher at the London-based think tank Theos.

    New and surprising data on restriction of religious practices

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 7:07


    One of the hallmarks of an authoritarian regime is severe restrictions on religious practice.But there's also been a marked increase in religious repression by individuals, sometimes in defiance of more liberal government policies. The Pew Research Center in Washington has been monitoring this situation. GUEST:Samirah Majumder is the lead author of Pews recent report. 

    Ayatollah Khamenei funeral a rallying point for Iranians

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 29:07


    It's a funeral taking place over six days, five cities and two countries. Crowds have overwhelmed the streets of Iran to mourn or just watch the funeral procession for the late Ayatollah Khamenei. He and other family members died in February in attacks by the US and Israel. Khamenei ran a brutal regime that killed an estimated 40,000 demonstrators earlier this year, but his funeral has become a rallying point for the nation. The man set to become the next prime minister of Britain, Andy Burnham, is best known as the popular and successful mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England. But long before that, he was a pious altar boy in his local Catholic church in Liverpool. Burnham has referred frequently to his Catholic background and values, even if he observes only some of the church's teaching. How much will faith shape his prime ministership? One of the hallmarks of an authoritarian regime is severe restrictions on religious practice. But there's also been a marked increase in religious repression by individuals, sometimes in defiance of more liberal government policies. The Pew Research Center in Washington has been monitoring this situation.GUESTS:Dr Ali Mamouri  is a Middle East specialist at Deakin University and a former adviser to an earlier reform government in neighbouring Iraq.Hannah Rich is a senior researcher at the London-based think tank Theos.Samirah Majumdar is the lead author of Pew Research's recent report.This program is made on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

    America at 250: The inseparable relationship between The United States and religion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2026 42:38


    July the 4th marks 250 years since the founders of the United States ratified the Declaration of Independence. For a nation that was designed explicitly to separate church and state – unlike much of old Europe – the US became remarkably religious. Even as the number of non-religious Americans grows, faith still permeates the culture and, especially, the politics. As part of Radio National's America 250 coverage, we caught up with historian Matthew Avery Sutton.And a longer version of this interview is on our webpage.  Guests:Dr BREANN FALLON is chief executive at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, which runs programmes dealing with genocide education.MATTHEW AVERY SUTTON is author of Chosen Land: How Christianity Made America and Americans Remade Christianity.  RELATED MATERIAL: God Forbid on The Scofield Bible

    Teaching the Holocaust

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2026 29:06


    Research appears to show teacher fears around teaching students about the Holocaust.Hearings resumed this week at the antisemitism royal commission, with public figures, including MPs, recounting their experience with anti-Jewish prejudice. The hearings coincided with new research showing some high school teachers in New South Wales were nervous about teaching the history of the Holocaust because of a backlash from some students.  Plus July the 4th marks 250 years since the founders of the United States ratified the Declaration of Independence. For a nation that was designed explicitly to separate church and state – unlike much of old Europe – the US became remarkably religious. Even as the number of non-religious Americans grows, faith still permeates the culture and, especially, the politics. As part of Radio National's America 250 series, we caught up with historian Matthew Avery Sutton – a longer version is on our webpage.  Guests:Dr BREANN FALLON is chief executive at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, which runs programmes dealing with genocide education.MATTHEW AVERY SUTTON, author of Chosen Land: How Christianity Made America and Americans Remade Christianity.   

    Teaching the Holocaust to school students in 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2026 10:32


    Research appears to show teacher fears around teaching students about the Holocaust.Hearings resumed this week at the antisemitism royal commission, with public figures, including MPs, recounting their experience with anti-Jewish prejudice. The hearings coincided with new research showing some high school teachers in New South Wales were nervous about teaching the history of the Holocaust because of a backlash from some students.  Guest:Dr Breann Fallon is chief executive at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, which runs programmes dealing with genocide education. 

    Can the US Dems capture the pro-life vote?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 8:47


    A litmus test for anyone seeking office as a Democrat in the US is unqualified support for abortion. At the moment, it's popular. Even in Republican states have passed ballot measures to over-ride abortion bans. But can the Democrats forge a long-term coalition to win the congress and the presidency without some pro-life voters, especially Catholics? A growing number of progressive Democrats say the party needs to be a bigger tent. GUEST:TIMOTHY KIRCHOFF is a contributing writer to the liberal Catholic magazine, Commonweal.    

    Who controls the Al Aqsa mosque complex in Jerusalem?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 9:44


    If the geopolitics of Israel and Palestine isn't hot enough, there's now a controversy over control of the Al-Aqsa mosque complex in the Old City of Jerusalem. For decades, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been the official custodian, allowing non-Muslims to visit but not to pray. But Israeli hardliners -- backed reputedly by the Trump administration and some Gulf Arab states -- want to transfer control to a so-called multi-faith council. GUEST:WYRE DAVIES is the BBC's Middle East correspondent. He's been covering this story.

    With Christian Brothers dissolved, what now for the sex abuse victims?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 29:07


    After 180 years in Australia, the Catholic order of Christian Brothers is closing down – bankrupt and shamed by the child sexual abuse scandal. The Christian Brothers have announced a plan to sell off their remaining 36 properties in Australia at an estimated value of $216 million. The proceeds will go to victims and survivors and their lawyers. Those with claims against the brothers won't receive all they're seeking but the Brothers have revealed they've already paid a staggering $480 million in abuse settlements since 1980. If the geopolitics of Israel and Palestine isn't hot enough, there's now a controversy over control of the Al-Aqsa mosque complex in the Old City of Jerusalem. For decades, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been the official custodian, allowing non-Muslims to visit but not to pray. But Israeli hardliners -- backed reputedly by the Trump administration and some Gulf Arab states -- want to transfer control to a so-called multi-faith council. A litmus test for anyone seeking office as a Democrat in the US is unqualified support for abortion. At the moment, it's popular. Even in Republican states have passed ballot measures to over-ride abortion bans. But can the Democrats forge a long-term coalition to win the congress and the presidency without some pro-life voters, especially Catholics? A growing number of progressive Democrats say the party needs to be a bigger tent. GUESTSProfessor DARRYL HIGGINS is director of the Institute for Child Protection Studies at Australian Catholic University.WYRE DAVIES is the BBC's Middle East correspondent.TIMOTHY KIRCHOFF is a contributing writer to the liberal Catholic magazine, Commonweal.    

    Christian Brothers closed down. What now for their sex abuse victims?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 9:54


    The Christian Brothers have announced a plan to sell off their remaining 36 properties in Australia at an estimated value of $216 million. The proceeds will go to victims and survivors and their lawyers. Those with claims against the brothers won't receive all they're seeking but the Brothers have revealed they've already paid a staggering $480 million in abuse settlements since 1980. GUEST:Professor DARRYL HIGGINS is director of the Institute for Child Protection Studies at Australian Catholic University.

    Valerie Browning on the beautiful potential of Ethiopia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 12:37


    We have an image of Ethiopia as a harsh, even forsaken place, of famine and a landscape literally cracked by rising global temperatures.But Ethiopia's a country of resilient, resourceful people, who could thrive, if only world powers stopped meddling. That's the message of Australian aid worker VALERIE BROWNING. She's been living in Ethiopia's Afar region for 53 years, running an extraordinary organisation that's helped half a million women. Valerie's back in Australia to visit family and publicise the work of the Barbara May Foundation that helps fund her work. Guest:Valerie Browning is a nurse and author of "Maalika: My Life among the Afar Nomads in Africa”. She founded the Afar Pastoral Development Association and the Barbara May Maternity Hospital.  

    Is Pauline Hanson courting the religious right?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 29:06


    As Pauline Hanson's appeal seemingly grows by the week, at least according to opinion polls, how is she building a coalition that might not deliver her government but could make One Nation the second biggest party in the next parliament? Senator Hanson has never been an explicitly religious politician but there is small but important religious constituency that she is trying to woo.  India is in the midst of statue-building frenzy, with monuments springing up all over the country to the 17th century Hindu leader known as Shivaji. The warrior king has become a symbol – yes, another – of the rising power of Hindu nationalism, given his history of fighting the Mughal empire. But are his most ardent fans misreading Shivaji's legacy?  We have an image of Ethiopia as a harsh, even forsaken place, of famine and a landscape literally cracked by rising global temperatures. But Ethiopia's a country of resilient, resourceful people, who could thrive, if only world powers stopped meddling. That's the message of Australian aid worker VALERIE BROWNING. She's been living in Ethiopia's Afar region for 53 years, running an extraordinary organisation that's helped half a million women. She's back in Australia to visit family and publicise the work of the Barbara May Foundation that helps fund her work. Guests:Dr Benjamin Moffitt is a political scientist at Monash University and has been charting the progress of One Nation. Anupreeta Das is South Asia correspondent for The New York Times who has been following the Shivaji trend. She's author of Billionaire, Nerd, Saviour, KingValerie Browning is a nurse and author of "Maalika: My Life among the Afar Nomads in Africa”. She founded the the Afar Pastoral Development Association and the Barbara May Hospital.  

    Pauline Hanson and the Australian religious right

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 8:03


    As Pauline Hanson's appeal seemingly grows by the week, at least according to opinion polls, how is she building a coalition that might not deliver her government but could make One Nation the second biggest party in the next parliament? Senator Hanson has never been an explicitly religious politician but there is small but important religious constituency that she is trying to woo.  The Australian religious right.GUEST:Dr Benjamin Moffitt is a political scientist at Monash University and has been charting the progress of One Nation. 

    Why are statues of a 17thC warrior King causing riots in India?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 9:28


    India is in the midst of statue-building frenzy, with monuments springing up all over the country to the 17th century Hindu leader known as Shivaji. The warrior king has become a symbol – yes, another – of the rising power of Hindu nationalism, given his history of fighting the Mughal empire. But are his most ardent fans misreading Shivaji's legacy?  GUEST:Anupreeta Das is South Asia correspondent for The New York Times who has been following the Shivaji trend. She's also author of Billionaire, Nerd, Saviour, King

    Churches fear their charities may suffer under new tax plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 29:07


    Churches and charities are warning that the federal government's plan to increase taxes on discretionary trusts could cost the welfare and community sector billions of dollars in donations. They fear up to 30 per cent of their income could disappear.If you attend a Donald Trump rally in the United States, you'll almost certainly hear his favourite song – the high-camp late 70's hit by the Village People, “YMCA”. And you'll increasingly hear another song that, strictly speaking, has nothing to do with politics. It's the evangelical anthem, “How Great is Our God”. Now, some evangelical leaders fear the MAGA movement has hijacked their music, even their worship style.  On the northern fringe of Sydney, among gum trees and very loud native bird song, the Catholic Church plans to build Australia's newest cathedral. The proposal by the Diocese of Broken Bay has attracted criticism for its expense. But the church hopes the stunning new design, which captures the essence of the nearby bushland, will convince the critics.GUESTS:Mark Fowler is a charity lawyer and advisory committee member for the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission, a commonwealth agency. Professor Leah Payne of the Portland Seminary is the author of God Gave Rock & Roll to You.Niall McLaughlin is the architect on the planned Broken Bay cathedral.

    Could religious welfare work lose out with the new tax laws?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 8:41


    Churches and charities are warning that the federal government's plan to increase taxes on discretionary trusts could cost the welfare and community sector billions of dollars in donations. Christian and Muslim leaders have asked Treasurer Jim Chalmers to reconsider.Mark Fowler has been following the story.GUEST:Mark Fowler is a charity lawyer and advisory committee member for the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission, a commonwealth agency. 

    Has the MAGA movement hijacked music from evangelicals?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 11:18


    If you attend a Donald Trump rally in the United States, you'll increasingly hear another song that, strictly speaking, has nothing to do with politics. It's the evangelical anthem, “How Great is Our God”. Now, some evangelical leaders fear the MAGA movement has hijacked their music, even their worship style. GUEST:Professor Leah Payne of the Portland Seminary is the author of God Gave Rock & Roll to You.

    A cathedral among the gum trees

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 8:27


    On the northern fringe of Sydney, among gum trees and very loud native bird song, the Catholic Church plans to build Australia's newest cathedral. The proposal by the Diocese of Broken Bay has attracted criticism for its expense. But the church hopes the stunning new design, which captures the essence of the nearby bushland, will convince the critics.GUEST:Niall McLaughlin is the architect on the planned Broken Bay Catholic cathedral.

    Fears around the return of women linked to ISIS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 29:05


    One of the so-called ISIS brides appeared in a Melbourne court this week, charged with terrorism related offences. Rayann El Houli is one of six women linked to ISIS, who've returned from Syria in the past fortnight. Most have children who were born in Syria and were living in harsh conditions. But their return is confronting for one religious minority that's found refuge in Australia. Extremism expert Professor JOSH ROOSE of Deakin University has been exploring the dilemma the ISIS brides pose for Australia.Pope Leo's encyclical on the dangers of artificial intelligence includes a red light about the role technology plays in the sexual trafficking of women and children. The International Justice Mission is a faith-based organisation that fights modern slavery. It's one of several human rights groups meeting in the Vatican this week. BRIONY CAMP is the head of campaigns for IJM Australia.As wars continue in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, voices for peace still try to break through the pessimism. One of the most prominent is the Religious Society of Friends, or the Quakers. They famously won a Nobel Peace Prize after World War II. But how realistic is their vision in 2026.  JOYCE AJLOUNY is general secretary of the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker agency. She was in Australia recently.

    The dilemma of the "ISIS brides"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 8:56


    One of the so-called ISIS brides appeared in a Melbourne court this week, charged with terrorism related offences. Rayann El Houli is one of six women linked to ISIS, who've returned from Syria in the past fortnight. Most have children who were born in Syria and were living in harsh conditions. But their return is confronting for one religious minority that's found refuge in Australia.Extremism expert Dr Josh Roose has been exploring the dilemma the ISIS brides pose for Australia.GUEST:Dr Josh Roose is a political sociologist and Associate Professor of Politics at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University.

    Can Quakers be voices for peace in 2026?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 8:50


    As wars continue in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, voices for peace still try to break through the pessimism. One of the most prominent is the Religious Society of Friends, or the Quakers. They famously won a Nobel Peace Prize after World War II. But how realistic is their vision in 2026? GUEST:Joyce Ajlouny is general secretary of the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker agency. She was in Australia recently.

    Anglican Bishop reports from Congo on Ebola

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 9:42


    The deadly Ebola virus spreading through the Democratic Republic of Congo is now outpacing the ability of health workers to respond, according to the World Health Organisation. But medical staff aren't just battling a virus. They're fighting scepticism among some communities about whether the disease is real, and the role of traditional burial practices in helping to spread Ebola. The Anglican Bishop of Goma in the DRC, MARTIN GORDON, is overseeing a major church response.GUEST:Rev Martin Gordon, Bishop of the Diocese of Goma, DRCRev Gordon on YouTube with an update 27/05

    Victoria Lorrimar on Pope Leo's encyclical

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 9:56


    In a powerful warning about the dangers and delusions of artificial intelligence, Pope Leo has taken on the self-styled gods of the 21st century. He's used his first encyclical to argue that whatever good AI might bring, it should never be controlled by a tiny group of ultra-wealthy tech titans. His 43,000-word encyclical is called Magnificent Humanity. GUEST:Dr Victoria Lorrimar heads the Centre for Technology and Human Futures at Notre Dame University Australia

    A view of the Ebola crisis from the capital Goma in the DRC

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 29:08


    The deadly Ebola virus spreading through the Democratic Republic of Congo is now outpacing the ability of health workers to respond, according to the World Health Organisation. But medical staff aren't just battling a virus. They're fighting scepticism among some communities about whether the disease is real, and the role of traditional burial practices in helping to spread Ebola. The Anglican Bishop of Goma in the DRC, MARTIN GORDON, is overseeing a major church response.In a powerful warning about the dangers and delusions of artificial intelligence, Pope Leo has taken on the self-styled gods of the 21st century. He's used his first encyclical to argue that whatever good AI might bring, it should never be controlled by a tiny group of ultra-wealthy tech titans. His 43,000-word encyclical is called Magnificent Humanity.  Dr VICTORIA LORRIMAR heads the Centre for Technology and Human Futures at Notre Dame University Australia, while Professor BETH SINGLER from the University of Zurich is author of Religion and Artificial Intelligence.GUESTS: Rev Martin Gordon, Bishop of the Diocese of Goma, DRCA/Prof Victoria Lorrimar, Director, Centre for Technology and Human Future at the Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre DameProf. Dr Beth Singler, Assistant Professor in Digital Religion(s), Co-Director, University Research Priority Programme in Digital Religion(s), University of Zurich

    Will Pope Leo's critique of AI cut through to Sillicon Valley?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 8:36


    In a powerful warning about the dangers and delusions of artificial intelligence, Pope Leo has taken on the self-styled gods of the 21st century. He's used his first encyclical to argue that whatever good AI might bring, it should never be controlled by a tiny group of ultra-wealthy tech titans. His 43,000-word encyclical is called Magnificent Humanity. GUEST:Professor Beth Singler from the University of Zurich is author of Religion and Artificial Intelligence.

    The passing of Dr Peter Hollingworth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 4:53


    Dr Peter John Hollingworth was an Australian bishop who served as Governor-General of Australia from 2001 until his resignation in 2003, resigned, in the wake of controversy over his role in handling sex abuse allegations in the Anglican Church. He had previously held the position of Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane from 1989 to 2001.An Anglican church inquiry found Dr Hollingworth failed to remove late paedophile priests Donald Shearman and John Elliot from the ministry, despite knowing they had sexually assaulted children.He died in Melbourne on Tuesday, aged 91.Noel Debien joins ABC TV to explain the impact and significance of a cleric's appointment to Governor General.Noel Debien is a religion expert and editor of Radio National's Religion and Ethics Unit

    Can political protest also be antisemitism?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 29:07


    After two weeks of hearings at the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Australians have a clear picture of a Jewish community experiencing harassment and violence – in the classroom, the campus, the streets, even some workplaces. The commission also heard different opinions on what antisemitism is -- and what's political protest.GUEST:Professor DAVID SLUCKI is director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University. He's been following the hearings.  Part 3. After the StormPolice in the US city of San Diego are treating as a hate crime an attack on a local mosque, in which two teenage boys killed three people then took their own lives. Without the heroic actions of a security guard, they say the attack could have been even worse. San Diego echoes an immense tragedy that took place 7 years ago, much closer to home. An Australian gunman slaughtered 51 Muslims at peaceful prayer at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. This week is the third and final part of our series, After the Storm: How faith and friendship helped three religious communities overcome violent attack, which you can find in podcast at ABC Listen. We recall the Christchurch tragedy with a man who survived but bearing a terrible loss. GUEST:FARID AHMED is the author of Husna's Story: My wife, the Christchurch Massacre and My Journey to Forgiveness.The full episodes of AFTER THE STORM:AFTER THE STORM: The aftermath of the Christchurch mosque massacreAFTER THE STORM: Beyond the horror at the Tree of LifeAFTER THE STORM: Healing after terror

    Antisemitism or political protest? What the Royal Commission heard

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 16:42


    After two weeks of hearings at the  Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, Australians have a clear picture of a Jewish community experiencing harassment and violence – in the classroom, the campus, the streets, even some workplaces. The commission also heard different opinions on what antisemitism is -- and what's political protest.GUEST:Professor David Slucki is director of the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University. He's been following the hearings.  

    AFTER THE STORM: The aftermath of the Christchurch mosque massacre

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 20:26


    On the 15th of March 2019, Farid Ahmed and his beloved wife Husna travelled to the Deans Avenue Mosque in Christchurch for Friday prayer. As they parted to pray in their different sections, Farid couldn't know it would be the last time he saw Husna alive.And he couldn't know about her bravery that ultimately cost her life.Husna Ahmed was one of 51 Muslim worshippers murdered that night. Their assailant was an Australian. Farid's response tells a powerful story about his own resilience and his faith.This is part two of a special Religion and Ethics Report series on how faith and friendship helped three religious communities overcome violent attack, as Australia grapples with the aftermath of its own devastating attack at Bondi.GUEST:Farid Ahmed is the author of Husna's Story: My wife, the Christchurch Massacre and My Journey to Forgiveness. 

    The young religious far right in Europe

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 29:06


    The most popular, and understandable, image of the far right today usually involves people dressed in black, shouting Nazi slogans or erupting into violence at football matches across Europe. But new research suggests many youths drawn to the extremes are looking for something more basic – a sense of belonging. Some have co-opted very traditional religion, while others try to make a religion out of their political ideology. GUEST:Dr Agnieszka Pasieka of University of Montreal wrote about the “Dreams of the Far Right” for Aeon magazine. She's also the author of Living Right: Far-Right Youth Activists in Contemporary Europe. 

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