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 and 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