Roundup: James Haire, churches go to PM, religious instruction in schools, chaplains in schools, science and faith, and global justice.

Interfaith champion honoured

Extensive contributions to interfaith dialogue worldwide have earned the Uniting Church’s Rev. Professor James Haire the Australian Catholic University’s highest honour.

Rendering to Caesar: What church leaders told the PM

Ten issues were raised: refugees, same sex marriage, euthanasia, religious freedom, the best interests of the child, classification standards, persecuted people groups, gambling, funding of non-government schools and the federal government’s proposal for a not-for-profit regulator.

Time to review religious instruction in schools

Australia is a multifaith nation and as religions are playing an increasingly prominent role in the public sphere, there is a growing need for Australian young people to develop religious literacy and interreligious understanding.

Chaplains accused of pushing religion in schools

Some parents say they have evidence the federally-funded National School Chaplaincy program is being used to push religion to public school students.

High Court challenge on chaplains program

Controversy over the federally funded school chaplain’s program is set to be fought out in the High Court and is also the subject of an Ombudsman’s investigation.

I’ve got no religious beliefs at all

Astronomer royal Martin Rees, speaking before the announcement that he had won the Templeton Prize.

The end (of religion) is near

Scientists often have a funny way of talking about religion.

Global justice consultation in the United States wraps up

After three days of meetings, the World Communion of Reformed Churches justice consultation reiterated that the ecumenical organisation has committed itself “to the full scope of gender justice, celebrating all that women contribute to the church in our theology and practice.”