Colossal blunders await us, unless our political leaders have a clear understanding of Islamic traditions of war and legitimacy, and why jihadist movements have gained such a hold in the Middle East. Bruce Duncan warns against using crusade rhetoric in the conflict with the Islamic State, and argues that there can be no lasting western military solution in Iraq and Syria.
SPC Public Forum
Conflict over the Islamic State in Iraq & Syria: Insights from Muslim experience & social traditions
With Susan Day Dirgham, who has lived for several years in Syria, and Fr Bruce Duncan, who examines changes in Islamic just war thinking
in the light of international human rights today.
Thursday 6 November 7:30-9pm
The Study Centre Yarra Theological Union
Best entry via 34 Bedford Street Box Hill Refreshments available afterwards. An entry donation is welcome.
9899 4777 | admin@socialpolicyconnections.com.au
Don’t be alarmed. Be mad as hell!
Tony French
Internet censorship in Slovak republic opensource.com flickr cc.
Is alarm about the Islamic State being used for political reasons to fan fear in Australia about the Muslim community? Tony French examines interpretations of the ISIL Statement threatening Australians among others, in light of government ‘dog-whistling’ about a war on terror.
People power brings cruel Newstart policies to a halt, for the time being
Colleen O’Sullivan
I’ll take the job! (Just let me steal to afford it first.) Kristian Niemi flickr cc
Mr Hockey’s budget met determined opposition from church and community groups, especially for its attempt to cut unemployment benefits to zero for six months each year for people under 30. Colleen O’Sullivan argues that there are alternatives to the cruel measures in the budget.
Gambling harms aren’t worth taking a chance
Jason Davies-Kildea
_DSC7365.jpg Adam Foster flickr cc
Tens of thousands of families are suffering from the results of gambling, especially in less affluent areas which are especially targeted by the pokies industry. Captain Jason Davies-Kildea explains why this situation is allowed to continue, as he reflects on the 2014 Social Justice Statement from the Australian Council of Churches, Gambling and its impact in Australia – is nothing sacred?
The USA, Russia, & China: the prospect of a new cold war Tuesday 7 October
Coping with risk & uncertainty: volatile markets, anxious states, & tentative social movements Tuesday 14 October
The Middle East: Holy Land or crucible of conflict? Tuesday 21 October
Australia adrift: navigating new pathways Tuesday 28 October
Donate to SPC
Support SPC in its social advocacy and engagement of public opinion
We rely completely on donations and membership fees to continue this work, and particularly on the probono contributions of our board members and helpers.
How to donate :
* Send your cheque or money order to PO Box 505 Box Hill Victoria 3128.
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Books available at SPC
NEW A World United or a World Exploited? Christian Perspectives on Globalisation Edited by Peter Price $20+$5 postage & handling.
Social Justice: Fuller Life in a Fairer World Bruce Duncan $25+$5 postage & handling.
Sufficient for the Day: Towards a Sustainable Culture Geoff Lacey $20+$5 p&h.
Young People, Faith, & Social Justice Joan Daw $20+$5 p&h.
Anna Burke
Refugees: we can do better. What to do to heal this ‘running sore’.
What has social justice to do with sport? Indirectly, a lot, according to Joe Mckay, writing about the Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2014, A Crown for Australia: striving for the best in our sporting nation.
Tuesdays in October 6-8pm
