“Looking for the Lost Path to the Heart” An Interfaith Dialogue at Trinity College
Trinity College, in partnership with the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS), hosted a thought-provoking interfaith panel discussion titled “Looking for the Lost Path to the Heart”. The event brought together Muslim and Christian perspectives to explore love and compassion as shared human values that transcend faith traditions.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Reverend Dr Bob Derrenbacker, Dean of Trinity College Theological School, who opened the program and greeted guests.
The panel featured Dr Scott Kirkland, Research Coordinator at Trinity College Theological School, whose work focuses on political theology, philosophy, and theological ethics, and Professor Mehmet Ozalp, theologian, author, and founding director of the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy at Charles Sturt University. The discussion was moderated by Dr Natalie Myloanas.
In a conversation that bridged theology and lived experience, the speakers reflected on how love and compassion can serve as guiding principles in a divided world. Dr Kirkland remarked that, “Love functions through acts of hospitality, being vulnerable before someone different, opening up to a stranger and showing love.”
Professor Ozalp shared that “love and compassion dominate human nature; love and compassion also dominate the world. It makes one tender and feel their own vulnerability and dependence on others” highlighting how these values form the heart of human connection and spirituality.
The evening concluded with Ahmet Keskin, Executive Director of the Australian Intercultural Society, who offered closing remarks and heartfelt thanks to the speakers, Trinity College, and attendees for their engagement and commitment to fostering mutual understanding and connection.
The event embodied its message of unity and compassion, offering attendees an inspiring reminder that empathy and love remain powerful forces capable of reconnecting hearts across faiths.
To watch more of the panel CLICK HERE