Articles by: John Haren

The spirit of connection

Bali may be a destination for truth seekers on a spiritual quest, but for most it is a few steps along a journey with many different paths, writes John Haren.

Posted on: August 13, 2026

Pilgrims on a spiritual journey, walking together in faith

The pilgrim journey takes us to the core of human dignity where injustices cannot be ignored, where love is the only antidote for hatred and war, writes John Haren.

Posted on: June 12, 2026

When enough is enough

When did housing become a commodity and a wealth project? Have we forgone part of our humanity to become economic actors more intent on maximising wealth than maximising social interactions?

Posted on: April 10, 2026

Words that matter

I wish I knew the words that could achieve world peace. Each day, I write about consequential matters, but the words that could solve the problems in Gaza escape me.

Posted on: September 10, 2025

An enlarged life

A life well lived is a normal human aspiration. But the challenges of everyday life can overwhelm us and seriously deflect our pursuit of a good life, writes John Haren.

Posted on: June 10, 2025

What is to be done?

Indignities, atrocities and acts devaluing human life cannot be ignored or forgotten, but the roads to justice, hope and reconciliation are paved by beginning conversations of respect, writes John Haren.

Posted on: March 18, 2025

A Church of love

The strains of St Nicholas’ Church bells ring out over the harbour of Pothia. It’s Sunday morning, the mystical chanting of the priest dominates the sound space for several hours.

Posted on: October 15, 2024

Finding my voice

Our world depends on all people having the opportunity and the courage to use our collective voices to discover our common humanity, writes John Haren, winner of our Writers’ Award.

Posted on: September 19, 2023

Call to extend compassion to people on Bridging Visas

Australia has a long history of compassion towards asylum seekers. The recent announcement that 19,000 people would receive a pathway to permanency was greeted with much joy, writes John Haren.

Posted on: March 14, 2023

Do we dare?

It is our responsibility to promote a world where self-interest is abandoned and the wellbeing of all peoples is at the heart of our political, social, environmental and economic action.

Posted on: June 14, 2022

Inclusivity – a political challenge

As we witness the Australian Government’s response to refugees and asylum seekers who are denied their most basic rights, John Haren reminds us that our best human moments are inclusive.

Posted on: November 16, 2021