ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGOUE Confusion between the two: A definition of ecumenism may be "the organized attempt to bring about the cooperation and unity of all believers in Christ." “May they all be one” Jn 17:21 Whilst inter-faith dialogue can be describes as:l “the formal discussion aimed at developing greater mutual understanding and co-operation between different religious traditions.” ECUMENISM – ECUMENICAL ACTIVITY WITHIN ONE TRADITION. INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE – INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN VARIOUS TRADITIONS.

ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGOUE Inter-faith dialogue is NOT about proving the superiority of one tradition over another. It attempts to respect the basis of faith of the particular tradition. Rather it is building relationships between religious tradition where mutual respect leads to shared religious prayer services, working on common projects such as human rights issues, indigenous rights and poverty, humanitarian relief activities, and assistance given to asylum seekers

ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGOUE In Australia, the recent misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians (?) is being addressed by groups such as the National Council of Churches and the Islamic Federation.

ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGOUE The Australian Context A Pluralistic Society –Members of Jewish and Christian communities were present on the First Fleet. –Evidence of Hindus and Muslims in West Australia date back to the mid 1800’s –Major influx of various religious traditions post 1945, especially in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. –Australia as Multicultural (Multi-Faith) by 1970’s

ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGOUE Christianity AnglicanCatholicOtherTotal Other religions ‘No religion’ Not stated/ inadequately described Total Census year%%%%‘ (a)2.03, (a)2.94, (a)1.95, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,855.3 Major Religious Affiliations – Source ABS

ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGOUE From the Table: –Christianity still the major Religious Tradition. –Increased numbers of other Religious Traditions after WWII – Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism. –Increased numbers of those described as “no-religion”. –Development of Australia as a Multicultural/Multi-Faith Society. –Secularization of Australian Society? AnglicanCatholicOtherTotal

ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGOUE Results of Australia’s Multi-Faith Society: 1.Ecumenical Religious Harmony & Cooperation a)National Council of Churches b)ARCIC c)Catholic-Lutheran Dialogue 2.Religious Tolerance amongst differing Traditions a)Christian – Jewish b)Christian - Islam c)Christian - Buddhist

ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGUE Examples of Ecumenical Praxis: a)Interchurch Trade Industry Mission (ITIM) – Industrial chaplaincy. b)Melbourne and Sydney Colleges of Divinity – Common Theological faculties within respective University. c)ARCIC – Development of Theological principles regarding Catholic and Anglican Communion i.Sharing full communion ii.Primacy of the Pope – “Gift of Authority” iii.Role of Mary d)Catholic – Lutheran Dialogue i.Declaration of Justification ii.Ministry iii.Eucharist e)NSW Ecumenical Council f)NCCA – i.Decade to overcome Violence ii.Faith and Unity Commission

ECUMENISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGUE Examples of Inter-faith Relationship: a)Australian Council of Christian and Jews i.Annual Holocaust Remembrance Services ii.Education Seminars – fostering understanding and respect. b)Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations (1997) i.Relationships within the Muslim Community ii.Education Seminars for Teachers (about Islam) c)Women’s Interfaith Network – i.gathering of women of different religious traditions who meet and work to promote harmony, understanding and respect among the followers of the various world religions, and stand together as a sign of solidarity among people of faith. d)Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews i.To provide opportunities for the national bodies of each faith to come together to build understanding and harmony in the Australian context e)Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue i.Seminars on Human Rights ii.Regional Development iii.Peace and Harmony Groups.