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The Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) has lodged a submission to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, highlighting the important role that education can play in fostering understanding, reducing prejudice and strengthening social cohesion.

FCCV's submission acknowledges the seriousness of antisemitism and the profound impact it has on Jewish Australians. It also recognises broader challenges facing Australian society, including Islamophobia, religious vilification, racism and increasing social polarisation.

The submission argues that Religions and Worldviews Education (RWE) can make an important preventative contribution by helping young people develop greater understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews, challenge stereotypes, and engage respectfully across differences.

Developed through the Multifaith Education Collaboration, auspiced by FCCV and coordinated by Faith Values, the Victorian RWE Pilot brings together faith communities, educators and researchers to improve religious literacy and social cohesion in schools.

The pilot has already trained 39 teachers across 15 Victorian secondary schools, with the potential to reach approximately 800 students. Early feedback suggests the program increases teacher confidence in discussing religion and worldview diversity, encourages respectful classroom dialogue, and helps students from diverse backgrounds feel recognised and included.

A unique strength of the project is its collaborative nature. Representatives from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Bahá’í and Christian communities have contributed to the development of the resources, demonstrating how diverse faith communities can work together in pursuit of a shared civic goal.

The submission recommends that governments and education authorities recognise religious and worldview literacy as an important contributor to social cohesion; support the continued development and evaluation of Religions and Worldviews Education; and encourage collaboration between schools, universities, governments and faith communities to strengthen educational approaches that promote inclusion and mutual understanding.

FCCV believes that helping young Australians understand one another's beliefs, values and identities is an important investment in a more informed, respectful and cohesive future. The Royal Commission provides an important opportunity to consider how education can help build the social foundations needed for a harmonious and inclusive Australia.

CLICK HERE TO READ SUBMISSION >>

For more information contact:

Sandy Kouroupidis
Multifaith Officer | Faith Communities Council of Victoria
0412 670 369
officer@faithvictoria.org.au

OR

Herbert Um
Project Manager | Religions and Worldviews Education
0421 886 007
contact@reworldviews.org.au