Roundup: Big religion, freedom from fear, freedom, defiant clergy, billboards, North Korea

Wanted: An uncool church of distractions

Far from a turnoff, these “distractions” demonstrated the kind of radical welcome Jesus’ church practises — a welcome that allows “distractions” so that the dignity and humanity of the offender may be retained.

Ecumenical group calls for end to food blockade of North Korea

The silence of the international community to the plight of millions of North Koreans facing starvation and severe malnutrition was of deep concern to the members of an ecumenical forum for peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula, which met last week, 16 to 19 June, in Nanjing, China.

Christians not vilified by Islamic billboard

Proclaiming Jesus to be ‘‘a prophet of Islam’’ on billboards is a statement of belief and does not discriminate against or vilify Christians, the Advertising Standards Bureau has found.

Methodist ministers back gay marriage

More than 100 Methodist ministers in New England (USA) have pledged to marry gay couples in defiance of the denomination’s national leadership, which maintains a ban on same-sex unions.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s idea of freedom offers a radical message for the west

The Burmese heroine’s Reith lectures expose our patronising attitudes to Buddhism, and injects fresh meaning into a concept we have abused.

Refugee event promotes ‘freedom from fear’

About 120 people attended the Pitt Street Uniting Church on June 18 for the launch of Refugee Week, which was the themed “Freedom from Fear”.

If you want big society, you need big religion

Faith communities may encourage their members to contribute to society – but can politicians harness their benefits?