INTERFAITH ACTIVITIES 2014
Buddhist IFTAR Dinner on 18 July, 2014
(Iftar - refers to the evening meal when Muslims end their fast at the time of sunset and after the pray, during the Islamic months of Ramadan.)
The event was sponsored by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association (Melbourne).
We would like to acknowedge the generous support from the Australian Intercultural Society.
SlideShow 1 SlideShow2
(Iftar - refers to the evening meal when Muslims end their fast at the time of sunset and after the pray, during the Islamic months of Ramadan.)
The event was sponsored by the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association (Melbourne).
We would like to acknowedge the generous support from the Australian Intercultural Society.
SlideShow 1 SlideShow2
19 March, 2014
Harmony Day Celebration
Laura and Helen on behalf of BCV AND DDMMC attended at Manningham Function Center on 19 March. The Harmony Day Celebration was organized by Manningham Interfaith Network & supported by the Manningham City Council and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, local schools and local faiths.
Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home – from the traditional owners of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world. The continuing message of Harmony Day is “Everyone Belongs”. It’s about inclusiveness, unity and community. The local theme for 2014 is “Fear and Faith”
[With members of FKS and the chair of Manningham Interfaith Network (Gary,third from right)]
Harmony Day Celebration
Laura and Helen on behalf of BCV AND DDMMC attended at Manningham Function Center on 19 March. The Harmony Day Celebration was organized by Manningham Interfaith Network & supported by the Manningham City Council and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, local schools and local faiths.
Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home – from the traditional owners of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world. The continuing message of Harmony Day is “Everyone Belongs”. It’s about inclusiveness, unity and community. The local theme for 2014 is “Fear and Faith”
[With members of FKS and the chair of Manningham Interfaith Network (Gary,third from right)]
INTERFAITH ACTIVITIES - 2013
DDM Melbourne Chapter Hosted another Interfaith Event
Inspired by the example and vision of Ven. Master Sheng Yen on Interfaith Dialogue; each year, we work hard to include events to achieve the goals of connecting with groups from other religious faith and organization.
On Sunday, 17 November 2013, we warmly welcomed the Whitehorse Interfaith Network to our centre.
The formal session included:
· the viewing a video on Ven. Master Sheng Yen and his founding of Dharma Drum Mountain; his work on Interfaith Dialogue, and his meetings with other religious leaders.
· Question & Answer Session - The Dharma Class teacher, Andrew Williams (who facilitates the study of ‘Orthodox Chinese Buddhism’ written by the late Master Sheng Yen); very ably answered all questions posed.
Members and guests then went to the garden for refreshments. In a more relaxed atmosphere, we continued our conversations to promote more understanding and friendship.
We acknowledge the tireless efforts of members, who volunteered to do the necessary preparations and in other aspects of the event.
“…we are good neighbours in the global village. Indeed, we are all sons and daughters born of the same Mother Universe”. (Ven. Master Sheng Yen - Peace Summit, UN 2000
Inspired by the example and vision of Ven. Master Sheng Yen on Interfaith Dialogue; each year, we work hard to include events to achieve the goals of connecting with groups from other religious faith and organization.
On Sunday, 17 November 2013, we warmly welcomed the Whitehorse Interfaith Network to our centre.
The formal session included:
· the viewing a video on Ven. Master Sheng Yen and his founding of Dharma Drum Mountain; his work on Interfaith Dialogue, and his meetings with other religious leaders.
· Question & Answer Session - The Dharma Class teacher, Andrew Williams (who facilitates the study of ‘Orthodox Chinese Buddhism’ written by the late Master Sheng Yen); very ably answered all questions posed.
Members and guests then went to the garden for refreshments. In a more relaxed atmosphere, we continued our conversations to promote more understanding and friendship.
We acknowledge the tireless efforts of members, who volunteered to do the necessary preparations and in other aspects of the event.
“…we are good neighbours in the global village. Indeed, we are all sons and daughters born of the same Mother Universe”. (Ven. Master Sheng Yen - Peace Summit, UN 2000
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INTERFAITH IN VICTORIA
Background Information
Background Information
A coalition of organisations and individuals from across Victoria have come together to reaffirm, in a joint statement, their support of Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith community (19 February 2013)
This is their joint statement:
Victoria is a multicultural and multifaith society in which racial, religious and linguistic diversity is embraced as a strength. This vibrant diversity has generated social, cultural and economic benefits for all Victorians.
Victorians hold a diversity of views and beliefs, observe many different cultures and traditions and speak an impressive range of languages. The 2011 ABS Census illustrated our cultural diversity: 46.8% of Victorians were either born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas; 23.1% of Victorians speak a language other than English at home; and Victorians follow more than 130 different faiths.
Community harmony in Victoria is strengthened by a long-standing, shared commitment across government, community and business - and in a range of settings, including on the sporting field - to respect and embrace difference, to respond appropriately to unjust treatment and vilification, and to recognise and celebrate our common bond as proud Victorians and Australians.
We have a collective responsibility to respect our fellow citizens and preserve the social cohesion and harmony that characterise Victoria and makes our society great. We also encourage genuine and constructive engagement and dialogue as a means to achieving greater understanding and acceptance of diversity.
We welcome challenging ideas and debate, however, inciting hatred and animosity towards specific cultural or faith-based communities has no place in Victoria. All Victorians have a right to practice their faith and observe their cultural traditions and languages free from discrimination or vilification.
This statement is endorsed by the following organisations and individuals
This is their joint statement:
Victoria is a multicultural and multifaith society in which racial, religious and linguistic diversity is embraced as a strength. This vibrant diversity has generated social, cultural and economic benefits for all Victorians.
Victorians hold a diversity of views and beliefs, observe many different cultures and traditions and speak an impressive range of languages. The 2011 ABS Census illustrated our cultural diversity: 46.8% of Victorians were either born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas; 23.1% of Victorians speak a language other than English at home; and Victorians follow more than 130 different faiths.
Community harmony in Victoria is strengthened by a long-standing, shared commitment across government, community and business - and in a range of settings, including on the sporting field - to respect and embrace difference, to respond appropriately to unjust treatment and vilification, and to recognise and celebrate our common bond as proud Victorians and Australians.
We have a collective responsibility to respect our fellow citizens and preserve the social cohesion and harmony that characterise Victoria and makes our society great. We also encourage genuine and constructive engagement and dialogue as a means to achieving greater understanding and acceptance of diversity.
We welcome challenging ideas and debate, however, inciting hatred and animosity towards specific cultural or faith-based communities has no place in Victoria. All Victorians have a right to practice their faith and observe their cultural traditions and languages free from discrimination or vilification.
This statement is endorsed by the following organisations and individuals
- Adult Multicultural Education Services
- Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
- Australian Football League
- Australian Multicultural Foundation
- Baha’i Community of Victoria
- Buddhist Council of Victoria
- Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
- Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria
- E-Vam Buddhist Institute
- Faith Communities Council of Victoria
- Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
- Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
- Islamic Council of Victoria
- Jewish Community Council of Victoria
- Lutheran Church of Australia
- Municipal Association of Victoria
- Rabbinical Council of Victoria
- Religions for Peace Australia
- Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria
- UNESCO Chair – Interreligious and Intercultural Relations, Asia Pacific
- Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
- Victorian Council of Churches
- Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
- Victorian Multicultural Commission
- Victorian Council of Churches: Theo Mackaay (0407 082 607)
- UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations, Asia Pacific region: Gary Bouma (0409 234 960)
- Islamic Council of Victoria: Mohamad Tabbaa (0425 228 567)
- Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission: Karen Toohey (0459 114 657)
- Victorian Multicultural Commission: Chin Tan (9651 0808)
- Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria: Ross Barnett (9349 4122)
