Interfaith Dialogue

The term interfaith dialogue refers to cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions (i.e., "faiths") and/or spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels. It is distinct from syncretism or alternative religion, in that dialogue often involves promoting understanding between different religions to increase acceptance of others, rather than to synthesize new beliefs.
Throughout the world there are local, regional, national and international interfaith initiatives; many are formally or informally linked and constitute larger networks or federations. The often quoted "There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions" was formulated by Dr Hans Küng, a Professor of Ecumenical Theology and President of the Foundation for a Global Ethic.
On Australian TV: Q & A Faith and Love
An interactive Clickview.
Those in the dialogue are: Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane; Dr Mohamad Abdalla, Imam; Venerable Robina Courtin, Buddhist Nun; Josh Thomas, Atheist, Comedian & Actor; and Deborah Conway, Jewish Atheist Singer-Songwriter. https://clickv.ie/w/Pzqo |
Interfaith Dialogue in Australia and the Catholic Church
The importance of religious dialogue is formally recognised by the National Catholic Bishops’ Conference through the work of the Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations. As a member of the National Council of Churches of Australia, the
Bishops’ Conference is also represented on such bodies as the Australian Council of Christians and Jews and the Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews. Many of these commissions, councils and dialogues also operate at state and regional levels: metropolitan dioceses, for example have their own Commissions for Ecumenism and Interreligious Relations. There are also Catholic national and diocesan committees or task‐forces whose responsibility is to engage in dialogue with specific traditions and religious groups. Gerard V. Hall SM Interfaith Dialogue: The Australian Catholic Scene. Australian eJournal of Theology 17 (December 2010) Click on the link opposite for the full article. |
![]()
|
Investigating an Interfaith Dialogue Organisation
You are going to become investigative researchers about one of these organisations and their commitment to Interfaith Dialogue.
Click on the image to go to their Website.
You will become experts about the organisation by making a poster to advertise this organisation and its commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Developing some key messages for the advertising from the organisations stated aims in the area of interfaith dialogue.
Choose ideas and images that are poster worthy.
Click on the image to go to their Website.
You will become experts about the organisation by making a poster to advertise this organisation and its commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Developing some key messages for the advertising from the organisations stated aims in the area of interfaith dialogue.
Choose ideas and images that are poster worthy.
- Maybe you can create a collage of images from the site.
- Maybe you can improve on the images used on the site to better express the message.
A Ballarat Story
August 26 2015 issue of The Courier Digital Edition.
FAITH AND CULTURE BY DELLARAM VREELAND LOCAL interfaith organisations say the city has responded well to the opening of Ballarat’s first mosque. The comments come in response to the negativity that has surrounded the building of the Bendigo Islamic Centre which was approved to go ahead this month. Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council executive committee interfaith offer Constantine Osuchukwu said unlike Bendigo, he had not observed any apparent opposition to the building of the mosque. “As a community, most people have been supportive. We need to support people of all cultures and religious backgrounds to be able to freely live in our society and be able to worship in a way that meets their spiritual needs,” he said. |
“In Australia we have freedom of religion, so our Muslim brothers and sisters have got the right to freely practice their faith without undue interference.” Ballarat's Muslim community includes about 65 families and a strong contingent of more than 100 students. Located at Elsworth Street East, the mosque was opened in May this year. Up to 150 Muslims can pray in the building, with congregational prayer sessions held regularly. Ballarat Interfaith Network public relations officer Margaret Lenan Ellis said it was important for Ballarat’s only mosque to be confidently operating in the community. “It’s also important for non-Muslims to get to know and appreciate the individuals who make up the Islamic community and that a mutual feeling of friendship be openly developed,” she said. Ms Lenan Elllis said she was pleased no open animosity to the mosque had been broadcast but said it could be due to the Ballarat Islamic Society choosing to keep a low profile. Ballarat’s reaction to its first mosque comes as a complete counterpoint to that of the Bendigo Islamic Centre with members of an anti-mosque lobby group planning a rally this weekend. Bendigo mayor Peter Cox, however, welcomed VCAT’s approval of the structure, saying it was time for all parties to put their differences aside and move forward in a positive and respectful way. The Islamic Society of Ballarat was unable to be reached for comment. |
An Ararat Story

A Catholic priest is helping an Islamic group to raise funds to build the first mosque in the Victorian city of Ararat.
By
Van Nguyen
27 FEB 2015 - 5:08 PM UPDATED 27 FEB 2015 - 7:31 PM
A Muslim group has welcomed a Catholic priest's offer to fund raise for a mosque it wants to build in the northern Victorian city of Ararat.
Father Andrew Hayes will perform songs he's written and read poetry as part of his performance at the local Performing Arts Centre.
Father Hayes says he supports efforts by the Ararat Islamic Welfare Association to build the city's first mosque.
The group's president, Altaf Hussain, told Van Nguyen Ararat's Muslims are currently praying in a small room at the local railway station.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/02/27/priest-helps-raise-mosque-funds
By
Van Nguyen
27 FEB 2015 - 5:08 PM UPDATED 27 FEB 2015 - 7:31 PM
A Muslim group has welcomed a Catholic priest's offer to fund raise for a mosque it wants to build in the northern Victorian city of Ararat.
Father Andrew Hayes will perform songs he's written and read poetry as part of his performance at the local Performing Arts Centre.
Father Hayes says he supports efforts by the Ararat Islamic Welfare Association to build the city's first mosque.
The group's president, Altaf Hussain, told Van Nguyen Ararat's Muslims are currently praying in a small room at the local railway station.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/02/27/priest-helps-raise-mosque-funds