Country: Australia
City:
Organizer
Religion For Peace Australia
Location
Parliament House, Canberra
Religions for Peace Australia in collaboration with Canberra Interfaith Forum presented the 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture at Parliament House, Canberra, on 5 February 2025. The Guest Speaker was Prof. Dr. Anne Pattel-Gray, and the topic of this event was
Acknowledging Respect & Inclusion of Indigenous Nations Spirituality: In a Nation that Embraces Many Diverse Cultures and Faiths. At the end of the Q&A, Bishop Philip Huggins gives an overview of the Multifaith Council of Australia.
Acknowledging Respect & Inclusion of Indigenous Nations Spirituality: In a Nation that Embraces Many Diverse Cultures and Faiths
Australia is proud of its multicultural nation that boasts 270 ethnic groups. Australia is considered a secular country with a diverse migrant and refugee population with over 120 faiths. Yet Australia has traditionally been a majority Christian country that has largely ignored, oppressed and marginalised its First Nations peoples. As an Aboriginal woman, I am proudly from the Bidjara nation [in QLD] with a connection to a country that predates British invasion and colonisation. How do we forge a nation based on the truth that includes and shows respect to First Nations people, recognises our Spirituality and culture, and embraces our ancient knowledge? There is a critical need in Australia for a greater understanding of each other’s cultural and religious differences. This will enable us to find common ground and build stronger relationships that allow respect for each other to grow.
