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Crisis Escalates for Christians in Iraq Violence and persecution against minority groups in Iraq continues. Prior to 2003, 4% of Iraq’s population was Christian. Yet 40% of Iraq’s 2.2 million refugees are Christian. Read the NCCA Statement adopted 6 November 2008.

Indigenous Peoples Also Have the Right to Dignity and Justice In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10th 2008, the member Churches of the NCCA affirm their commitment to dignity and justice for all, and in particular for our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Read the statement endorsed by the NCCA Executive 6 November 2008.

Christmas Bowl - 60 years on! Sixty years ago, the Reverend Frank Byatt had a simple vision. On Christmas Day 1949 he placed an empty bowl on the dinner table and asked all present to give what they considered to be the cost of the meal. Frank urged his guests to reflect on their blessings and encouraged them to do something selfless for the people around the world who are victims of disease, poverty and violence. This small but significant gesture of charity has resonated deeply with thousands of Australians and has shown that we all have the ability to make a difference, no matter how small the gift. The very first Christmas Bowl only raised ₤1,808, but giving now exceeds $2 million each year. Click here for more information or to download the 2008 Christmas Bowl resources Click here to GIVE to the Christmas Bowl
Violence continues against Christians in India Despite international protests and the assurances of the Indian government violence against Christians in the state of Orissa continues. The National United Christian Forum, meeting in Delhi on 7th October Terms, condemned what participants believe is a case of "deliberate and systematic ethnic cleansing." Click here to view a letter from the NCCA to the National Council of Churches in India (on this site) Click here to view press releases from the National Council of Churches in India (on www.nccindia.in) 'Christianity is part of our National Heritage' - Indian PM (on www.oikumene.org)
Martung Upah Appeal Your gift makes an enormous difference to the work of NATSIEC, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission. Please Give to Martung Upah. Click here to download a copy of the Martung Upah brochure.

Please pray for: the people of Orissa, India (Click here to view a letter from the NCCA to the NCCI.) the people of Iraq (Click here to view the statement of Australian Heads of Churches.) the people of Tibet the people of the Middle East ........concerns for Gaza and the Holy Land ........Click here to read the full statement of the Church Leaders. ........Click here to read a statement from the Middle East Council of Churches. the people of Pakistan the victims of the China Earthquake the people of Burma ........Click here to view the NCCA Christian World Service response to the situation in Burma. ........Click here to view a letter from the General Secretary. ........Click here to view some suggested prayers.

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NOVEMBER
2008

30 November
First Sunday in Advent

DECEMBER
2008

1/12
World AIDS Day

3/12
International Day of Disabled Persons

7/12
Dalit Liberation Sunday

10/12
Human Rights Day

18/12
International Migrants' Day

25/12
Christmas Day
(Gregorian Calendar)

JANUARY
2009

6/1
Epiphany
(Gregorian Calendar)

7/1
Feast of the Nativity
(Julian Calendar)

26/1
Australia Day/ Day of Mourning
/Survival Day/Invasion Day

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