Interfaith Dialogue

The post-war period, which brought with it a dramatic diversification of Australias ethnic and
religious make-up, forced a reassessment of old sectarian ways. Despite the past, Australias
long-standing cultural sense of tolerance and a fair go for all left little place for sectarianism in the
latter part of the twentieth century. By the mid-1980s, the recognition that religions other than
Christianity were now a significant minority in Australia became an impetus towards establishing
broader forums in which to address the issue of increasing religious diversity.
Many significant developments in Australias religious communities point to a strongly developing
sense of interfaith dialogue and religious harmony from the time of the Second World War to the
present. The holding of the fifth world assembly of the World Conference on Religion and Peace
(WCRP) in Melbourne in 1989 was a turning point in interreligious relations in Australia. Religions
for Peace, as they now simply refer to themselves, continues to be a significant force in leading
world interfaith dialogue. Recent years have seen unprecedented combined action from
Australias religious leaders and their communities to further interfaith dialogue.
There are now many national, state and local initiatives in the area of interfaith dialogue:
the Uniting Church has established working groups on relations with both Muslim and Jewish
communities; the Catholic Church has a Committee for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations.
the Commission for Dialogue with Living Faith and Community Relations of the NCCA has
become far more focused.
The Australian Council of Christians and Jews is active in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and
Perth. Originating in 1985, this Council recognises common heritage and seeks to promote
understanding between Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The Council is made up of Christians
and Jews who recognise their common heritage and seek to promote understanding. A
particular focus of the Council is to stand together against anti-Semitism. Activities of the
Council include annual Holocaust remembrance services, and education seminars and courses
designed to deepen mutual understanding and respect. The Council of Christians and Jews
also seeks to foster broader interfaith relations, particularly dialogue between Christians, Jews
and Muslims.
The Columban Centre for ChristianMuslim Relations was established in 1997. It has two main
objectives: to foster relationships with the Muslim community; and to address the
misconceptions, lack of understanding and stereotyping regarding Muslims that exist in the
Christian community. It was established in response to the Christian Churchs call to enter into
interfaith relations, to promote this aspect of the mission of the Church. The Centre has also
worked closely with the Affinity Intercultural Foundation in organising an international gathering,
and supports teachers and students in the process of education for Christians about Islam.
The Affinity Intercultural Foundation was established in 2001 by a group of young Muslim
Australians who wished to extend the interaction between the Muslim community and their
fellow Australians. The organisation seeks integration, tolerance and understanding through a
process of dialogue and education. Like other interfaith organisations, its core objectives focus
around the development of greater peace and harmony. Affinity has initiated, or been involved
with, successful and ongoing dialogues with Catholic, Anglican, Protestant and Jewish groups.
Womens Dialogue Network of NSW formed under the auspices of the Centre for Christian
Muslim Relations to foster closer relationships between Catholic and Muslim women.
Resources:
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Living Religion 4 edition; Oxford Studies of Religion