The work and engine of the Council are in the Commissions. The Council has seven Commissions and one network: Interfaith; Middle East; Peace and Justice; Taizé Network; Theological Reflection; Youth; and Fund Raising. Each Commission and Network has its own Charter that governs the work of the Commission. The Charter provides scope and framework for their work. This issue, “Sharing” will look at the Interfaith Commission. The Interfaith Commission was borne due to the growing
The Charter for the Interfaith is simple with a defined framework. The Interfaith Charter is expressed with 7 objectives and terms of reference:
- Building a better society through faith
- Building bridges with people of other faith
- Building understanding by listening, hearing, and learning
- Engaging and celebrating diversity
- Respectful in discussing with others
- Respectfully endorsing harmony
- Sharing and exchanging Interfaith respect and stories
As Australians, we live in a cosmopolitan society that Is inclusive of every Community of Faith. The recent statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics of 2021 indicate the reality of a growing cosmopolitan society. We are living in a global village. The figures show a decline in numbers for the Christian churches. However, the statistics are open for scrutiny and public reflection. The Churches are strong and viable. The church is not in the minority. The church has lived for two thousand years strong. Then, what has changed? The flow of immigration has resulted in the people of faith to bring in their faith community – churches, mosques, temples and synagogues. Australia is very much blessed with diversity. It is Australia’s strength – a cosmopolitan society supported by Faith Communities.