Introduction

Why are relations with other faiths important for the Uniting Church?

We live in a world and a country where people of many cultural and faith backgrounds live together. We believe that this diversity of people is part of creation. As Christians we believe that all people are created by God and that we are called to live together in peace, loving our neighbour as God loves us and all people.

In Australia, we are proud of our nation which has little ethnic tension and violence and has a record of having many people of various cultures living together harmoniously. As Christians who believe that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, we are called to build peace. True peace is a result of a community living with justice and compassion. As we assume religious freedom for ourselves so we must also protect the religious freedom of others. We are also passionate about sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with others in mutual respect.

Why have a national committee? Who is on it?

The assembly decided that it wanted a national group to take a particular interest in this area of work, to reflect theologically on interfaith dialogue from a Christian perspective and to advise the church on issues arising. Group members come from all synods and meet regularly.

What does it do?

Dialogues

Some members are involved in formal national dialogue meetings – with the Jewish community and with the Muslim community in various ways. We also have a link to the national dialogue run through the National Council of Churches in Australia which involves Christians, Jews and Muslims. There has been some contact with Buddhist and Hindu communities also. Dialogues cover areas of common interest and concern, explore different themes and issues of faith, and allow questions, confusions, and misconceptions to be explored.

Relationships and friendships built in these dialogues have other benefits. They model possibilities of mutual and respectful relationship to the wider community, and assist us to support, encourage and reach out to each other when there are issues and challenges in particular communities.

When Jewish schools and synagogues were being vandalized and attacked in Sydney during a time of increased violence in the Palestine/Israeli conflict, when mosques and Muslim women were targeted verbally and physically in Australia after 11 September terrorist attack in USA, we were able to contact people we knew in the local communities and to give practical and moral support. When statements are made in the press or in public that are hurtful or unfair to particular faith communities we can help correct the misinformation.

Primarily we can help members of our own church understand other faiths, their values and their views better and help them to appreciate people who are different. Those of us involved in this area also experience a deepening understanding of our own faith as we are challenged to discuss it and explain it to others. In dialogues we meet with other people who share an experience of God as we do.

Resources

The committee has also developed resources from time to time to assist people in exploring this area of work. The key official document of the Uniting Church assembly is the book “Living with the Neighbour who is Different” which outlines policy and theological attitudes to interfaith dialogue. It is a useful resources for individuals and groups alike and there is a study guide available. A PDF summary of this book resource is now available for download.

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