| Digest of Reports - November
2002 [ PDF
]
This digest provides a short report on the
activities of the Catholics Involved in Interfaith Dialogue
(CIID), which is the Interfaith-sub-committee of the Ecumenical
and Interfaith Commission (EIC) of the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
It will be issued after each meeting of the CIID.
On 23 October
Margaret Mooney reported on the annual gathering of all the
faith communities of the City of Greater Dandenong. The Australian
Intercultural Society came from Broadmeadows to attend the
interfaith gathering. Springvale South Primary enacted a drama
on Religion and Poverty.
On 26 October
About one hundred invited guests attended an interfaith gathered
hosted by the Shiva Ashram, 27 Tower Rd Mt Eliza and prepared
by members of the CIID, of the East West Meditation Foundation
and of the Ashram. The day opened with a ritual led by Fr
John Dupuche and Mrs Patricia Chaves on the theme of purification,
followed by addresses on the theme of Sacred Space given by
Swami Shankarananda (Western Hindu), leader of the Ashram,
Di Cousens of Sakya Choekor Lhunpo (Buddhist), Fr Michael
Mifsud Oblate OSB Camaldoli (Christian) and Mr Orhan Cicek
of the Australian Intercultural Studies (Muslim). Fr John
was the MC. After a vegetarian lunch prepared by the ashramites
the speakers, as a panel, responded to questions and comments
from the participants. A period of meditation (30 minutes)
ensued and a short ritual concluded the day, which was very
successful for its peacefulness, its incisive questions and
the constant respect for differences. Several groups offered
to host a similar even in 2003.
On 7 November
Frs Trevor Trotter, John Dupuche along with Mr Orhan Cicek
of the Australian Intercultural Studies (Mulsim) met with
Rabbi Fred Morgan at Temple Beth Israel to discuss details
of a possible joint conference on 23 March on the theme of
‘Abraham’. The meeting was very amiable and further
steps were undertaken.
On 7 November
Frs. John Dupuche and Michael Mifsud Oblate OSB Camaldoli
called on Archbishop Hart to inform him personally of the
formation of the Australian Commission for Monastic Interfaith
Dialogue. Archbishop Hart welcomed this development and expressed
his support for the interfaith activity involved.
On 9 November
Frs John Dupuche, Michael Mifsud Oblate OSB Camaldoli and
Ken Petersen O.Carm were invited by the Tibetan Buddhist Society
to a special luncheon at the Peaceful Land of Joy Meditation
Centre, Yuroke, on the occasion of the Annual Spring Festival.
Fr Ken gave the address at the Ceremony attended by members
of Parliament, civic authorities and a large crowd.
On 11 November
Mrs Charlotte Hain and Dr Stewart Hain-Sharlow attended the
Bahai’s celebration of the birthday of Baha’u’llah,
and reported that there were prayers in 7 languages, followed
by music, and talks on the history and beliefs. This was followed
by a supper. They admired the spirit of equality and informality
and sincerity of prayer.
Furthermore
Fr. Trevor Trotter spoke at the meeting of the Australian
Conference of Leaders of religious Institutes (ACLRI) who
showed great interest in interfaith maters and have put Christian-Muslim
dialogue on the agenda of their next meeting.
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