ECUMENICAL BULLETIN

ISSUED BY THE ECU:tviENICAL AFFAIRS COIVIMISSION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE. 383 ALBERT STREET, EAST MELBOURNE 3002. PO BOX 146, EAST MELBOURNE 3002. TELEPHONE 9926 5751 FACSIMILE 9926 5617 PRINT POST PUBLICATION No. PP381667 / 00474 No. 55, JULY 2000 Breaking Through with the Great Faiths in Melbourne Archdiocese ow did it happen that Melbourne Catholic churches hosted prayer services and a peace forum with people of the H 'Great Faiths' at Pentecost, this Year of Jubilee? St ~atrick'~ Cathedral,_ H_oly Spirit_East Thornbury and StMary's Geelong were selected by Moslem, Hindu, Bud­ dh~s.t, Jewtsh and Chn~tian wors~1ppers to gat~er, pray and listen to each others scriptures. We dedicate this July ed1hon of our Ecumemcal Bulletin to look behmd the scenes so that other parish churches may join this historic process in future, perhaps using some ideas from these events. letter of encouragement from Arch­ MAKING THE PEACE IN DAREBIN: bishop George Pell was read. In this beautiful letter the Archbishop CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE spoke of the surprisingly large Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, East Thornbury and their neighbours, the Alawi common ground that Christians and Islamic Association of Victoria, met recently to discuss peace making in the Muslims share. He wrote "We both Darebin area of Melbourne's northern suburbs. Both communities are estab­ worship the one true God. We are lished within 200 metres of each other. both children of Abraham and strive to submit ourselves to God's plan. Over the past three years the Readings from the Koran and the We both honour Mary, the Mother of leaders of both these communities New Testament on the topic of peace Jesus and although we differ in our have been meeting. Friendship links were prayed. At the conclusion gifts understandings of who Jesus was, have been established. On important were exchanged. People then en­ we both revere him. We both await liturgical dates for both communi­ joyed supper together and were able the day of judgement and try to lead ties, gifts and greetings have been to meet each other not only as upright lives by way of regular shared. neighbours but also in a rernewed prayer and acts of charity and self-denial". The Archbishop also On Wednesday evening, 7th June, spirit of respect and enquiry. A spirit wrote of the sharing of common the first public meeting of both of solidarity in peace permeated the moral beliefs, especially regarding communities took place. In good entire evening. marriage and the family. numbers they gathered in Holy Towards the end of the evening a Spirit Church, East Thornbury for a Words of encouragement were forum titled "Making the Peace in given by representatives of the Darebin". Northcote-Thornbury Inter Church Council, the Merri Deanery and the The local school children from Darebin City Council. Holy Spirit school, together with the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry wel­ Further similar events will be comed all present in moving song planned in the future. The large and ceremony. numbers of people from a Lebanese background in both communities Mr Abraham Khalil Ibrahim, from certainly assists this common dia­ the Alawi Islamic Association gave a logue. presentation on peace from the Islamic perspective. He spoke of The scandal of Christians and stereotypes many people carry of Muslims in other parts of the world Muslim people and the importance living in a state of dangerous peace­ of peace making from the Islamic lessness certainly galvanises these faith. A presentation on peace from communities in Darebin to do all the Christian perspective followed they can to establish links of peace by Fr Christopher Prowse, Parish and mutual understanding in the Priest at East Thornbury. He spoke local area of Melbourne in the years of similarities regarding peace from ahead. Hopefully other Christian both traditions and then outlined the parishes and Islamic communities Troy Brickell of Aboriginal Catholic Ministry could follow the lead towards central contribution of Jesus Christ welcomes Muslim and Christian people to to the Christian notion of peace. Thornbury district by didgeridoo. peace-making offered here .. PEACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN GEELONG People of the Baha'i faith came to Buddhists, Sikhs, Moslems, Ortho­ sense of unity. People mingled over Monsignor Jim Murray and asked dox, Jewish, mainline Christian supper with promises to continue for a Ceremony of Religions at St churches and Aboriginal people. with spirited prayer and social Mary's "because your Pope is doing Sunday evening May 28 was chosen, gatherings. this in Rome". They chose StMary's one week before Christian Unity It is obvious that this Inter-Faith because they knew that unity and week. prayer service was the result of peace services had been held there The Interfaith Celebration of Peace many years of involvement together before, says Shirley Carroll, a mem­ and Reconciliation at St Mary's on in social justice and peace issues by ber of Melbourne;s Ecumenical May 28 was a "real growth experi­ people of faith in Geelong. There are Afffairs Commission. ence and a celebration of multicul­ many new migrants from many Geelong Catholics have been turalism", Shirley says. This prayer different faiths and countries. among leaders of community issues, service to celebrate diversity began "We want to get to know them", such as social justice rallies, praying with a welcome by aborigines to the says Shirley Carroll speaking as a for peace at Geelong West Town Hall Wathaurong land, a peace medita­ local Christian and parishioner at St and often led by Monsignor Jim tion by Raja Yoga, songs of peace by Mary's. Murray along with members of the the Baha'i children's choir, a lighting Other Melbourne Archdiocesan parish social justice group, in prayer of the peace candle. It continued parishes who are engaged in social and discussion. with prayers and chants by Hindu, justice questions locally could In response to the Baha'i request, a Sikh, Moslem, Buddhist, Catholic, consider this approach in trying to group was formed to draw up an Jewish, Orthodox and Baha'i leaders. reach out to people of the "Great order of service and to contact The song, I Am Australian, gave a Faiths", languages and cultures.

MESSAGE FOR THE MEETING OF THE PEOPLE OF HOLY SPIRIT PARISH, EAST THORNBURY, Treasures AND THE MEMBERS OF THE ALAWI ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA of WEDNESDAY, 7th JUNE, 2000. Faith Dear Friends, Catholics and Muslims have more in common than is perhaps often realised. We both worship the one true God. We are both children of An Exhibition of Abraham and strive to submit ourselves to God's plan. We both honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and although we differ in our understandings the Art and History of who Jesus was, we both revere him. We both await the day of judge­ ment and try to lead upright lives by way of regular prayer and acts of of the Church es charity and self-denial. We also share important moral beliefs: the importance of marriage and St Patrick's Cathedral the family; the importance of respecting sacred symbols; and the impor­ tance of protecting the dignity of human life at all its stages. In this, we I are often at odds with the secular world around us and an important area 28th July - 13th August, 2000 of future cooperation between Muslims and Christians will be in working I together to protect and advance these values. ! Opening Times: In his various meetings with Muslim leaders in recent years, Pope John Mondays. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Paul II has emphasised the importance of a genuine desire to know each I I Fridays, 1O .OOam until 5.30pm other as the basis for developing Muslim-Christian dialogue. This open­ ness is a way of respon ding to God and true dialogue will be measured I I Saturdays and Sundays, by the ease of both partners with their own respective religions and their 10. 30am until 6.00pm ability to accept and discuss the differences between them, based on our common origin and common destiny in the Almighty and Merciful God. Entry $6.00 On the occasion of this important meeting in East Thornbury I send my warmest greetings and my strong encouragement. I would very much like (i ncludes catalogue) to see similar initiatives between local communities of Christians and Concessions for groups appiy Muslims in other parts of Melbourne and hope this meeting will be the first of many. With every good wish , For further information contact: Yours in the Lord, The Jubilee Office, +George Pell Archdiocese of Melbourne Archbishop of Melbourne. on 9926 5680 or 9926 5781 Sensitivity at St Patrick's Cathedral

Sharp eyes of Melbourne Catho­ A theme was chosen out of the including religious commumt1es. lic ecumenists spotted an entry in United 0Jations Year of Thanksgiv­ various leaders, academics. theologi· the official Jubilee Year calendar. A ing for the Culture of Peace. So cal colleges, plus the Victorian· gov­ ceremony for collaboration among sacred texts and prayers of peace ernor, representatives of state gov­ religions was scheduled in Mel­ were to be special. At the draft stage, ernment departments and of course bourne at the same time as Pope meetings and dialogues were needed all people of faith and goodwilL John Paul was presiding at one in to involve participants in actually Rome. Hindu and Buddhist participant:: planning the event together. This is delighted in practising with sitar. Who was conducting it they essential, Margaret Mooney said. tabla, bell and drum, commenting asked. Blank. Can we do it then? Yes . Many things we take for granted that the cathedral was made for such We would involve the other Chris­ and cannot presume, required de­ an event. for beautiful chants and tian churches. Yes. We will gather tailed attention, such as the need for prayers that expressed sentiments nf leaders of the Great Faiths. Yes. It ushers and care in giving directions peace and harmony. simplicitv and would be on Pentecost Sunday at St to strangers in a strange new place, beauty. Patrick's Cathedral. Yes. the cathedral. There was a genuine respect for Dear readers, have you ever tried Unexpected hitches occurred, such acceptance of other faiths and their to gather together local leaders of as the Muslim prayer time of nine integrity and for all people of other cultures, other languages, minutes past five, when the cere­ goodwill to work together. On the other faiths which are not Christian? mony was planned for five pm on sanctuary was a sense of equalitv How easy is this? Please read on. Pentecost Sunday. It was impossible and respect by the great variety of Mrs Margaret Mooney of our to have one Buddhist voice and leaders, robed, listening and praying Ecumenical Affairs Commission, there was the unfulfilled desire to together. There was Archbishop Pell with Fr John Dupuche who is a share in a social gathering nearby aiding the blind Imam to descend student of Sanskrit and Eastern after the celebration as an extension the marble sanctuary steps. There faiths and other members of a re­ of the ceremony and to provide was a sense of honouring other cently established working group hospitality, so dear to Eastern faiths. religious people and groups in the offered to work with the Melbourne How suitable was the cathedral for 'robed' procession. Jubilee office to coordinate the event other religions? Many had never This unique event in a multicul­ with a few months notice. Catholics been to St Patrick's and many do not tural and multi-faith societv has involved in Interfaith Dialogue go to Christian churches. resulted in many accolades and brought a range of experience and Good will from the beginning generated much goodwilL delight understanding of such dialogue. and appreciation and a desire for With detailed planning and sensi­ Respect and sensitivity were follow-up. tivity, there arose an "amazing sense needed to gain acceptance for the of goodwill and enthusiasm from the Detailed reports of the ceremony event from representatives of other beginning m participation and at St Patrick's were printed in faiths, because many religions are contribution of participants", said Kairos of May 28 and June 25 and not hierarchical as is ours. It is not Margaret Mooney. There was much Vic Unity of June 2000. An East easy to identify and communicate networking, personal contact and Thornbury report was in Kairos of with key players. Draft proposals invitations to likely participants, June 25. were drawn up to enable acceptance and promised participation from major religions and further invita­ tions to other religious groups to attend the ceremonv in their own right. Need to be Ecumenical Catholicism is not a religion in its own right, so the event needed to be ecumenicaL although hosted by Catholics under Archbishop George Pell at St Patrick's Cathedral. There was need to acknowledge that aboriginal people hallowed this land before the coming to Australia of the great faiths. There was need also to recognise the theme of reconcilia­ tion. Children of Holy Spirit school perfonn a colourful greeting at the East Thornbury peace forum for Muslim and Christian people. Sermon Preached at Jubilee Celebration, Collaboration of World Religions St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, June 11 (Pentecost Sunday, 2000)

This gathering is a wonderful Our world is haunted by the must tell the Christian story, but thing. Our coming together is a spectre of war. The endless queues of gently". strong symbol of what is possible shuffling refugees, hands stretched During the Vietnam War, the when people of faith and goodwill out for food; the camps where those Christian Thomas Merton, speaking commit themselves to work for too ill or exhausted to even lift their of a Buddhist monk, said "Thich peace. It stands as a strong witness hands lie waiting death; the terror in Nhat Hanh is my brother. He is my against those who use religion as a the eyes of those forced to return to brother more than many who are cause for division and violence. the uncertainty of ravaged lands - nearer to me by race and nationality, Some of us remember the day we see it all. Where religion has because he and I see things exactly when catholics and protestants played a part in the violence, we the same way. He and I deplore the walked home on opposite sides of people of faith have cause for deep war that is ravaging his country. We the street, hurling hostile taunts and repentance. Whatever the reason, we deplore it for exactly the same the occasional stone. These days in people of faith are challenged to reasons: human reasons of snity, Australia the taunts are more likely work for peace. justice and love. We deplore the to be hurled between skips and Today we have listened to some of needless destruction, the fantastic wogs. And in other places, the the great texts of our different faiths. and callous ravaging of human life, Kosovas and Ambons of the world, We have heard of the Hindus' the rape of the culture and spirit of the stones have become machetes, longing for unity; their prayer for an exhausted people". the torches hurled at homes. non-violence and compassions that Rabbi David Wolpe has said: And so this Ceremony for Col­ each lives together in harmony. We 'Faith is not knowledge of what the laboration among Religions is very have heard the Buddhist exhortation mystery of the universe is, but the timely. In Australia, this year marks to let thoughts of boundless love conviction that there is a mystery an important step along our journey pervade the whole world, without greater than us.' We are bound to reconciliation with the indigenous hatred or enmity. We have heard the together as people who share a faith people of this land. That journey Jewish prayer for justice and peace. that there is a mystery greater than includes the increasing willingness And we have heard the words of us. Christ, that those who find true of non-indigenous Australians to try In this 2000th year of the Christian happiness will be the meek, those to understand the great spiritual era, we who are Christians are called who hunger for righteousness, the traditions which were here long to celebrate, but with humility. The peacemakers. before we arrived. Today we have call to the Great Jubilee, the call to acknowledged that most of us are Religious faith demands a search search for peace and reconciliation late-comers to this land - a land for truth. Each of us believes we find and the overcoming of oppression, is whose earth is stained with the truth in our own religion. Pluralism a call to celebrate in a way which blood of original inhabitants killed implies detachment. Religion de­ honours the One who called his by settlers who believed their way mands involvement. Faith demands followers to be as servants; to be was better, a land whose memory is commitment. It demands some meek, to be peace-makers. It is a call scarred by the snatching of aborigi­ passion! Sometimes that commit­ which makes it possible for us to nal people from their families by ment and passion lead us to disa­ share our truth with you of other people whose good intentions greement with each other. But faiths, and make it possible for us to sprang from an assumption that arrogance, disrespect, violence have pledge ourselves torn work together white culture and white religion was no place in our disputes. Unless I for the peace for which our world superior. speak the truth as I see it, you cannot longs. trust me. And you must share with The past year has also brought - Rev Pam Kerr, close to home our awareness of the me your truth. As I speak, I ask you to try to understand. But I must also Uniting Church Moderator, suffering caused by political violence Clznirpersou o(Victoriau Heads of listen to you and seek to understand. in other places, sometimes closely Clzurclz es. related to ethnic and religious differ­ A Christian theologian has said: ences. Driving up the Hurne High­ "My exposure to the Christian story way last year, I was aware that on would be very shallow if I were THANKS to readers who sent a one side I was passing Puckapunyal, never seized by the necessity of donation to continue support for at that time home to refugees from sharing it. I still cast shadows not my our Ecumencial Bulletin. New the violence in East Timor. Further own, including the omnious shad­ readers are welcome. Changes of up the road, at Bandiana, were ows of a religion that created the address information also prevent refugees, many of them Muslims, climate of opinion that led to the waste. from the fighting in Kosova. Crusades, Auschwitz, Hiroshima. I WHAT'S IN A NAME? Appointments in June Dr Lance Steike, former president Our Melbourne Catholic Ecu­ and formally and to represent of the Lutheran Church of Australia, menical Mfairs Commission has a Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese. has been appointed the new president problem ... it's name. Shakespeare of the National Council of Churches of So what do we call ourselves? Australia. Fr Denis Stanley, of Mel­ asked, "What's in a name?" So do What is our name? What's in a we. bourne Ecumenical Affairs Commis­ name? The Sentimental Bloke by sion, who attended the NCCA execu­ "Melbourne" we are, because we Banjo Patterson said: "Er name's tive meeting in Sydney on June 26, belong to the Melbourne church. Doreen". He got it right Short and in says the apointrnent of Dr Steike is for "Catholic" we are by denomina­ the vernacular. three years. tion. On the other hand, we need to Mrs Barbara Lacey has become "Ecumenical affairs" are our task spell out our full task of both Ecu­ prsident of the Victorian unit of because we represent the Melbourne menism and of Inter-faith. So we Australian Church Women. She is a Catholic church in dialogue, prayer need to include in our name: Ecu­ Catholic delegate to the Victorian and activities which we share with menical and Inter-faith Commission Council of Churches and a former the other christian denominations. of Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese. member of Melbourne Ecumenical Affairs Commission. In October, But something has developed. For We are a Commission and we need Barbara will go to Bangladesh as an many years we have been part of to include those large words, Ecu­ menism and Inter-Faith, which are Australian representative to the Asian Jewish-Christian dialogue, which is Church Womens' conference. more than Cl1ristian ecumenical the official church ¥.rords used ur.i­ Barbara was installed as the new dialogue. It is dialogue with one of versally. The words Affairs and Victorian president at Collins Street the 'Great Faiths'. Relations are not so helpful. Baptist church on June 23, with some The discussion goes on. What's in Now the Jubilee Year has sched­ EAC members prsent. Our prayers are a name? What do you wish to call uled 'Collaboration Among Relig­ with her. ions' as a necessary Catholic and us? Christian activity. Of course this collaboration has been happening for many years throughout the Three Highlights of the Jubilee Year world, and in Australia and in our Melbourne Archdiocese. Various Three recent events conducted at St Patrick's Cathedral have strengthened relationships between the Catholic Archdiocese of individual Catholics, various Melbourne, other Christian Churches and other faiths. Wonderfully groups, and various religious orders supported by Archbishop George Pell and by the Jubilee Office, these have been involved. Returning events have made a great contribution to the spirit of the Jubilee Year. missioners have told us of their involvement overseas. On May 1st, we had the Shoah Memorial, with contributions from So which department of the offi­ representatives of other Christian traditions and the Jewish faith. Over cial Melbourne Catholic church 300 people participated in a very moving ceremony remembering the victims of the Holocaust and praying for the preservation of human should formally 'own' this involve­ rights. ment? You 've guessed it. We Ecu­ menical people must embrace the Reprsentatives of the Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish faiths Great Faiths, to dialogue officially joined Christians on Pentecost Sunday to participate in a Service of Collaboration Among Religions. This carefully organised service gave the opportunity for prayer for peace in several different languages and Many Stories styles. Most recently, on National Aboriginal Sunday, July 2nd, we had a One God service of Reconciliation and Commitment with the indigenous Conducted by the Catholic peoples. This sevice was organised ecumenically, with assistance from Commission for Ecumenical & the Uniting and Anglican Churches. It involved much use of symbol, Interfaith Relations. from the playing of the didgeridoo, to the sharing of gum leaves, the An opportunity for: pouring of water from two different pitchers, to the distribution of • sl!ariug in depth your faith ston; seedlings from the Corroboree Tree in St Kilda. Heads of churches led • liste11ing to stories from other Clrristia11 traditiOIIS the congregation of over 800 in the reciting of a pledge of commitment •li11king to tir e faith joumey of God's people to reconciliation. Saturday. 5th August, 2000 Much credit must be given to the staff of the Jubilee Office for their 9.30am - 3.00pm extraordinary contributions to these events, and to a wide variety of Facilitated by Jeff Wild, Cathy Love. Venue: StJohn's Church, other helpers. Here in Melbourne, we have responded to the desire of 494 Whitehorse Rd, Mitcham. Pope John Paul II in his encyclical, Toward the Third Millennium in BYO Lunch (finger food to share). which he emphasised the importance of making the celebration of the Tea and coffee provided. Jubilee Year ecumenical wherever possible and to reach out to other RSVP (essential) by 31st July faiths. to Jeff Wild 9926 5751 DIARY DATES: 2000/2001 . (For your prayerful support, networking and possible attendance) Institute for Spiritual Studies: Peter Cross, chaired by Fr Jolm Davis. by Fr Michael Casey of Tarrawarra St Peter's Eastern Hill, 15 Gisborne St, $30 includes lunch. Abbey. Melbourne 3002. Phone: (03) 9662 2170 School of Prayer 27th August "William Booth, Founder of Wednesday, 23rd August, 7.30-9.30pm Saturday 9th September, 10.30am-4pm. the Salvation Army" by Commissioner "Homosexuality in Christian Tradition" "Praying in the Evan gelical Tradition" at Wesley Harris. Dr Muriel Porter. $15 includes light Collins St Baptist Church, 174 Collins St, 10th September "Jolm Chrysostom" by refreshment. Melbourne. Led by the Rev Ron Ham. Rev Prof Eric Osborn. Saturday, 9th September, 9.30am - BYO lunch, $5 donation to cover costs. 17th September "Hildegard, Abbess of 3.30pm. Tour of Orthodox Churches and Further information from Rev Peter Bingen, 1179" by Dr Constant Mewes. their Icons with Revd Dr Colin Holden. Gador-\Nhyte on 9662 2355. 1st October "Francis of Assisi, 1226" by Start and finish at St Peter's. $25 BYO Enriched by the Company of Heaven Fr Stephen Bliss OFM, lunch. All at Wesley Church, 148 Lonsdale 22nd October "Teresa of Avila, 1581" bv Saturdalf, 7th October, 10am-3.30pm Street, Melbourne from 5-6pm, Sunday Fr Aloysius Rego, OCD. - "Two Steps Forward : One Step Back: nights. $5 donation, light refreshments 29th October "Luther - Reformer, 1546" An glicans and Roman Catholics in served. by Pastor David Bryce. Dialogue" Revd Dr Charles Sherlock, Morna Sturrock, Sr Margaret Jenkins, Fr 13th August "Bernard of Clairvaux, 1153" 12th November "Music for Advent

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More Dates for your Diary: 2000/2001 Chrishnas Epiphany" by Kay McLen­ International Year fo r the Culh1re of their stories at Wybalen na on Flinders nan. Peace. For brochure contact 92515271. and Cape Barren Islands and we listen 26th November "Issac Watts, Hymn Ecumenical Summer School for what the Spirit would say to us. Writer, 1748" by Rev Prof George Yule. 26th-28th JanuanJ, 2001. "New Voices for Daily shared and solitary walking, Bus Tour of Jewish Institutions a New Millennium" at Queens College, reflection and creative expression. Accommodation is self catering cabins Tuesday, 8th August. Parkville. For brochure, contact Jeff Wild on 9926 5751. and bush camping. It is not physically Tuesday, 14th November. 9.15am - demanding but participants must handle 2001 - January Wilderness Retreat 3.00pm. Start and finish at 'Shalom' their own backpacks, hike tents and "A Pilgrimage of Listening" Centre for Christian Jewish Relations, share in bush cooking. 179 Cotham Road, Kew. Includes the The sixth year of this 6 day wilderness Cost: approx $460 including airfare, Jewish Museum and Hebrew Syna­ retreat. The purpose of the retreat is to mini-bus and boat hire and some ac­ gogue and kosher lunch . Contact Claire provide a meditative introduction to commodation. O'Callaghan, 3 Findon St, hawthorn these beautiful islands in the Furneaux 3122 or 9855 1110. Group, and to the experience of dispos­ Dates: Monday 15 January to Saturday 20 January. Religion and Culture in Asia pacific: session and survival of Tasmanian Register early: Bookings are accepted in Violence or Healing? Aboriginals who were taken to these islands in the nineteenth century - order received. Deposit $200. 22nd-25th October at RMIT University. literally a whole stolen generation. We For further information: Leaders 9379 A major international conference for the talk with their descendants and listen to 7011, Bookings: Otira (03) 9853 2000. PRODUCfiON: KAIROS PUBLICATIONS TELEPHONE: 9926 5761