The reporting of religion by the media continues to be a topic that occupies the minds of both religious communities and journalists, internationally and in New Zealand. Whether you are from either side of the debate we want to know what you think are the major concerns. What can be done to improve the relationship between Religion and the Media?

New Zealand's Statement on Religious Diversity, which has been endorsed by many major religious groups, affirms both freedom of the media and the importance of exercising it responsibly:

"The right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media are vital for democracy but should be exercised with responsibility" (Principle 4: New Zealand Statement on Religious Diversity).

Please email us your views and ideas .

At the Religious Diversity Forum, based on the feedback received, representatives of faith communities and the media will further develop the discussion with participants.

The Religious Diversity Forum will be run as part of the 2010 NZ Diversity Forum, to be held from Sunday 22 - Monday 23 August at the Christchurch Convention Centre. Check out the programme and register online NOW!

The Human Rights Commission is undertaking the development of the guidelines jointly with the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) Religious Studies Programme. The Commission receives a steady flow of enquiries and complaints regarding accommodating religious practices in the workplace.

Several other interfaith and multicultural bodies, including the Counties-Manukau Multicultural Council and Waikato Interfaith Council, have also expressed support for the Sikh community.

In its letter to the Secretary of the Sikh Council of New Zealand the NZCBC stated:

"We write in solidarity with your efforts to change these policies to match the guidelines followed by our courts, RSAs and aviation authorities which allow turbans.

"The disappointment and sense of exclusion felt within the Sikh community is entirely understandable, as is your view that a ban against patrons wearing headwear is discriminatory if it does not make allowance for those clearly doing so in deference to a sacred requirement of their faith".

The Counties Manukau Multicultural Council President Gul Zaman, a member of the NZ Council of Christians and Muslims, said the Sikh Turban was an article of faith and not a matter of choice.

"The Turban should not be equated with ordinary headgear. This is either due to ignorance or blatant discrimination against a hard working community that has contributed immensely to the development of New Zealand for more than 120 years," he said.

Mr Zaman said his Council had appealed to the Cosmopolitan Club to reconsider its outdated discriminatory policy, while the Waikato Interfaith Council agreed at their last meeting that they would draft a brief letter to the Cosmopolitan Club asking them to reverse their decision.

Organised by the Hindu Elders Foundation, festivities began with a Hindu candle lighting ceremony, where Māori elders lit the first candles. The event hoped to inspire peace and understanding and Ms Mishra noted that there are many similarities between the two cultures. The celebration ended with leaders from both communities sitting down to share a meal.

Cleared as a resource to use in schools and church groups to generate discussion regarding interfaith, the My God series explores and celebrates the spiritual diversity of New Zealanders. The upcoming schedule includes:

• 16 July - Jo Randerson (Anglicanism)
• 23 July - Helen Smith (Scientology)
• 30 July- Andrew Becroft (Christianity)
• 6 August - Dame Barbara Goodman (Rationalist)

All four series (10 shows each) are available on DVD. The rating for all four sets is PG.
Contact Amanda Evans if you would like to purchase the series.

Now online and available for download, the issue also includes book reviews and upcoming events.

The Harmony Awards recognise efforts to improve understanding and harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims, and thereby encourage this outcome. There are a range of local and national award categories, both for target audiences and for non-Muslims. Last year's winners included Murali Kumar, the Community Relations Manager for the Ministry of Social Development, who was instrumental in organising the First Muslim Stakeholders Forum.

The criteria for nomination can be found at Harmony Award 2010 Criteria and click on the link to obtain a Nomination Form.

The theme of this year's IAW will be "Cultivating Positive Emotions for a Healthy Society" and further information can be found on the dedicated Islam Awareness Week website.

• Saturday 17 July - A 1-day seminar will explore how the traditions of Islamic Law have protected its flexibility and diversity. Cost is $10.
• Sunday 18 July - A Social Services Forum will bring together religious and community workers who service the Muslim community to encourage awareness and coordination.
• 2-3 August - A 2-day workshop for those seeking knowledge about Islam and its practices and beliefs, as it would be useful in their work, or their contact with members of the Muslim community. It is an opportunity to gain different insights into commonly misunderstood aspects of the Islamic faith and impacts on service provision. Cost is $195.

To register for any of these events please contact the Rasheed Memorial Dawah Trust or register online.

Last month the Trust hosted their 300th trainee. The great majority of participants come from government departments, along with tertiary institutions.