Doing What We Can While We Can: Bishop Philip Huggins on Meditation and Peacebuilding

Jun 15, 2026

As Australia grapples with increasing social division and the ongoing impacts of global conflict, Bishop Philip Higgins continues to advocate for a simple yet powerful response: meditation as a foundation for peacebuilding.

Drawing inspiration from the words shared by Rabbi Ralph Genende in his book “Living in an Upside Down World”, Philip reflects on advice given by one of Australia’s Holocaust survivors:

“Do what you can while you can.”

For Philip, these words have become both a guide and a call to action.

Responding Through Peacebuilding
Following the tragic events at Bondi Junction and the establishment of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism, Philip and his colleagues felt compelled to contribute in a meaningful way.

“Our form of help was to continue what we have done persistently over the years and particularly since October 2023.”

This work has centred on creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and collective meditation through a series of Peacebuilding Roundtables that bring together people from diverse faiths, cultures and communities.

Since the beginning of 2026, four Peacebuilding Roundtables have been held alongside a range of practical initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and understanding.

Can Australia Become ‘One and Free’?
A question that sits at the heart of Philip’s reflections is whether Australian culture can fully embrace the aspirations behind the Royal Commission.

“The strategic intentions of the Royal Commission are wonderful, let’s be clear.”

Philip invites us to imagine an Australia free from antisemitism, where Jewish Australians feel completely safe and where that safety extends naturally to all communities.

“Imagine an Australia which is truly living our own National Anthem so that we are a people who feel genuinely ‘One and Free’.”

Yet he acknowledges the challenges that remain. Ongoing violence in the Middle East, growing social tensions and the influence of harmful online content continue to shape public discourse and community relationships.

As Philip notes, “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” While policies and recommendations are important, lasting change ultimately depends on the values and behaviours embraced within society itself.

Choosing Healing Over Harm
Despite these challenges, Philip remains hopeful.

He points to the many individuals and groups, both in Australia and internationally, who are quietly working to build understanding, healing and peace.

“People who see the way the world looks now but know it can be beautifully remade.”

“People who know this is the time to do what we can.”

Drawing on the wisdom of St Anthony, who reportedly began each day by saying, “Today we begin again,” Philip believes that peacebuilding is not a single event but an ongoing practice.

A practice that begins within ourselves.

Launching 100 Days of Peace
This commitment to beginning again is reflected in the launch of the 100 Days of Peace initiative with Calm In the City.

Commencing on 13 June and continuing until the United Nations International Day of Peace on 21 September, the initiative invites people across Australia and around the world to participate in a daily collective meditation for peace.

Each evening at 9.00pm AEST, participants are invited to join a brief reflection on peace followed by ten minutes of silent meditation.

The initiative is simple, free and open to everyone.

Keep up to date with this initiative and join here – https://www.calminthecity.org.au/100daysofpeace#register

As Philip explains, the intention is to help create “an atmosphere of peace” that can ripple through communities and contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

At a time when many people feel overwhelmed by conflict and division, Philip’s message is both practical and hopeful:

Do what we can while we can.

And tomorrow, begin again.

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