Northern Interfaith and Intercultural Network Kicks Off
Participants at first meeting of the Interim Steering Committee, September 2009.
Participants at first meeting of the Interim Steering Committee, September 2009.
Press Release: Interim Steering Committee Meeting
What do an Orthodox Greek, a Goan Catholic, an Indonesian Buddhist, an Egyptian Coptic Christian, a Sinhalese Anglican, an English Brahma Kumaris and a Jordanian Muslim have in common? A passion for peace making, a conviction in the value of cultural diversity, and a commitment to fostering dialogue between cultural and faith communities. Together with 19 others they form the interim steering committee of the Northern Interfaith and Intercultural Network (NIIN).
The first regional interfaith network in Australia, covering Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Moreland and Whittlesea municipalities, NIIN aims to work alongside existing interfaith and intercultural groups to promote dialogue and co-operation. NIIN will explore ways to foster interaction and understanding through activities and celebrations, training schemes and developing advocacy opportunities. In a region as religiously, ethnically and culturally diverse as the Northern suburbs of Melbourne such a task will require good will, dedication and energy.
The inaugural meeting of the interim steering committee comes after two years of preparation. Extensive grassroots involvement including community consultations, focus groups and a questionnaire distributed across the five municipalities has shown that there is strong support for the establishment of the network.
NIIN is an initiative of La Trobe University’s Centre for Dialogue in partnership with the five participating councils, and a wide range of federal and state partner organisations representing the major faith and ethnic communities.
NIIN is driven by the belief that reducing tensions and providing greater equality of opportunity will help create safer, happier communities.