|
SUNSHINE MOSQUE OPEN DAY AND INTERFAITH PRAYER |
|
The Sunshine Mosque in Melbourne’s
western suburbs was the states epicentre of interfaith activity on
the 22nd of May. Members of Melbourne’s Christian, Jewish
and Muslim communities convened at the mosque that has served as the
host for many interfaith events over the years. The event organised
by the Australian Intercultural Society in conjunction with the
Sunshine Mosque Committee, saw the Mosque not only opening its doors
to the public with the intention of educating all of the purpose of
the mosque and its role in Islam, but also serve as a convention of
Melbourne’s religious leaders offering their prayers to the victims
of the recent floods in Australia and the tsunami in Japan. Approximately 150 people, from all faiths, from all across Melbourne capitalised on the opportunity to learn more about Islam. Participants acquired a detailed understanding of Islam with the tour guides covering topics such as the purpose of the mosque, the characteristics of the mosque, the imam and his role, the Quran and the prayer in Islam. The information sessions and group discussions were followed by an afternoon congregational prayer which was observed with utmost attention form the non-Muslim guests. Upon completion of the noon prayer, the interfaith prayer session commenced with the Turkish Social and Religious Affairs Attaché taking to the microphone. Imam Husyein Koc welcomed all to the mosque and continued with his Islamic prayer asking Allah (God) for mercy upon all of his creation. Dr Stewart Sharlow, long term serviceman to the Australian Catholic University represented the Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese and delivered a most sincere prayer to those who experienced suffering from natural disasters. Rabbi Shamir Kaplan, Rabbi of Mt. Scopus College briefly spoke of his previous experiences at Mosques in Turkey before touching on the significance of interfaith dialogue in establishing social cohesion, celebrating common values and achieving a peaceful coexistence amongst all of Gods creations. The final prayer for the day was delivered by the Right Reverend Phillip Huggins (Bishop for the north western region for the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne). The Bishop spoke of his long standing affiliation to the Australian Intercultural Society and congratulated them for their efforts in the last decade to further interfaith dialogue in Victoria. The Bishop also shared his feelings on the recent decision by the Victorian Government’s move to make the previous government’s obligatory acknowledgement to Aboriginal leaders an option to state members of parliament. The Bishop mentioned that the road to reconciliation with the aboriginal communities was not complete, before proceeding with his prayer to the victims of natural disasters both here in Australia and abroad. The event concluded with all guests enjoying a traditional Aussie BBQ served up by the organisers, whilst still engaging in conversations for some time to follow. Bishop Philip Huggins of Anglican Diocese Melbourne who wrote later: Australia – to be a Great Civilisation
Last Sunday I prayed in Jesus name. Nothing special
about that, you might think, for an ordained Christian on a Sunday
morning. However, this was in a mosque, at the gracious invitation
of the Imam and his community. The purpose of our gathering was to
offer prayers for those suffering in the world, including after
natural disasters. The Imam prayed, as did a Jewish Rabbi and a
Catholic Priest. Because of the proximity to the Buddha’s
birthday, the Buddhist community was unable to be present as they
had planned. In many parts of the world, such religious co-operation
would not be possible : too much hate and fear; too much religious
competition. This little cameo reveals both a unique strength and
responsibility of Australian people of faith. We can rejoice in the
relative harmony of our multi-religious society. At the same time,
we know many have fled here because religion was a factor in their
refugee status. As they integrate, so we pray that Australia can be
a continuing sign of hope to the global community as to how
humankind can flourish as one family on our tiny planet in our
wonderfully vast universe. Australia has so many strengths. It’s
time we unselfconsciously imagined being a great civilisation and a
visionary hope to a divided world. Our economy is strong. We have
political stability and a robust democracy. There is media freedom
and a range of healthy intermediaries between the individuals and
the State : the Universities, Trade Unions, Churches and other
faith-based organisations. The Arts are flourishing as young artists
astonish us with their creativity and flair. And as my Sunday prayer
in a Mosque conveys, there is so much good will to build a better
world. So, instead of all the mundane and rather dull negativity
that passes for current affairs, let’s embrace our destiny and be a
great civilisation. This is our moment in time!
Bishop Philip Huggins |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
