Interfaith Dialogue
Definition
Interfaith dialogue is formal discussion aimed towards developing greater mutual
understanding between different religious traditions. It rejects the belief that all
religions are the same, and is not an attempt to unify different religious traditions, but
while respecting the diversity of beliefs it allows different religions to come to a better
appreciation of the uniqueness of each other.
Interfaith dialogue is not a forum for debate or evangelisation, fundamental
disagreements about beliefs are accepted, and no attempt is made to try and prove the
superiority of one belief system over another. However, from such discussions some
common grounds may be found between religions. Through building such
relationships, different religions may choose to work together on common projects,
have interfaith prayer services, and stand publicly united on significant issues.
Range of interfaith initiatives
Interfaith dialogue occurs across a range of different levels. In 1996 Pope John Paul
II held an interfaith prayer service in the Domain in Sydney. In 2001 churches,
synagogues and mosques in Sydney held reciprocal visits to pray for peace and
express unity. Other examples of coming together include interfaith prayer services
commemorating the Bali bombing and the Boxing Day Tsunami.
Similarly, different religious traditions work together on a range of social issues as a
testament to many of the shared values underlying major religious traditions.
Different religious traditions cooperate on issues such as poverty, unemployment,
industrial rights, indigenous rights, land mines, nuclear testing and asylum seekers.
Interfaith dialogue also takes place regularly on a local or grass roots level.
Specific examples of interfaith dialogue
The NSW Council of Christians and Jews was started in 1989. Activities include an
annual Passover demonstration directed to non-Jewish audiences; panel discussions
and seminars on current topics of relevance and evenings of multi-denominational
poetry and music; Holocaust education; and an annual Christian commemorative
service for the Holocaust held in the crypt of St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral.
The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations was established in Sydney
in 1997. It has two main objectives: to foster relationships with the Muslim
community; and to address the misconceptions, lack of understanding and
stereotyping, which exist in the Christian community. The Centre organises dialogues
between Christians and Muslims in order for them to meet and learn about each others
beliefs and practices, functions as a resource for information, provides Muslim and
Christian speakers for different groups, organizes seminars, and publishes a
newsletter.
Importance of interfaith dialogue
Australia is an increasingly pluralistic society in the sense that it is multi-cultural
and multi-faith. Interfaith dialogue creates respect and appreciation for religious
diversity which is essential for harmony and peace.
Historical and ongoing religious conflicts and persecution have often led to prejudice
between religions that if not addressed can lead to division within the Australian
community. Examples of such inter-religious conflict, that have affected ethnic
communities within Australia, include Muslims versus Jews (e.g. Palestine-Israel),
Jews versus Christians (Pogroms in Russia), Christians versus Muslims (the Crusades
& the Gulf Wars), Muslims versus Hindus (Pakistan-India), Hindus versus Buddhists
(Sri Lanka), Buddhist versus Christian (Vietnam).
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and
the ongoing 'War on Terror', the Muslim community in Australia has been subjected
to suspicion and persecution. Interfaith dialogue has been an important method of
working to break down the stereotypes and prejudice towards Muslims.
Interfaith dialogue is also important to build relationships between different
religions so they can more often and more effectively speak out on common issues
and uphold shared values such as the dignity of the person, the sanctity of human life,
care for those in need, justice and peace. In an increasingly secularised society
interfaith dialogue can help different religions to stand together in proclaiming the
importance of faith, spirituality and the transcendent aspects of life. Interfaith
dialogue is also important in helping religions support one another, for when the
rights of one religious group are challenged all others are ultimately in danger as well.