INDIAN CRESCENT SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA INC : THE PLACE OF INTERFAITH DIALOGUE IN A CULTURALLY DIVERSIFIED AUSTRALIAN CONTEXT

The Indian Crescent Society of Australia (ICSOA) organised an interfaith forum “  The place of Interfaith dialogue in a culturally diversified Australian context” on Friday 15 November 2019 at the NSW Parliament House.

The event was attended by diverse ethnic groups and a group of people of faith as well as atheists. Faith speakers represented Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs religions.

The program was commenced with the recitation of Quran by master Zohaib Khan. ICSOA secretary Mr Fasih Uddin Khan welcomed the guest and explained the past and future events of ICSOA.

The event was addressed by Mary Patetsos, Chairperson of Federation of Ethnic Committees council, Ms Trudi Mitchell , Deputy National Director of Australia for UNHCR, Hon Manish Gupta , Consul general of India, Hon Lee Rhiannon former Greens senator, Hon Geoff Lee , Acting NSW Minister of Multiculturalism, Hon Jihad Dib , Shadow Minister for Skills and Trade assisting Multiculturalism. Religious leaders who participated were Rev Russel Davies, Pandit Jatin Kumar, Rabbi Zalman Kastel, Rev Dr Patrick McInerney and Father Shenouda Mansour.

In this event, it was highlighted that over the last 10 years, the average level of global peace has deteriorated by 3.78%. The four most peaceful regions – Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and South America, all recorded deteriorations.

Mr Abbas Raza Alvi, president of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia mentioned that in 2018, the global impact of worldwide violence was $14.96 trillion which is equivalent to 12.4% of global GDP or $1,988 in 2018  per person. This should rather be invested in education and health. The world needs peace and not guns & bullets.

Interfaith dialogue is essential not only by the religious organisations but should start from each home, our schools, our universities, our businesses, our offices our organisations & associations representing ethnic and multicultural Australia.

All speakers and religious leaders endorsed that genuine interfaith dialogue sees only good in all religion. Light of the true interfaith can illuminate the whole earth. Despite their differences, all religions share a similar message of peace.

The annual award for Interfaith was presented by Father Shenouda Mansour presented to Dr Patrick J McInerney for his work to bring Christian and Muslim community as one platform.

A special community service award was presented to Trio Pankaj Upadhayay, Taufeeq Ahmad Sheikh and Manbir Kohli who have served & demonstrated the communal harmony in their creative work.

Speakers were introduced by ICSOA youth member Rayyan Khan and ICSOA management members Mr Siddique Panwala, Mr Abbas Chelat & Mr Zia Ahmad.

Vote of thanks was presented by ICSOA legal advisor Siddique Panwala.