With a diverse population of more than 4 million people Queensland is fortunate in having people from a wide range of religious traditions adding to the richness of our State. (Census figures revealed by the ABS shows Christians of all denominations represent 79.74% of the Qld population compared to 63.89% of the Australian population)
These faith traditions provide a moral and ethical basis on which to build society and members are often involved in community building and support, such as education, health and caring for the aged.
To commemorate Queensland’s 150th year as a state, a Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Celebration is being held at City Hall on Sunday 16 August from 2 – 4pm.
The event is sponsored by the Multi-Faith Centre (Griffith University) and the Asia Pacific Centre for Inter-religious Dialogue (Australian Catholic University) and members of the Indigenous, Hindu, Jewish, Daoist, Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Baha’i and Sufi traditions are all taking part.
The celebration will reaffirm the commitment of faith institutions and communities to build interfaith peace and harmony in Queensland.
Professor Toh Swee Hin, Director of Griffith University’s Multi-Faith Centre, said Queensland can be justifiably proud of its rich multicultural and multi-faith heritage.
“This encompasses the traditions of indigenous peoples and diverse cultures who have come from many regions of the world and lived together in harmony and goodwill,” he said.
“Mutual understanding and respect has been enhanced by a growing number of interfaith dialogue initiatives.”
Associate Professor Nasir Butrous from the Asia Pacific Centre for Inter-religious Dialogue (Australian Catholic University) said faith communities continuously make tremendous contributions to the life of the Queensland State.
“The Multi-Faith Ceremony is a celebration and a recognition of these contributions and a thanks giving to the numerous blessings we experience by living in this State,” he said.
“Multi-Faith engagements are practical ways of building a harmonious society based on trust and respect.”
“Cultural diversity is strength not a weakness that contributes positively and works towards building a peaceful society.”
Released by the Catholic Communications Office
August 13, 2009