Acknowledging Respect & Inclusion of Indigenous Nations Spirituality: In a Nation that Embraces Many Diverse Cultures and Faiths

Guest Speaker: Prof. Dr. Anne Pattel-Gray

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. Professor Dr Anne Pattel-Gray is a scholar, theologian, activist, prolific writer, and a nationally and internationally renowned Aboriginal leader. The former Head of the School of Indigenous Studies at Melbourne’s University of Divinity, Professor Pattel-Gray earned her Ph.D. in 1995 from the University of Sydney in the Studies of Religion with a focus on Aboriginal Religion and Spirituality and was awarded a Doctor of Divinity from India in 1997. She is a recognised expert in de-colonising biblical narratives and developing Indigenous theology, and brings significant insights into the cultural knowledge and religious life of Aboriginal people, and the impact of colonisation and missionisation on First Nations peoples of Australia. Professor Pattel-Gray has a long history of advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples. This event will be zoomed across Australia. with gratitude, Emeritus Professor Desmond Cahill, Moderator of the Asian Conference on Religion and Peace, Honorary President, Religions for Peace Australia Mrs Philippa Rowland, Chairperson, Religions for Peace Australia

About the organiser

Religions for Peace Australia https://religionsforpeaceaustralia.org.au/ is the only multifaith network in Australia that has branches/affiliates or links in all Australian States and Territories with Canberra Interfaith Forum being one of our affiliates. Religions for Peace strongly supported the Voice to Parliament as part of its mission is to work for the appropriate recognition of the spiritualities of Australia’s First Peoples and all indigenous peoples across the world. In 2024 Religions for Peace Australia’s main website had over 11 million hits. Religions for Peace Australia has other websites devoted to Multifaith Education, Multifaith Chaplaincy and Multifaith Prayers. RfP Australia is an affiliate of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (RfP Asia) https://rfpasia.org/ which is part of Religions for Peace International (RfP) https://www.rfp.org/ Religions for Peace is the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition, that advances common action among the world’s religious communities for peace. RfP International was established in 1970.

Event Details

Event: World Interfaith Harmony Week Event 2025 Topic: Acknowledging Respect & Inclusion of Indigenous Nations Spirituality: In a Nation that Embraces Many Diverse Cultures and Faiths When: Wednesday 5th February Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlcOypqTItE916fg21_Og7Z3VzwJcirmSF Cost: Free; More information: contact Religions for Peace Admin