Leaders from Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and other faith communities gathered at the Brisbane archdiocese’s invitation to pray for peace. Source: The Catholic Leader.
The dinner commemorated the first World Day of Prayer for Peace, which St John Paul II convened in Assisi on October 27, 1986, bringing together religious leaders from around the world.
Following in his footsteps, Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay hosted an interfaith dinner at Padua College, Kedron, on October 29 to celebrate the anniversary of this inter-religious dialogue.
More than 100 people from 24 faith communities attended.
Archbishop Mackinlay said it was wonderful to gather with people from different faith traditions to mark the 40th anniversary of the historic World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi.
“I am very grateful for the generous response of all those who attended,” he said.
“The warmth and mutual respect throughout the evening helped to build up the peace and reconciliation that we are committed to promoting.
“The evening was a powerful reminder that, while our traditions are different, we share a deep desire for peace and a responsibility to work together to build understanding, friendship and hope in our communities.”
Representatives of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Baha’i, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Hare Krishna (ISKCON), Latter-day Saints and Sufi traditions offered prayers for peace from their own traditions.
It was also an opportunity to build bridges and friendships.
“It was a spiritually uplifting, illuminating and joyful gathering, bringing together like-minded people across diverse cultures, religions and ages,” one participant said.
Many of the faith leaders are members of the Queensland Faith Communities Council.
Franciscan friar, theologian and lecturer Br Matthew Beckmann was the guest speaker, reflecting on the importance of inter-religious dialogue from a Franciscan perspective.
“Contrary to the opinions of some, religion could serve as a point of meeting and comradeship,” he said.
The absence of conflict did not equate to peace, he said.
Instead, interfaith meetings that provided an opportunity to know others were the foundations of peace.
“Peace is born of relationship,” he said.
“The path to peace is laid on a foundation of truth.”
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Brisbane Archdiocese hosts inter-religious dialogue for world peace (By Kymberlee Gomes, The Catholic Leader)
