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[Some of the things I do when I'm not crunching data or translating κοινη ...]


Australian Student Christian Movement discussion series, Semester 1, 2009

Each gathering includes ecumenical prayer, a light meal, input from an invited guest and discussion.

We celebrate the diverse perspectives of Christians from different denominations, traditions and countries. Join us in listening, talking and praying about how we can respond as people of faith to the critical issues of our time.

For more information, contact James Dobson, SCM Victoria staffworker, on 0409 336 784 or at vicc@ascm.org.au



The “Global Financial Crisis”: Whose crisis?

Monday 20 April, 6:00–8:30pm
Victoria University, 300 Flinders Street, Room 16.11 (16th floor)

Guest speaker: Ken Fernandes

It’s not that there isn’t a problem in the world economic order. But as we strive to understand the causes and likely impact of the “GFC” on our lives, or even work out how to spend our $900 bonuses, we might pause to ask: who else is being affected? Who has been missing out all along?

Ken Fernandes studied Economics and was President of the SCM (his wife Nora was the secretary) in the University of Karachi in the 1970s. He worked for a number of organizations of the urban poor in Karachi, Bangkok and Phnom Penh before coming to Australia and continues to work on issues of housing rights in Fiji. He lectures in International Community Development at Victoria University.



The “Global Financial Crisis”: Opportunity for transformation?

Monday 18 May, 6:00–8:30pm
Victoria University, 300 Flinders Street, Room 16.11 (16th floor)

Guest speaker: John Langmore

Continuing our series of discussions on climate change and economic change, we ask Prof John Langmore about the causes of the current situation – and the opportunities that it opens up.

Until recently, “neo-liberal economics” and the “free hand of the market” dominated public discussion. Now that Christian and other ethical perspectives on economic issues are being publicly discussed again – even by our Prime Minister – how can people of faith get engaged in the dialogue about how our society and economics should work?

John Langmore studied Social Work and Commerce at University of Melbourne in the 1960s where he was involved in SCM. He worked in Papua New Guinea, did a Masters in Development Economic in Cambridge, was a Member of Parliament, worked for the United Nations and International Labor Organization and now teaches Public Policy at the University of Melbourne.



Buddhism in Action

Thursday, 23 April 2009, 1-2pm
Spiritual Centre (B1.56), Monash Caulfield campus

Chaplaincy at Monash Caulfield will present a series of lectures, conversations and gatherings in 2009. They seek to challenge, comfort and enrich the depth and texture of your university experience. They aim to connect the themes of personal and corporate faith and spirituality with issues of heart and soul, justice and mercy, conviction and community.

All are welcome.

Mahayana Buddhism provides the methods to quieten the mind and to work for the benefit of others. Consequently, Buddhism has inspired many Australians to work not only on their personal development but also for social change. Venerable Freeman and Anna Halafoff will discuss their experiences of Buddhism in Action, in and beyond Australia.

Anna Halafoff is a researcher for the UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations - Asia Pacific, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University. She is a practicing Buddhist in the Tibetan tradition.

Venerable Freeman is a 21 year old Buddhist Monk. He is a founding member of the international peace organization, Loving Kindness Peaceful Youth (LKPY), and is coordinator of LKPY's Talking Peace project which facilitates interfaith dialogue.