More than 1000 Christians from across denominations and traditions gathered at the Hurstville Entertainment Centre in Sydney for the “Celebrate Jesus – Together in Unity” event hosted by the Christian Alliance Council of NSW. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Meagher, Maronite Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay and Chaldean Bishop Amel Nona joined Coptic Orthodox, Greek Orthodox and other leaders at the event on October 25.
The day opened with a vibrant festival atmosphere including live music and expo-style displays before giving way to a time of prayer, worship, and public witness, including a “Combined Prayer” prayed by all.
In a particularly moving moment, Bishop Tarabay and Archbishop Nona led the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, the language spoken at the time of Jesus – a powerful reminder of the shared roots of the Christian faith.
The event also drew strong civic support, with guests including former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison.
Also in attendance among many civic leaders were Steve Kamper, patron of the Christian Alliance Council and NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Jobs, Tourism, Sport, Lands and Property, and NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.
In his address, Bishop Daniel Meagher spoke about the power of shared Christian witness, reminding those gathered of the importance of faith as a source of hope, strength, and unity. Mr Kamper, Mr Morrison, and Mr Abbott also acknowledged the importance of faith as a unifying force in Australian life.
Young representatives from different denominations were given a platform to share their faith and vision for the future of the church. Their words echoed the theme of the day, that the message of Jesus is alive, relevant, and rising in a new generation.
The Christian Alliance Council was officially launched earlier this year at NSW Parliament House in Sydney. It seeks to amplify the voice of the church, strengthen unity, and bring faith to the forefront of public life.
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Christian leaders share prayer, solidarity in Sydney (The Catholic Weekly)
