Catholic Mission’s Interfaith Encounters Program, which enables young people to develop new friendships, celebrate difference, deepen faith, and promote peace and social cohesion, has won a grant from Multicultural NSW’s COMPACT Program.
COMPACT (Community Partnership Action) is a state program dedicated to empowering young people to build a cohesive future by funding and supporting key projects.
Created in 2020, the program aims to address the growing need to foster cross-cultural bonds and understanding between various faith-based communities. The program has demonstrated positive results over the years.
A newly released report from Western Sydney University highlights the program as a transformative initiative addressing Australia’s increasing racial and religious tensions.
With incidents of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism on the rise, the program offers a powerful, community-driven response to promote inclusivity, empathy, and unity across diverse communities.
As Australia grapples with growing divisions, Catholic Mission, informed by the wisdom and experience of its global mission work, has pioneered the program to unite young people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
These encounters create safe spaces where participants explore common values, build friendships, and learn to appreciate different perspectives.
“Promoting dialogue and understanding is not just a priority; it is a necessity for a more cohesive and compassionate society,” Catherine Towiro, Program Coordinator for Catholic Mission, said.
The report, conducted in collaboration with the Challenging Racism Project, affirms the program’s success.
It highlights measurable outcomes, including increased empathy, reduced prejudice, and stronger bonds between participants.
The grant will secure the program’s future and ensure the delivery of this life-changing experience to students for years to come.
Details: www.catholicmission.org.au/get-involved/interfaith
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Catholic Mission’s Interfaith Encounters Program Secures Major Grant (Catholic Mission)
