We need to talk. But how can we all talk to each other, learn about our faiths and find commonalities, whilst appreciating our differences?

The Melton Interfaith Network (MIN) and the Melton City Council provided a forum on August 5th to:

  • get people from a range of faiths meeting and mingling
  • consult with participants about aspects of life in Melton
  • consider dialogue as a productive form of communication

melton-forum3It was an ambitious forum. More time and space to mingle would have been ideal, but we had decided to go with the time constraints of winter and an invitation list of people who are already busy within their faith groups and active in community life. We were fortunate to have representatives from three other interfaith networks: Dandenong, Ballarat and Moorabool.

The event was held on Wurundjeri land. Annette Xiberras, one of our local senior Wurrundjeri Elders opened the forum, talking about Wurundjeri spirituality from an Aboriginal perspective. Annette pointed out how we can easily find similarities between our many belief systems and the importance of this approach for greater understanding and developing a sense of whole community.

Jessica Butcher, Coordinator of Community Capacity at Melton City Council did a rapid world cafe style consultation, taking this opportunity to seek the views and ideas of residents active in their faith groups. We met at small tables to talk fast and take notes on a range of community issues, from how we can foster community leadership, what we appreciate about living in Melton and the needs of young people  to suggestions for new suburb names. The results have been incorporated in to the municipal wide consultations taking place. The findings are also informing the first MIN Community Action Plan.

We then took a world view, followed by a national, regional and local focus. Dr. Michalis S. Michael from La Trobe University's Centre for Dialogue put statistics on religion and faiths into perspective. He then talked about a range of communication styles, such as conversation and debate, with dialogue being a way through which we actively seek to understand each other’s view points and establish ongoing relationship, cooperation and collaboration. A conversation, for example, may not reach a conclusion. Debate incorporates competition. Dialogue requires mutual respect and dignity, seeking understanding as a result.

melton-forum1The MIN would like to thank Sandy Kouroupidis, Executive Officer of Faith Communities Council of Victoria for his advice on the forum and suggestion of topic and speaker, as well as expressing our appreciation to Dr. Michalis S. Michael from the Centre for Dialogue.We were also honoured that Annette Xiberras enriched everyone’s awareness of Aboriginal spirituality, drawing the links between us all.

Melton Interfaith Network is now one year old. In 2013 Melton City Council invited faith groups leaders and representative to a meeting to consider establishing a network and has since organised a number of activities. The Network operates under the umbrella of Council but is considering it’s future independent structure.

For more information, please contact the Secretary of the Melton Interfaith Network, David Cowan Email davidcowan2@gotalk.net.au, mobile 0424 125 690.

 

 

 

 

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