RELIGIOUS HARMONY ECUMENISM INTERFAITH DIALOGUE SOR Foundation Study

RELIGIOUS HARMONY, ECUMENISM & INTERFAITH DIALOGUE SOR Foundation Study 2

Examples of ECUMENISM • Formation of the Uniting Church • 1977 U. C. established • 1901 – Presbyterian General Assembly invited the idea of a “united Evangelical Church of Australia”

ECUMENISM • Basic union of Methodist, most Presbyterians and Congregationalists. • Viewed as a ‘church to address life & social justice in Australia. ’

Interfaith Dialogue • The fifth world assembly of World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP) in Melbourne in 1989 was a turning point for inter-religious relations in Australia.

Interfaith Dialogue • At a National Level – • U. C. has established working groups on relations with jews and Muslims • Cath. Church has a committee for Ecumenical & Interfaith Relations

Interfaith Dialogue • At a National Level – • The Council of Christians & Jews has continued to expand has developed a strong national structure. • The Commission for Dialogue with Living Faith and Community Relations has become more focused.

Interfaith Dialogue • At a National Level – • Many of these groups are reinforced by similar state groups. • Others Groups include; Women’s Dialogue Network (NSW) formed under the auspices of Christian – Muslim Relations

Interfaith Dialogue • Catholic & Muslim Women’s Ass. (NSW) • Universities have Multifaith Centres

Interfaith Dialogue • Cooperation among religious leaders • In early part of last century social commentary was the domain of the Christian Church • In recent time views have been sought from other faiths

Interfaith Dialogue • Cooperation among religious leaders • Community issues Bankstown & Lakemba Area • Buddhist on the far north coast • Mabo Ruling

Interfaith Dialogue • Cooperation among religious leaders • 1902 Mt Kembla Mining Diaster • September 11 2001 • Bali 12 2002 • Iraq

Interfaith Dialogue • Cooperation among religious leaders • With the assistance of WCRP, the council of Aboriginal Reconciliation brought together representatives from various faith communities in support of reconciliation.

Interfaith Dialogue • Cooperation among religious leaders • In January 2000, Interfaith Appeal for Peace was staged in Sydney to stand against religious violence in Indonesia. • Initiated by the NCCA & Aust. Federation of Islamic Councils

Interfaith Dialogue • Cooperation among religious leaders • The plight of refugees in Aust. And provision of community services are two other areas where joint statements have been issued.

RELIGIOUS HARMONY • There is potential for disharmony! • Overseas events can affect relations between faith communities and broad acceptance across religious groups will be complex & often strained:

RELIGIOUS HARMONY • There is potential for disharmony! • Palestinian – Israeli conflict • War in Iraq • Tension in Indonesia • Al Qaeda (Bin Laden)

RELIGIOUS HARMONY • Another potential cause for disharmony is the desire of some Christian churches to maintain their privileged position in Australia society. • High moral ground – ‘ Extra ecclesia nulla salvas ’

RELIGIOUS HARMONY • In 1995 Wollongong Anglican Bishop Piper, was among the religious leaders who attended the opening the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Wollongong.

RELIGIOUS HARMONY • Seven months later, he said that Buddhism had no place in Australian Society because it was outside the framework of the bible view of man kind; and therefore evil.

RELIGIOUS HARMONY • On current statistical trends, Aust. Will remain predominately a Christian Society for a very long time • Many Aust. Have come to recognize that the values & hopes to which they aspire to most are shared just as strongly as those who may be from a different religion/ culture