Latest News

When is it?  World Interfaith Harmony Week is celebrated annually on the first week of February (February 1st to February 7th).

What is it about? World Interfaith Harmony Week aims to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith and non-faith. It provides a platform, one week in the year, where people of every group can recognize their common values, build ties with each other, and work alongside one another to bring peace and harmony to their communities.

How did it originate? World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the United Nations and henceforth the first week of February became World Interfaith Harmony Week.

What is it based on? World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of The Common Word initiative. This initiative, which started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour, without nevertheless compromising any of their own religious tenets. The Two commandments are at the heart of the three Monotheistic religions and therefore provide the most solid theological ground possible.

World Interfaith Harmony Week extends the Two Commandments by adding ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour’. This formula includes all people of goodwill. It includes those of other faiths, and those with no faith.

How do I get involved? In 2017, a number of interfaith networks are running events across Victoria to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week. To get involved simply contact the organiser of the event nearest to you.

The dates, times and locations are:

1. The Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong
   Date: Saturday 4 February 2017    Time:7am to 9pm
   Location: The Castle - Hemmings Park, Princes Highway, Dandenong
2. The City of Wyndham and Wyndham Interfaith Network
   Date: Tuesday 7 February 2017    Time:10:30am to 11:30am
   Location: The Point Cook Community Learning Centre, 1-21 Cheetham Street Point Cook
3. Religions for Peace
   Date: Tuesday 7 February 2017   Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
   Location: Gryphon Gallery, Mezzanine Level, Building 1888, near the corner of Swanston and Grattan Street
4. The City of Darebin and Darebin Interfaith Council
   Date: Thursday 9 February 2017  Time: 10:30am to 1pm
   Location: Darebin Intercultural Centre, 59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston
5. United Religions Initiative and Moreland Together
   Date: Sunday 12 February 2017     Time: 1pm to 3pm
   Location: Coburg Community House, 32 Nicholson St, East Coburg
6. The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
   Date: Sunday 12 February 2017     Time: 3pm
   Location: Toorak Uniting Church, 603 Toorak Road, Toorak
7. The Darebin Interfaith Council and the Darebin Ethnic Communities Council
   Date: Sunday 12 February 2017     Time: 3pm
   Location: Shire Hall, 286 Gower Street, Preston