2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions Meeting of Melbourne, December 3 – 9 Who’s who at the conference the faiths Highlights program

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NATAGE F001 ADVERTISEMENTSometimes even religion needs a

Sand Artist - Stephan Eleftheriadis written by Parvyn Kaur Singh

Cultural Infusion will be coordinating a Stephan began drawing as a cartoonist for a Prasanna has come to Australia as a based in the Hindu tradition highlighting series of events for the Parliament of the local Greek newspaper and now through professional Bansuri player. Cultural Infusion the words “Om”, signifying the first sound of World’s Religions conference to be held in the artistic direction of Peter Mousaferiadis, has helped him establish himself as a the universe and “Shanti”, which is a Melbourne from the 3rd – 9th of December. Stephan has been able to extend his abilities professional musician and continues to universal call for peace. Shobha will also be The opening ceremony will be the first large to become a highly sought after visual artist support him by organising performances presenting a solo performance at the scale production presented in Plenary Hall who has been invited to perform at the and workshops in school programs and International Plenary event on Saturday at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Shanghai World Expo in 2010. other events. 5 December at 9:30am. Centre, Southbank, with a cast of over 500 Many musicians have eagerly accepted the Vinod recognises the importance of the Supporting local up-coming acts is an performers. Peter Mousaferiadis, CEO of not- invitation to perform at the event such as Parliament of the World’s Religions as being important part of Cultural Infusion’s mission for-profit organisation, Cultural Infusion Afghani musician, Khalil Gudaz, who will be an opportunity for people from all religions of promoting cultural artists and performers and Creative Director of the Parliament of playing sitar as part of the opening around the world to come together and in the wider community. Fuefukuro is a local the World’s Religions ceremonies is ceremony. Khalil represents the Islamic Sufi share their knowledge with each other. Melbourne band based in traditional passionate about his work in cultural arts tradition that has strong connections to “Every religion thinks that they are best, but Japanese music, which incorporates the and views it as an important element of music and arts. “I want to share my music I believe all religions teach the same thing”. Shinobue (bamboo flute) and Japanese intercultural and interfaith projects. “I have with people and show that Muslim’s enjoy “Religion should be free and up to the Taiko drum and dance. The group was always been interested in religions, culture music”. Khalil believes that Cultural Infusion individual… saying to people you have to formed in 2008 and will be part of the and art and see it as the greatest tool to programs remind us to live in peace, trust follow a certain path is wrong”. The Cultural Infusion schools program for 2010. create peace”, he says. and respect for others. “If we don’t have any Parliament of the World’s Religions is The Parliament of the World’s Religions is Several artists already involved with Cultural peace, we don’t have any music”. Music is a bringing musicians from all different providing a unique opportunity for the Infusion will be performing as part of the method of creating cultural understanding cultures together in a beautiful cultural group to perform their music and share opening and closing ceremonies that will and peace between all people. blend of sound. their culture with a large international bring together unique artists presenting Shobha Sekhar, from the audience. “It’s such a big event and it is an their own artistic interpretations for the Kalakruthi School of Indian honour for us to be involved”, says Hitomi event. New music has been composed for Classical Music, will be Valentino. “Melbourne is such a diverse city the opening ceremony that will feature an presenting a specially where people openly accept all cultures overture for didgeridoo, choir and orchestra composed piece titled “Om from around the world”, says the performer by Dmitri Golovko “The Rise of Bunjil” and Shanti Om” at the Parliament of who is looking forward to gaining “Been Here for Ever” by Peter Mousaferiadis the World’s Religions opening inspiration and experience from the event. performed by the Royal Melbourne ceremony. “Cultural Infusion is Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra, The Parliament of the World’s Religions doing a great job as an umbrella conducted by Andrew Wailes. opening ceremony will be held at the organisation bringing different Plenary Hall, Melbourne Convention Special items to look out for include cultures together in an Exhibition Centre, Southbank from 7pm on Australian sand artist Stephan Eleftheriadis educative and entertaining the 3rd of December, 2009. Tickets will be (see picture above) who will be presenting way”, says Shobha. available at the door. For other event details shifting and evolving imagery drawn Inspired by Swami Vivekananda visit www.parliamentofreligions.org from religious symbols through the Afghani musician - Khalil Gudaz and his efforts at the first Parliament of the ephemeral medium of sand. Born in Cultural Infusion is a national not-for-profit World’s Religions in 1893, Shobha’s focus is Footscray, Stephan has always been organisation utilising arts, culture and Khalil’s inspiration comes from the on the spiritual aspects of religion and immersed in Pontian Greek Orthodox technology to promote harmony, diversity, teachings of Rumi who believes there is believes the purpose of this event is not culture balanced with his Australian identity. inclusiveness and well-being in schools and beauty in all religions and promotes the about creating tolerance but respect for all “I think a lack of understanding in schools communities. For more information about ideal of unity between all people. Khalil has people. “We should be focusing on peace, can cause problems”, “also having a thirteen their range of programs focusing on established a music school where he tranquillity, and happiness in society and letter last name doesn’t make things easy health and well-being, along with cultural and continues to teach Hindustani and Afghani create understanding and respect” she says, for a kid”. Working with Cultural Infusion has social inclusiveness please refer to music to the next generation and has and the Parliament of the World’s Religions allowed Stephan the opportunity to help page 7 of this publication as well as students from all ethnic backgrounds. is a great occasion for all religions to show increase cultural understanding through www.culturalinfusion.org.au what they stand for. Shobha’s special item is educational programs to benefit children. Originating from Varanasi in India, Vinod

Get involved with the Parliament (more details on page 15) The Parliament of the World’s Religions is open to everyone. A range of attractive registration packages will be available for purchase onsite at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11am this Thursday morning, 3rd December. Credit card and cash. 7 day registration All Parliament sessions 3rd to 9th December, including Evening Plenaries $624.00 (concession $572.00) 3 day registration Friday 4th / Saturday 5th / Sunday 6th OR Monday 7th / Tuesday 8th /Wednesday 9th Includes all sessions and Plenaries for relevant days $374.40 1 day registration Choice of any single day. Includes all sessions and Plenary for that day $197.60 6 Plenary package All Evening Plenaries inc. Opening (Thursday 3rd), International Plenary (Saturday 5th), Sacred Music Concert (Sunday 6th), Youth Plenary (Monday 7th), Melbourne Plenary (Tuesday 8th) and Closing Plenary (afternoon of Wednesday 9th) $250.00

MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE 3 Plenary package Choice of three of the above Plenaries $150.00

CI-TheAge-2 Part-funded by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.

NATAGE F002 THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 MEETING OF THE FAITHS 3 Foreword

ODAY The Age publishes this special news liftout on Meeting of the faiths the Parliament of the World’s Religions, which begins Parliament of the World’s Religions its week-long deliberations on Thursday. comes to Melbourne T December 3-9, 2009 This is just the fourth sitting of this parliament in The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre the modern era — the others took place in Chicago (1993), Cape Contents Town (1999) and Barcelona (2004) — so Melbourne, and Australia, ‘Battle for hearts and minds’ — Barney Zwartz 4, 5 can feel great pride in being selected to host this august assembly, Religion in Australia: Facts and fi gures 6 with its thousands of delegates. Some of the key speakers 8, 9 Melbourne delights, and is well versed, in playing the role Opinion — Gary Bouma 10 of host; we not only attract a spectacular array of national and Religion and science — Sushi Das 11 international sporting events but also a diverse calendar of cultural Program of highlights 13, 14 and entertainment blockbusters, as well as world-stage forums such as the G20 group of countries. The theme for the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 2009 is, broadly, about making a difference through hearing one another and “healing the earth”. These sentiments resonate loudly as the world grapples with such pressing issues as poverty, social cohesion, religious and political tolerance, and the environment. In this special liftout, we asked religion editor Barney Zwartz to examine what the parliament will try to achieve over the next few days and how its discussions may translate into action. His overview appears on the next two pages. Senior writer Sushi Das interviewed one of the world’s foremost

scientists, Paul Davies, for his views on the vexed, and contentious, Editor Sean O’Connor Sub-editing/production question of whether religion and science can happily co-exist. Beverley Johanson, Gary Munro, Jeff Glorfeld And we invited the chairman of the board of management of the Design Andrew Wolf, Georgia Willis Contributors Barney Zwartz, Sushi Das, Melbourne parliament, Professor Gary Bouma, to write about his Annabel Ross, Gary Bouma Artwork Jim Pavlidis take on the state of religion generally in the world today. Image reproduction The Age Imaging Department Elsewhere in the liftout we introduce you to 30 of the Advertising Richard Lehocz ACKNOWLEDGMENTS parliament’s main speakers, we take a statistical look at religion Program highlights: Porter Novelli, for the organisers. in Australia and we also publish a program of the parliament’s parliamentofreligions.org highlights. (Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions) Publisher We welcome delegates and visitors to Melbourne, we wish them The Age Company Ltd (ABN 85 004 262 702) a happy stay, and we wish all at the 2009 Parliament of the World’s PO Box 257, Melbourne 3001 Religions a constructive and rewarding week. Print and distribution Fairfax Media Print — Melbourne (ABN 36 096 707 402) PAUL RAMADGE 31-69 Western Avenue, Tullamarine, Victoria 3043 Editor-in-chief Inserted into The Age. Not for separate sale Can we be your partner in cultural inclusion?

Cultural Infusion is a national not-for-profit Through a range of school programs, national organisation utilising arts, culture and technology and community tours and performances, to promote harmony, diversity, inclusiveness and Cultural Infusion provides the gateway to well-being in schools and communities. intercultural and social dialogue. A proud supporter of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. With the introduction of new programs focusing on health and well-being, as well as continuing to deliver established programs featuring International artists and performers capturing the hearts and minds of audiences Australia-wide, Cultural Infusion is your ideal partner to assist you in delivering cultural and social awareness and inclusiveness. For more information on how we can partner with you contact 1800 010 069 or email www.culturalinfusion.org.au [email protected] a not-for-profit organisation CI-TheAge-3

NATAGE F003 THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 4 MEETING OF THE FAITHS ‘Battle for hearts

Thousands of religious leaders of different faiths meet in Melbourne this week at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. The Age’s religion editor, Barney Zwartz, reports on what they will try to achieve.

N 1893, Chicago “Interfaith is terribly important hosted a world because religious confl ict has great fair, and put capacity to radically disturb peace on the fi rst in the world. There’s a battle for Parliament hearts and minds and, unless those I of the World’s who argue for compassion and Religions as part justice get their fi ngers out and do of it, thereby inventing interfaith more, we could all be in a bad way dialogue and formally bringing because those on the negative side together religions of East and West of the equation seem to have a lot for the fi rst time. of motivational energy to make the Hindu scholar Swami world a worse place. Vivekananda was not invited but “In the 20th century we had the came anyway, spending his fi rst idea that compassion and justice three days at Chicago Union Station were moving along and would while he gathered his confi dence. continue because the logic was By the time the parliament inexorable, but inexorable logic ended, he had created a sensation, doesn’t win the day,” Professor appearing in virtually every Bouma says. newspaper in the United States. He He also concedes that the proved so popular, the organisers parliament does not reach the scheduled him as the last speaker extremists most in need of its each day to tempt the visitors to message, but says it is important stay. to strengthen the resolve and “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its motivation of those committed horrible descendant, fanaticism, to interfaith, who can share best have long possessed this beautiful practices and ideas. It also makes earth,” Vivekananda said in his interfaith noticeable — “it gets opening speech. “They have fi lled reported, so people get an idea it the earth with violence, drenched it may be something of strength and often with human blood, destroyed contributing to wider society”, he civilisation, and sent whole nations says. to despair. Had it not been for these “One of the important things horrible demons, human society about genuine dialogue is that you would be far more advanced than discover the ‘other’ isn’t evil but is it is now.” doing the same kind of things in a The swami’s message of non- different way. And when I explain violence resonated strongly at to you who I am, I come away with the time, and even more so today, a more articulate idea. People come according to Dirk Ficca, executive away with much more confi dence, director of the 2009 Parliament of and confi dent people don’t run the World’s Religions, which opens roughshod over others.” in Melbourne on Thursday. Nor does Reverend Ficca, a The week-long parliament is Presbyterian minister, mind if the expected to draw more than 5000 extremists ignore the parliament. people representing 228 religions “People say we are just preaching to and their subdivisions. They the choir. But not everyone in the will hear some 800 speakers and choir knows each other, even if they take part in nearly 700 individual are like-minded, and a lot of people the Madrid train bombings — was Many of these guests will speak with Canon Gideon Byamugisha, lectures, panels and workshops. haven’t had a positive experience the huge tent set up by 300 Sikhs at the nightly plenary sessions, but a Ugandan who contracted AIDS Gary Bouma, chairman of the of religious difference yet, so the to provide lunch for the 9000 blink and you might miss them. through a blood transfusion and 2009 board of management, says parliament is an opportunity for attenders. “People ended up going “Nobody is getting more than four who has worked tirelessly to the daily news is full of stories that.” for breakfast, lunch and dinner. minutes at any plenary session. remove religious stigma about in which religion is part of the Mr Ficca has been to all the It was a wonderful outpouring of I’ve been telling people angry at the condition. Sunday night problem — interreligious confl ict, modern parliaments. After Chicago generosity.” how how little time their leader sees a concert with 18 different religiously justifi ed violence, denial there was a hiatus for a century, but The Melbourne parliament is is getting, ‘if Jesus returned he’d performances from all the of human rights. The parliament, in they resumed in Chicago in 1993, built around the theme “make a get four minutes’. The plenaries traditions represented. Monday’s contrast, will show how people of followed by Cape Town in 1999 and world of difference: hearing each are about inspiration. The 690 theme is youth, with Melbourne’s faith draw strength and inspiration Barcelona in 2004. other, healing the earth”. The programs give the depth,” says Mr Hugh Evans, Young Australian of from the deep spiritual wells of “It was sheer serendipity that ’93 programs follow seven topics: Ficca. the Year in 2004, the key speaker, their different traditions to fi nd happened,” Mr Ficca recalls. “There healing the earth, reconciling with How can people choose from while Tuesday concentrates on sustainable solutions. was no internet and very few faxes. indigenous peoples, overcoming such riches? “That’s the frustration interfaith dialogue in Melbourne. Professor Bouma, who is also We had a generic brochure which poverty in a patriarchal world, and magic of the parliament that Wednesday’s closing plenary an Anglican priest and emeritus was sent around the world. And creating social cohesion, sharing at any given moment 20 or 30 session features the Dalai Lama. professor of sociology at Monash 8000 people came, and we had to wisdom in search of inner peace, programs are running at once,” he Mr Ficca says: “The parliament University, says the parliament turn away 4000.” securing food and water for all, and says. will put a human face on the assumes that religions are Cape Town in 1999 provided a building peace in pursuit of justice. The opening plenary this climate change issue. Religions irreducibly different, and that this magical moment: Nelson Mandela There is a stellar line up of Thursday features Rabbi Saperstein, aren’t going to determine the fate of is a source of creative strength and postponed a visit to the US to guests, such as the Dalai Lama, Professor Sakena Yacoobi, an emissions or create technology for insight. address the parliament. “He said he Catholic theologian Hans Küng, Afghan woman who defi ed the cleaner cars, but the role of religion Diversity is not a disease to wouldn’t be standing here tonight former Justice Michael Kirby, Taliban by setting up underground is to muster the political will to be overcome, or a problem to be before us as a free South African Muslim leaders Tariq Ramadan schools for girls, and guru Shankar. address the diffi cult decisions that solved by everyone becoming and as president if it were not for and Feisal Abdul Rauf, Jewish Friday is communities night, need to be made. In the developed the same. Religious and spiritual the support of religions in the leaders David Saperstein and David in which 3000 people have world there is a lot of discussion diversity are essential to sustain battle against apartheid.” Rosen, Catholic commentator Joan registered to visit Melburnians that climate change is coming, but human life and a vibrant culture, Mr Ficca’s favourite memory Chittister and guru His Holiness Sri from the same faith tradition. for 300 million people it’s here now, he says. of Barcelona 2004 — sombre after Sri Ravi Shankar. Saturday is international night, affecting their lives.” NATAGE F004 THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 MEETING OF THE FAITHS 5 and minds’ In the Parliament

“It’s all there from Mother Earth, Anglican/Episcopalian it’s there from the land, they’ve got Baha’i to be grateful. Look at a tree and what it can give: the healing, the Baptist food, the shade. If they cut down Brahma Kumaris the tree they are cutting down a highrise building for the animals Buddhist and birds that live there.” Wellington-based Hindu Catholic Pushpa Wood will be examining Christian Science the role of women in faith, and analysing their role at this Churches of Christ parliament. She says women Daoist have played the main role in maintaining the various religions Hindu by their nurturing and passing on the traditions to the next Indigenous spiritualities generation. Women also play an Interfaith important peace-building role. The only religious area in which Jain they are under-represented is leadership. Jewish “Women’s work is not really Latter Day Saints (Mormon) acknowledged,” Dr Wood says. “Every religion promotes equal Lutheran status for women, including Methodist Hinduism, Christianity and Islam, but when it comes to leadership Muslim they leave women behind. If we are making religion relevant for the Pagan/Wiccan 21st century, we cannot ignore the Presbyterian role of women and the status they deserve.” Quaker One of the parliament’s Religious Science highlights is the confl ict resolution program, which features grassroots Sathya Sai teams from seven confl ict regions: Israel-Palestine (a Jew, a Scientologist Christian, a Muslim and a Druze), Seventh Day Adventist the Philippines (a Christian and Muslim), Afghanistan (three Sikh Muslims), Liberia (three women, Unitarian/Universalist Christian and Muslim, on the plight of women in Liberia), Thailand Uniting Church (three women, Buddhist and (Australia, Canada) Muslim), Colombia (a Catholic missionary, Quaker and lay Unity/New Thought missionary), and indigenous Zoroastrian confl icts (an American Indian, a Timorese, a Filipino and an Aborigine). Religions most commonly nominated by those Different religious groups will registering for the Parliament. not worship or pray together at the parliament. According to Mr Ficca, many traditions would fi nd that inappropriate, like “mixing metaphors. One of the principles of the parliament is that we fi nd out what we can’t do together to fi nd out what we can do together. The parliament itself is not a religious Picture: Tanya Lake. Photo has been digitally altered. activity but a forum where people come together and share.” But evangelical (Christian) leaders to every morning there will be 15 or 20 “One of the principles of the look at what was happening to the religious observances within faith Inuit. Most came away with the traditions. parliament is that we fi nd out conviction they really needed to do Mr Ficca says the Melbourne what we can’t do together what they could, and some came parliament already has a legacy away with the conviction that it of success, even before it has to fi nd out what we can do was God’s will and the end times. opened. At a function of local together.” That sort of thing isn’t very helpful.” faith leaders last week, he discovered that Melbourne Dirk Ficca, executive director of the But most major religions now has a pan-Hindu council, Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009. accommodate science very well, Professor Doherty says, and it’s where before the communities important to have everyone on the were fragmented. “Lots of local same page. communities have said that in the Peter Doherty, Melbourne Aboriginal leader Uncle Max planning for the parliament they University’s Nobel laureate, is Harrison is leading a program on have got acquainted with other leading one panel on climate life, land, spirit and forgiveness. communities, and it’s spurred lots change, sustainability, resource “The message I’m trying to give of conversations.” depletion and over-population. people is how we look after the And it’s this grassroots “That may be a sensitive topic for land and understand the land, and fl ourishing that makes the some, but I warned the organisers,” what the land speaks to us, and try Parliament of the World’s Religions says the scientist. to get people to have a spiritual special, Mr Ficca says. He was He is not religious, but connectedness. The land forgives much struck 20 years ago by a piece recognises that most of the world’s us even though we destroy it, of graffi ti on the Berlin Wall. It read: population is. “If you want to do because it still feeds us.” “Many small people in many small something about climate change, He says this is true even for places doing many small things can it doesn’t help if both sides are apartment dwellers who live high alter the face of the world.” demonising each other. One of above the land. Their building is “For me the hope of the world, the Canadian climate-change made from materials that come this parliament, is for these small guys took a bunch of American from the land, he says. people,” he says. NATAGE F005 THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 6 MEETING OF THE FAITHS Religion in Australia: Facts and fi gures

Compiled by Annabel Ross. From Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 census. www.abs.gov.au

I I I People affi liated to the Australia’s three most I Weekly attendance main non-Christian common non-Christian religious Australia’s youth I Buddhism is the at church services religions are clustered in affi liations in 2006 were are ranked as the second largest Sydney and Melbourne. is about Buddhism least religious religion in the country, 47 per cent of (2.1 per cent of the population) worldwide in a 2008 after Christianity. The number of 1.5 million, survey conducted by The Buddhist adherents increased by Hindus and 47 per 79 per cent between the 1996 about 7.5 per cent cent of Muslims Islam Christian Science Monitor. and 2001 censuses. Nan Tien of the population, live in Sydney. (1.7 per cent) and Temple in Berkeley, NSW, is the according to the largest Buddhist temple in the About 46 per cent Hinduism I 73 per cent southern hemisphere. latest census, in 2006. of Jews live in (0.7 per cent). of the Indigenous population Melbourne. reported an affi liation with a I Those affi liated to non- I Christian faiths comprised I 63.9 per cent I Of the 22 major Christian denomination. Australia’s earliest religions religions of the world, About one third of this of Australians are or spiritual beliefs date back to all except three are number reported an 5.6 per cent Christians (down from the Aboriginal and Torres practised in Australia — affi liation with the Anglican of the population in 2006 (up 71 per cent in 1996); Strait Islander people, who denomination and one third have inhabited Australia for Juche, Jainism & from 3.5 per cent in 1996). Yoruba. with Catholicism. 25.8 per cent between 40,000 1 per cent reported an I Hillsong Church in Sydney are Catholics; & 60,000 years. affi liation with an Aboriginal is Australia’s most attended Indigenous Australians have I Those affi liated to Christian traditional religion. About church, attracting about their own religious traditions denominations are evenly 24 per cent reported they 18.7 per cent distributed throughout Australia. had no religious affi liation. are Anglicans. and spiritual values. 20,000 Catholicism I I I is the most common affi liation Between 1996 and 2006, worshippers to its Hills District The fi rst census, in 1911, Islam is Australia’s and Waterloo sites each weekend. reported that 96 per cent in all states and territories the number of Australian third-largest except Tasmania, where residents who said they were of Australians identifi ed of “no religion” increased themselves as religion. Lakemba Mosque in Catholics (18 per cent Additional sources: Department of Foreign Affairs Sydney is one of Australia’s of the population) are out- from 2.9 million to and Trade — www.dfat.gov.au largest. Melbourne’s leading numbered by Anglicans World Youth Day 2008 fact sheet; Christian. mosque is the Preston Mosque. (29 per cent). 3.7 million. The Christian Science Monitor.

ADVERTISEMENT lacking an appropriate and Victorian College of the Arts, and a “Over the course of my life I have

balanced representation of Religious Studies major from been privileged to enjoy a wide CI-TheAge-6 Australia’s cultural diversity. This Latrobe University. He is fluent in range of theatrical, dance, musical sector should represent more Modern Greek, and is well-versed and cultural events throughout the faithfully Australian identity and in Ancient Greek and Italian. world but the Concert you directed culture, especially by elevating the and produced was one of the very Even within such a busy schedule as status of “world artists” from the best... Images from the concert have head of a flourishing ‘arts’ business, periphery toward the mainstream.” recurred in my mind over the past Peter is still able to bring up a family few days because of the way in Peter’s experience within the and also pursue his passion as a which you integrated traditional Australian arts community is choir conductor and creative director. dance and music with very modern extensive and diverse. From humble international musical forms... I have The Parliament of the World‘s beginnings as one of five children been raving about the Voyages Religions programme is a challenge born of Greek immigrant stock, Concert to family and friends and due to time constraints but Peter growing up in the back of a milk have let them know, in no uncertain says it is not the first time! bar in Newport, in Melbourne’s terms, that they missed one of the inner west served as a training “One always works under pressure great nights of music and theatre Creative Director, ground. Peter’s upbringing was in the arts industry”. the Melbourne has experienced”. expressly Melbourne, and the local Peter Mousaferiadis Bruce C Hartnett, Chair, Australia Day demographic in which he was by Dya Singh Committee Victoria Executive Director of PAN International raised was undeniably inter-cultural. Creative Services (PAN) and founder of the not-for-profit organisation Cultural Music was one of Peter’s first loves, Infusion, is a quiet unassuming man and he has developed what was with a slight stammer and a face which once a hobby into a genuine creativity is appears ready to break into a smile. passion for all aspects of performance. The leap into the His organisation and team have been thriving cultural arts milieu, and asked to handle the opening and the business aspects of cultural our language closing ceremonies, the International advocacy for artists and cultural and Melbourne plenaries and the presenters, was not far behind – stage management of the Parliament indeed, one could say, was of World Religions which begins on inevitable, especially according to 3 December through to 9 December. his colleagues, amongst whom he In 2005, he was presented with the has garnered great respect over Victorian Business Corporate Award His success as an arts entrepreneur the years. is reflected in his vision of an Australia for excellence in multicultural affairs, With a firm goal in mind, Peter at Government House, Victoria. Other which is truly Intercultural - as a reality and not just in token. “The arts undertook two Bachelor of Arts accolades and awards are too degrees, a major in Music from the numerous to list here. and entertainment is an area that is

Whether it is putting on the Australia Day Concert and you need creative direction, event production, unique at Federation Square, running the National Hip Hop and talented performers along with a host of services that Masters in Melbourne and Perth, providing creative will bring your event to life allow PAN to provide you with inspiration and theming at an event, big or small, an event to be remembered. With one of Australia’s best PAN International Creative Services has the vision, Creative Directors and a dedicated team supporting him creativity and expertise to produce a stunning you will be amazed at the results. experience that will take your breath away. paninternational.com.au To truly see why Creativity is our Language call now on When you are planning your next corporate function, 03 9412 6600 or email [email protected] proud supporter of Cultural Infusion and product launch, experiential marketing campaign, Visit paninternational.com.au for more details. the Parliament of the World’s Religions

NATAGE F006 ADVERTISEMENT Broadening Global Perspectives

in the Community In 2008 Lopit became involved in Cultural Infusion’s Artist Professional Development Program. The program Up until 2006 there were estimated to be fewer than aims to assist artists and cultural groups such as 20 Lopit Sudanese based in Victoria. The Lopit people are Lopit to reach their full potential as professional Sudanese Christians from Southern Sudan and like the performing artists. Artists have been working Dinka, Nuer and Nubian tribal groups, they came to with program coordinator Jennifer Masino in Australia to escape the slave traders who regularly raided order to broaden their the southern Sudanese villages. knowledge on topics Lopit was formed in 2004. Arkangelo Lohine, a leading such as production, member of the group gathered the Lopit community in communication, order to share their ancient art form with local management and Melbournians. Lopit are very proud of their heritage. They marketing. Artists are able Currently, Lopit are regular performers at Universities, share their culture through ancient dance, songs and to reflect and evaluate TAFE’s, Primary and Secondary Schools across Victoria. music that express stories, feelings and emotions. their performances. They get the opportunity to They also performed at the 2009 Australia Day celebrations Lopit joined Cultural Infusion’s Diversity in Your School work alongside industry at Federation Square. Arkangelo explains “We enjoy Program in 2006 in order to share their culture with youth professionals to enhance sharing our culture with Australia, by doing this we feel across Australia. “As part of education the children will their current skills and to we are becoming integrated with the community so we know that within the community there is a group known continue to deliver high feel we are at one with them and they can learn about the as Lopit, they should not be seen as alien. It’s a great way quality programs within Lopit. The professional development has been very to learn because the children join in, they really enjoy it” the community and helpful in creating more performance opportunities and says Arkangelo. cultural arts. managing our group”. promoting harmony, diversity, inclusiveness and well-being Cultural Infusion is a national not-for-profit organisation utilising arts, culture and technology to promote harmony, diversity, inclusiveness and well-being in schools and communities. www.culturalinfusion.org.au SCHOOLS PROGRAM YOUTH EVENTS

Diversity in your Classroom brings intercultural dialogue to you in 2010 Masters of Hip Hop @ Fed Square (Freestyle@Fed since 2006) a fun, interactive format. There are a range of programs to choose from to fit This annual event features a Hip Hop “battle”, concert, and workshops, your school’s curriculum needs. Select from a diverse range of performers to involving over 40 acts from conduct an interactive workshop in your school! Performers use song, mime, culturally diverse backgrounds, puppetry, dance and music to including artists from the give students an exhilarating and Indigenous Australian, Pacific insightful view to the cultures of Island, European, Asian, and Africa, Sudan, South America, African communities. The event Brazil, Indigenous Australia, attracts a diverse audience that Asia and Europe. Programs are grows each year. 2010 Masters designed to celebrate Australia’s coming up in February. cultural diversity by encouraging children to embrace difference and think creatively. INTERCULTURAL PRODUCTIONS AND COMMUNITY CONCERTS G.R.I.P. is a series of health and wellbeing programs that use short plays to‘generate relationships, Specialists in designing and delivering intercultural concert inspiration and potential’ in school children and to Concerts programming for events with local, national or international audiences. Some help them thrive in the face of adversity. The of those include the ‘Parliament of World Religions’, the City of Yarra’s ‘Fairfield performances deal with current youth concerns such Amphitheatre Summer Concert’ series and the Perth based Sunset@Subi as bullying, cyber bullying, stress and body image. summer outdoor concert series. Global Scope Tours Cultural Infusion initiates and supports a range of national tours YOUTH PROGRAMS by national and international artists each year. Specifically Cultural Infusion’s Youth program aims specifically at engaging culturally tailored to tour regional, rural and diverse young people aged 10 – 25 who are disadvantaged due to their remote Australian communities, economic, social and geographical circumstances, through Hip Hop related the Global Scope Tour program events, projects, workshops, forums and committees. aims to provide these geographically distant communities access to authentic cultural and cross- Reprezent This program explores and celebrates the statement: cultural performances from some of Australia’s most talented performers. On ‘Where you’re from, where you’re at’. Reprezent places professional artists in tour during 2010 will be performances that include 15th century styled Italian residence within secondary schools to give young people the skills to express comedy, French street theatre, Balinese and award winning B-boy performer, their identities and tell their stories through music, dance and performance. Lamroc, in Cypher Sapiens “Genesis”. Reprezent helps young people to find ways to connect to their school and the broader communities. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Sonic Elevation Designed for Indigenous youth who live in PROJECTS remote regions of Australia, Sonic Elevation confronts issues of extreme geographic isolation by providing participants with travel experience, skill Cultural Infusion works on cultural community development programs in development, education and entertainment. Within the context of cultural partnership with communities to effect social change through tailored arts development and preservation, diversity and exchange; contemporary forms programming. In 2010 Cultural Infusion will begin InterACT, a three year project of dance and music are taught in an appealing and enticing practical workshop that focuses on issues of race discrimination and cultural isolation in Victorian format. This music and dance travel program runs during school holidays. communities. More on page: 12. For more information on Cultural Infusion please call 1800 010 069 or visit www.culturalinfusion.org.au

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NATAGE F007 THE AGE THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 8 MEETING OF THE FAITHS MEETING OF THE FAITHS 9

Biographical source and detail: parliamentofreligions.org Edited by (Council for a Parliament of the Beverley World’s Religions website) Some of the key speakers Johanson

His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso The Chief Oren Lyons Professor Joy Murphy Wandin, AO Nana Osei Boakyewa Yiadom II Joanne Shenandoah Jathedar Singh Sahib Giani Venerable Dharma Rabbi Michael Melchior Dr Mary Evelyn Tucker Father Laurence Freeman XIVth Dalai Lama NATIVE AMERICAN FAITHKEEPER SENIOR WOMAN OF THE FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF SINGER, SONGWRITER Gurbachan Singh Master Hsin Tao CHIEF RABBI OF NORWAY CO-FOUNDER AND CO-DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF THE WORLD COMMUNITY FOR TIBETAN BUDDHIST LEADER Chief Lyons, faithkeeper of the Onondaga WURUNDJERI PEOPLE APEADU PEACE CENTRE With a Grammy Award and 11 Native RELIGIOUS HEAD OF SRI AKAAL TAKHAT FOUNDER OF LING JIOU MOUNTAIN Danish-born Rabbi Michael Melchior, Chief THE FORUM ON RELIGION AND ECOLOGY CHRISTIAN MEDITATION, UNITED KINGDOM The Dalai Lama, head of state and spiritual Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy, is a Aunty Joy will offer a traditional welcome A noted African leader and one of American Music awards, Joanne SAHIB, SUPREME RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY OF WU-SHENG MONASTERY Rabbi of Norway, is also the international AT YALE Father Freeman, a Benedictine priest, is a leader of the Tibetan people, is a Nobel passionate spokesman for indigenous to the land in her role as senior woman of Ghana’s queen mothers, Nana Osei Shenandoah has fulfi lled the promise of THE SIKHS, INDIA The Venerable Dharma Master Hsin Tao, director of the Elie Wiesel Foundation Mary Evelyn Tucker is a senior lecturer and highly regarded voice on the universality Prize-winning peace activist. Forced into rights, sovereignty issues and spiritual the Wurundjeri people, traditional owners Boakyewa Yiadom II founded the Apeadu her Native American name, Tekaliwah- Jathedar Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan a Buddhist monk, combines religious whose mission is to combat indifference, senior scholar at Yale University, where she of meditation, speaking on the revival of exile in 1959 when the Chinese army took perspectives, and is active at the United of Melbourne. Ms Murphy Wandin has been Children’s Peace Centre to “build skills kwa (She Sings). She is a Wolf Clan Singh was appointed as Jathedar (leader practice with political and social activism, intolerance and injustice. Since 1996, has appointments in the School of Forestry Christian contemplation in modern times control of Tibet, he has since lived in India, Nations and other international forums. involved in Aboriginal issues for more than for self-sustenance, promote the issue member of the Iroquois Confederacy and or “captain”) in 2008 after serving promoting peace, interfaith dialogue Rabbi Melchior has been the chairman of and Environmental Studies as well as the as a way to serve global consciousness. He establishing a Tibetan government in exile. He is professor of American studies at the 35 years and is an honorary professor of tolerance, and preserve and enhance since emerging as an artist in 1990, has 37 years as a Sikh preacher. His last and environmental preservation. He was Meimad, a modern-Orthodox party and Divinity School and the Department of established the International Centre of the He has campaigned internationally for State University of New York, at Buffalo, of Swinburne University, chairwoman of the national culture, identity and tradition performed at Carnegie Hall, the White appointment was as Head Granthi of orphaned at 4 and forced to become a a faction of One Israel. He was elected to Religious Studies. She is a co-founder and World Community for Christian Meditation help in his struggle for Tibetan autonomy. where he directs the Native American the Australian Indigenous Consultative of Africa”. She is a fellow with the UN’s House, Kennedy Centre, Earth Day on Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as the child soldier at 9. After fl eeing to Taiwan at the Knesset in 1999 and has held various co-director, with John Grim, of the Forum on that is now active in about 100 countries. Many countries have added their voices studies program. Chief Lyons, a member Assembly and has held executive Institute for Training and Research, has the Mall, Woodstock ’94, the Parliament Golden Temple in Amritsar. As the religious 15, he turned to Buddhism and practised deputy ministerial positions. He has served Religion and Ecology at Yale. Together they Father Freeman is the author of many in support, but their association makes of the Turtle Clan, is an environmental positions across sectors of government. served since 1986 as a consultant on of the World’s Religions in South Africa, head of Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib, the solitary meditation for more than 10 as Minister in the Offi ce of the Prime organised a series of 10 conferences on books and articles and a board member diplomatic relations with China diffi cult. champion, has written several books and She has been a trustee of the National the UN Decade for Women, advises the Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, and Hwa supreme religious authority of the Sikhs, he years, followed by two years fasting and Minister, responsible for Diaspora and world religions and ecology at the Centre of Medio Media, the publishing arm of the This year, the 50th anniversary of the Lhasa was an All American lacrosse player — a Gallery of Victoria, a member of the Equal Committee on African Women’s Affairs and Eom Temple in South Korea, as well as at is based in Amritsar, Punjab, India. meditating in a cave on Ling Jiou Mountain social affairs. Among his many awards are for the Study of World Religions at Harvard World Community. uprising, the Dalai Lama has been more sport created by American Indians. Opportunity Commission and a member is president of the New York-based Pan venues in the United States. where he later established the Wu Sheng the Norwegian Nobel Institute’s Prize for Divinity School. They are series editors for damning in his criticism of China, saying it of the Victoria Police ethical standards African Human Rights Association. Buddhist Monastery. He founded the Tolerance and Bridge-Building, and Yeshivat the 10 volumes from the conferences. has made Tibet “hell on earth”. consultative committee. Museum of World Religions in Taiwan and Hakotel’s Award for Work in the Diaspora the Global Family for Love and Peace. Rabbinate. *** ** * Vyasa: A central and much revered fi gure in the majority of Hindu traditions. Also called Veda Vyasa (those who compiled the V Traditional Hindu system of medicine based on the idea balance in bodily systems and emphasising diet, herbal treatment, yogic breathing etc. Monistic Hindu philosophy founded on the Upanishads.

Dr Hans Küng Reverend Tim Costello AO His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Sri Swami Mayatitananda Rabbi Dr David Rosen KCSG Dr Miriam Pepper His Eminence Katherine Marshall Dr Siti Musdah Mulia Dr Joel Hunter PRIEST AND AUTHOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE ART OF LIVING WISE EARTH SCHOOL OF AYURVEDA INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST George Cardinal Pell EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WORLD FAITHS ACADEMIC AND ACTIVIST PASTOR AND AUTHOR Hans Küng is president of the Global Ethic WORLD VISION AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION Sri Swami Mayatitananda, known as Mother INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS Dr Miriam Pepper works to build CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF SYDNEY DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE A controversial fi gure with conservative As senior pastor of Northland, Dr Hunter Foundation. He was born in Switzerland A leading voice on social justice issues, the His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded Maya, is a spiritual leader, healer, educator Rabbi Rosen serves in the leadership environmental awareness and action in Cardinal Pell is Australia’s best-known A senior fellow at the Berkley Centre for and radical Muslim groups, Dr Siti Musdah has a congregation of 12,000 that and obtained a doctorate in theology from Reverend Tim Costello has led debate on the Art of Living Foundation in 1981, an and authority on *Vedanta and **Ayurveda. of several international organisations, communities of different faiths and of churchman, a hard-line advocate for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, Katherine Mulia speaks out on democracy, human worships at four sites in Orlando, Florida, the Sorbonne. In 1962, he was named by gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, international non-profi t educational and At 23 she was diagnosed with cancer and including the Heilbrunn Institute for none. She is passionate about connections a conservative Catholicism. His work Marshall is also visiting professor in the rights and gender issues. Since 2007, she US, as well as through interactive webcasts. Pope John XXIII a theological consultant reconciliation and substance abuse. humanitarian organisation, in his pursuit of this caused her to dramatically change her International Interreligious Understanding between ecological integrity, justice and in interfaith relations has included Government Department and the School of has chaired the Indonesian Conference on He serves on the boards of the World for the second Vatican Council. He played As the head of World Vision Australia, global peace through service and dialogue. life. Following her recovery, Mother Maya and is director of the American Jewish peace, and about the development of three attendances at the Asia-Pacifi c Foreign Service, Georgetown University. Her Religion for Peace. As a senior researcher Evangelical Alliance and the National the key role in the writing of Vatican II, he has argued that issues surrounding The foundation, now active in more than began helping others to develop ways of Committee’s Department for Interreligious relationships that comes about through Interfaith Dialogue as part of the offi cial work focuses on teaching and research on at the Religious Affairs Ministry, an adviser Association of Evangelicals and is a which radically modernised major areas global poverty are placed on the national 140 countries, offers educational and living that would assist healing. In 1981, she Affairs. Formerly chief rabbi of Ireland, he shared initiatives and projects. She is Australian delegation led by the Minister a wide range of topics at the intersection to the minister, and in her capacity as member of the Advisory Council on Faith- of Catholic practice. His questioning agenda. Mr Costello’s many awards include self-development programs designed founded Wise Earth School of Ayurveda in is the past chairman of the International a founding member and secretary of for Foreign Affairs. Cardinal Pell’s long- of development and religion. She leads the co-ordinator of the Team for Gender Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, of traditional Church doctrines led to a Victorian of the Year (2004), Offi cer of to eliminate stress and foster a sense North Carolina, the fi rst school for Ayurveda Jewish Committee on Interreligious multi-faith network Australian Religious standing commitment to ecumenism was the Berkley Centre’s work on faith-inspired Mainstreaming, she launched the advising President Obama on policy issues. 1979 Vatican censure that banned him the Order of Australia (2005), Victorian of well-being. Social initiatives address holistic health education in the US. She Consultations, a broad-based coalition of Response to Climate Change (ARRCC), recognised in 1998 with the conferral institutions working in development, which Counter Legal Draft of the Compilation of He is the author of several books, including from teaching as a Catholic theologian. A Australian of the Year (2006), the 2008 issues such as confl ict resolution, disaster is one of few women to be honoured as Jewish organisations representing world and is active in the Faith and Ecology of the Grand Cross of Merit of the Order involves a series of regional background Islamic Law in 2004, to challenge gender A New Kind of Conservative, outlining settlement was reached a year later. He is Australian Peace Prize and Australian Living and trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation, a Synnasini (with the spiritual name of Jewry to other religions. Rabbi Rosen Network. She has a PhD on “Christianity of Saint Lazarus, and his promotion to papers and consultations with academics bias. It drew a barrage of criticism from a non-partisan approach to political professor emeritus at Tubingen University, Treasure. He has written three books and youth leadership, women’s empowerment, Sri Swami Mayatitananda) in the ancient is the fi rst Israeli and the fi rst Orthodox and Sustainable Consumption: A Social Ecclesiastic Grand Cross of St Lazarus, and practitioners, and a series of reviews conservative segments of Muslim society involvement. Germany. His many books include On Being co-authored another. abortion, child labour, and access to monastic traditions of ***Veda Vyasa. She rabbi to receive a papal knighthood, Psychological Investigation” from the the Order’s highest ecclesiastical rank, in of specifi c development topics such as and was cancelled in 2005. She is the fi rst a Christian and Christianity: Essence, education. has written several books under the name conferred on him for his contribution to University of Surrey, UK. 2003. From 2001 to 2007 he served as gender, shelter and HIV/AIDS. woman to earn a PhD in Islamic thought History and Future. Maya Tiwari. Jewish-Catholic reconciliation. the Order’s National Chaplain. from the State Islamic University. edas).

Sister Joan Chittister Professor Tariq Ramadan Dr Chandra Muzaffar Hugh Evans Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf Dr Azza M. Karam Dr William Vendley Jim Wallis Dr A. T. Ariyaratne FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PROFESSOR OF CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC POLITICAL SCIENTIST AND FOUNDER OF JUST FOUNDER OF OAKTREE FOUNDATION FORMER JUSTICE OF THE HIGH COURT CORDOBA INITIATIVE THE UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND SECRETARY GENERAL OF RELIGIONS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF SARVODAYA OF BENETVISION STUDIES AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY (ORIENTAL An advocate for human rights, a social Hugh Evans is also director of the Global OF AUSTRALIA Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is chairman of Dr Azza Karam serves the culture FOR PEACE SOJOURNERS SHRAMADANA MOVEMENT Sister Joan Chittister, Order of Saint INSTITUTE, ST ANTONY’S COLLEGE). critic and a thinker on global issues, Poverty Project. The Oaktree Foundation Justice Michael Kirby spent 13 years as the Cordoba Initiative, an independent, mandate, the doctrine that man’s original Dr William Vendley is secretary general Jim Wallis is an author, theologian, speaker Ahangamage Tudor Ariyaratne is founder Benedict, is a noted international lecturer Professor Tariq Ramadan is one of the Dr Muzaffar is president of the International is a youth-led aid and development a Justice of the High Court of Australia. multi-national, multi-religious project that purpose was to create cultures and build and chief executive offi cer of Religions and international commentator on faith and president of Sri Lanka’s Sarvodaya who focuses on women in church and leading European Muslim voices. He Movement for a Just World (JUST). The organisation established in the Philippines, He retired this year as Australia’s longest works to improve Muslim and Western civilisations, at the UN Population Fund, for Peace, an international coalition of and public life. He is president and Shramadana Movement, a non-profi t society, human rights, peace and justice, teaches at the Oxford Faculty of Theology Malaysian-based organisation seeks Papua New Guinea, India and East serving judicial offi cer, having been a deputy relations. He is an author, founder of the an international development agency that representatives from the world’s great chief executive offi cer of Sojourners, an organisation that involves millions of and contemporary religious life. She is and is senior research fellow at Doshisha to speak out on global injustice and to Timor to provide education to more than president of the Australian Conciliation and American Society for Muslim Advancement promotes the right of every woman, man religions dedicated to promoting peace. organisation that aims to articulate the people in development projects. The the founder and executive director of University in Kyoto. Through his writings develop an alternative vision of a just 40,000 young people. In 2004, Mr Evans Arbitration Commission, inaugural chairman (ASMA), Imam of Masjid al-Farah and a and child to enjoy a life of health and He is a member of its World Council and biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope organisation emphasises the awakening Benetvision, an organisation encouraging and lectures he has contributed to debate and compassionate civilisation guided by was named Young Australian of the Year. of the Australian Law Reform Commission, member of the World Economic Forum equal opportunity. A political scientist and co-ordinates the international activities and building a movement to transform of the individual and society to advance the development of contemporary on the issues of Muslims in the West and universal spiritual and moral values. He is He was a key leader behind the recent a Federal Court judge, president of the New Council of 100 Leaders which promotes economist, she has managed international and projects of Religions for Peace’s individuals, communities, the church, non-violence and co-operation and helps spirituality from a feminist and global Islamic revival in the Muslim world. He is professor of global studies at the Science Make Poverty History campaign, and, with South Wales Court of Appeal and president Islamic-West dialogue. Imam Feisal has development programs, served as a Interreligious Councils around the world. and the world. He is editor-in-chief of those harmed and displaced by Sri Lanka’s perspective. Her demands for the active both at academic and grassroots University of Malaysia. He has written more friend Don Adams, organised the concert of the Court of Appeal of Solomon Islands. received The Alliance for International gender and culture trainer, a specialist for Dr Vendley also advises the White House Sojourners magazine, the combined confl ict. Dr Ariyaratne has served on Sri ordination of women to the Catholic levels, lecturing internationally on theology, than 20 books on international politics, involving Australian artists as well as U2 In addition, Justice Kirby has served in Confl ict Prevention and Resolution’s intergovernmental entities and is a lecturer through the Interreligious Dialogue and print and electronic media of which has a Lanka’s human rights commission and priesthood have made her a controversial ethics, social justice, ecology and interfaith, religion, human rights and Malaysian frontman Bono. In 2008 he stepped down many international and UN positions, been Annual Alliance Peacebuilder Award and on politics and religion in several academic Cooperation Task Force. He has served as readership of more than 250,000 people. received awards from Sri Lanka’s president fi gure, as have her claims of inequality of and on intercultural dialogue. Professor society. from Oaktree and became co-chairman a member of the governing body of three The Interfaith Centre of New York’s Annual arenas. She has written several books and a professor and dean in graduate schools His columns appear in The New York Times and prime minister as well as the Gandhi women in the church. Sister Chittister is Ramadan is president of the think-tank of the inaugural Youth 2020 Summit in universities and Chancellor of Macquarie James Parks Morton Interfaith Award. articles and worked in the Middle East, of theology and been awarded prizes for and Washington Post and he frequently and Niwano peace prizes, the Magsaysay the author of 22 books and the recipient of European Muslim Network in Brussels, and Canberra. University in Sydney. He is a defender of the western Europe and the US. religion and human rights. appears on television as a commentator. and Hubert H. Humphrey awards and the numerous awards. has written more than 20 books. monarchy and a gay rights advocate. Sushil Kumar International Peace Award. NATAGE F008 THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 10 MEETING OF THE FAITHS

O PINION Why religion lives on

together they seek ways to address parts of the world the percentage Yes, religions have motivated Religious commitment issues as and when they arise. not believing has been increasing, violence and have been used to Melbourne, like other Australian but it is far from a majority in most legitimise atrocious injustices. The and ideals are profoundly cities, is served by a wide variety of places. list is frequently cited as a reason churches, synagogues, mosques, Those who claim that religion to oppose religion. Reference at work today, writes Gary temples and other places of is the haven of the weak and is made to the centuries-long Bouma worship, retreat, meditation, less intelligent fail to listen violence and terror in Ireland, or , chairman, board of religious learning or spiritual appreciatively to those who do the Buddhist violence in Sri Lanka, management, of the Parliament of the refreshment. Melbourne also has believe. Yes, believers report or the attacks of September 11 by a rich history of the contribution drawing great strength from their Muslim terrorists, or the support World’s Religions 2009. of religious groups in the provision beliefs, but not in the sense of for oppressive regimes such as the of social, educational and health being weak and helpless or stupid. apartheid government in South services. Believers report being lifted out of Africa, or the abuse by clergy of ELIGION in the visions vary both within and Some say religion is irrational, themselves, challenged to look at children and women. No religious 21st century has, between religious groups. Religious dangerous and delusional, themselves in relation to the world group is completely perfect or along with almost people continue to work hard claiming that it is downright silly in a different way and relating to free from violence, nor is any one everything else, to eradicate the evils of slavery, to believe in any. However, the very others in a strong and positive religious group outstanding in become a global human degradation, oppression stridency of these protestations way. They report experiencing the use of questionable means or R phenomenon and injustice. Many of coercion, even though of diversity, new those working to make the some argue to the expressions and even new life. world a better place today contrary. While religion is ignored by some draw their inspiration Compassion, and deplored by others, it is found and ideals from religious forgiveness and mutual to be of use and even essential to ideals. Yes, there are other respect are at the core life by many. Religion, like many sources and there is not of each religion and other important aspects of life, unanimity about the goals spirituality. It is no wonder changes as cultures change, as or means, but religious that religion has motivated societies change and as people commitment and ideals people to seek peace, to change. Religion in the 21st century are profoundly at work work hard to establish is not the same as it was in the today. justice, and to make the 19th and 20th centuries. Even Religion in the 21st world a better place not very conservative religious groups century is experienced just for themselves, but for adopt new technologies, address as highly diverse in the all. Religiously motivated current issues and respond to the daily lives of most of the people were at the core life experiences of their people. cities and regions of the of the movement that Some in the West confi dently world. Migration has overthrew apartheid. predicted the demise of religion moved religions around Yes, there are those in by the end of the 20th century. the world. Go to any city in each religious tradition In 1966 my PhD thesis adviser the world and you will be who fi nd that the told me I was wasting my time able to fi nd a diversity of compassionate imperative studying religion since faith did religions and spiritualities. core in their religions takes not make a difference and religions In some there is confl ict them outside their comfort were not expected to survive the between different groups, zones. But the history of century. Given the massive declines in others co-operation religions is full of people evident in the powerhouses of among groups that who overcame their 20th century religion — mainline enriches civic and cultural fear, battled entrenched liberal protestant denominations life. Usually one religious interests and sacrifi ced such as Anglican, Presbyterian, group dominates, but to establish organisations Lutheran and Methodist — some gives more or less space to deliver peace, justice, predicted the rest would follow. But and freedom to others health and learning. religion has shown itself far from to practice and provide People who are part of dead in the 21st century. Even its services to their followers. religious communities are decriers have to admit religions Some nations are more more likely to volunteer have shown themselves to be tolerant of diversity than to help others in need, to powerful motivators, great sources others, but that is part of contribute to charities and of compassion, and providers of the great diversity of the to go out of their way to services for a wide range of people. world we all share. assist. People who are part When viewed globally it becomes Melbourne is a of religious communities clear religions are associated with prime example of a 21st also have the feeling of vibrant communities. Religions century city redolent being supported in times have also been the source of with religious diversity. of need, feel safer, feel confl ict, violence and injustice. Of course, the indigenous the strength of knowing I include the many emerging people of Australia there are others who care religions, spiritualities and new have been religiously, for them and who will religious movements in my use of culturally, linguistically help. Participation in the term religion. Religions provide and socially diverse for religious groups develops ways of seeking, maintaining more than 40,000 years. leadership skills, speaking and celebrating hope — hope Today, Australia’s cities skills, abilities to articulate that tomorrow will be better, that for 200 years were an argument and a host of that healing may occur, that dominantly Christian other skills. Migrants fi nd in the vicissitudes of life some have become religiously religious communities meaning may be found, hope diverse as a result of of help as they learn how that our children will thrive, our migration, conversion and to become part of a new relationships will prosper, and the rise of spiritualities. In society. our communities will sustain Melbourne, for example, The great questions of us. Such hopes are grounded once dominant British life remain unanswered by religions and spiritualities in Protestant and Irish outside of religious and there being something beyond, or Catholic groups have metaphysical realms. Is more than the observable world, made way for Greek the universe friendly? something beyond self, beyond Orthodox (6 per cent), What is it all about? nation, and time — something Buddhists (3.5 per cent), Muslim highlights the evangelical nature the presence of, the support of Why get up in the morning? Why found everywhere in the universe (2.9 per cent), Hindu (1.1 per cent) of their claims. Such people seek to and the care of something that is hope? For some, anaesthesia and from beyond even the most distant and a host of others. Melbourne, convert others to their barren views ultimately beyond description, diversion will do. For some, denial star observed through the Hubble and Victoria, are exemplary in their of life and the universe, empty whether they encounter it deep of the very questions themselves telescope, to beyond the incredible openness to religious diversity. For of meaning, hope and purpose. within themselves, or as a sense will do. But most people fi nd life- minutiae apparent in the inner example, the State Government Most religious people in the 21st of presence, or as an awesome enriching answers in some form of realities of the atom. Something has been attentive to, and century are willing to allow them majesty. Many of the anti-religious religious and spiritual involvement. that makes life worthwhile, supportive of, emerging religious to hold these views. However, claims made by the decriers motivates giving for others and communities. there have always been those who of religion are made against Gary Bouma is emeritus professor of sociology, brings fullness to life. The Premier listens to religious believe and those who do not. beliefs and practices that are Monash University, and UNESCO chairman in Religions offer visions of the leaders, his staff meet a wide range Their proportions vary from place not recognised or practiced by Interreligious and Intercultural Relations — Asia good life, the good society. These of representatives regularly and to place and time to time. In many believers. Pacifi c. NATAGE F010 THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 MEETING OF THE FAITHS 11

R ELIGION AND SCIENCE In pursuit of answers

‘the Anglican Church is the one set back the case for a more mature Can religion and science religious institution in which an “We need to move debate, he says. atheist can feel comfortable’.” beyond these In the overlap between science co-exist in harmony? Anglican? Atheist? Exactly where and religion it is necessary to “move Senior writer Sushi Das does Paul Davies stand? “I’m a primitive notions the debate to a higher plane, away scientist looking for deep answers of the magician in from the childish slanging match reports on what is often a to big questions,” he says. that affl icts this whole subject”, He fi nds it depressing when the sky … is there says Dr Davies. tempestuous debate, hearing from the people cling to a faith believing it Yes, the universe looks like a provides all the answers they need some sort of god? fi xed-up job, but we will never religious and scientifi c camps. to know. Science, he says, can help Isn’t there some explain the cosmos by simply unravel some of the mystery of the taking on faith, either divinity universe, but we must also admit sort of god? I think or physical laws, he says. True OT too hot, of god? I think it’s just missing the we don’t have all the answers yet. meaning can only be found from not too cold. point. Perhaps former US defence it’s just missing within the universe. Conditions “We live in a universe which is secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s the point.” What he means is the ability of on earth are stunningly ingenious and there is famous words from 2002 are oddly Scientist, Dr Paul Davies humans to discern and understand just right for this subtle and coherent scheme of appropriate here: “As we know, the universe is a fundamental N life to fl ourish. things and we should be looking to there are known knowns; there are co-opt scientifi c discoveries as all part of what makes the universe Incredibly, the that, not how did it come to exist in things we know we know. We also part of God’s plan? tick. In other words, humans, natural laws are so fi nely calibrated, the big bang or who made the big know there are known unknowns; Tom Frame, director of St Mark’s unlike animals, have the capacity even the slightest change to, say, bang, or is there a designer who sat that is to say we know there are National Theological Centre at to understand the world through gravity or electromagnetism, would down and fi gured it all out and then some things we do not know. But Charles Sturt University and former science, to decode nature to render the universe sterile. made it. I think all that sort of stuff there are also unknown unknowns Bishop to the Australian Defence discover what goes on inside an But how is it that the earth is so is just childish.” — the ones we don’t know we don’t Force, says science and religion can atom or a black hole. exquisitely poised to support life? After spending 16 years living in know.” walk together comfortably. And the fact that we can do How has the world come to be, like Australia, British-born Dr Davies Even without a complete “It may appear … that religion that, even though it is completely baby bear’s porridge, just right? moved to Arizona State University scientifi c explanation of the world, gives up nothing until science surplus to Darwinian survival For physicist, cosmologist and in 2006. Eleven years earlier he was believers in God have generally gives it nowhere to go,” he says. But requirements, is a matter of big thinker Paul Davies, this is the awarded the Templeton Prize, the accepted Darwin’s theory of he maintains the relationship is “stunning signifi cance”. Goldilocks enigma. evolution — a theory that starkly mutually benefi cial. “What I’m trying to do,” he says, For centuries, people have Science tells religion when “is change the questions people turned to religion and philosophy there are matters on which it is ask.” to understand the meaning of The best approach, according life, to ask why we are to Dr Davies, would be to here and what is our destiny. Today, for many answers,

they also turn to science. And the more science unveils about the workings of nature in the universe, the more ingenious, “fi nd a complete and enclosed awesome and explanation for existence from meaningful it within the universe and not appeal seems, says Dr world’s richest prize contradicts the literal “not competent to comment”, and to any transcendent entities, not Davies. for intellectual Christian Biblical story conversely, those of a religious any cosmic magician”. That’s because, endeavour, for his that God created the world disposition prevent scientists “The essence of being a scientist as scientifi c work on the deeper in six days. claiming more than their research is you don’t say ‘I’ve got all the investigation shows, signifi cance of Victoria’s church- and fi ndings entitle them to, he answers, that’s it, end of story.’ I the world is ordered, rational and science. going Governor, David de says. keep changing my mind about coherent, not just a haphazard In that year, the Krester, is among them. Both Dr Davies and Professor things. I fi nd as science marches jumble of events and phenomena. prize was described as being Asked this month whether his Frame agree that for most on, it illuminates different areas of “It all hangs together beautifully,” for “a living individual who has scientifi c career as an infertility moderate believers science and human inquiry, and the last thing I says Dr Davies. And theists agree. shown extraordinary originality expert put him at odds with religion co-exist happily. It is only would want is to already have made Indeed, it is so perfectly in helping to advance the world’s his Christian belief, he said he at the extreme ends of science up my mind in advance about balanced that to some scientists, understanding of God and/or accepted that evolutionary theory and religion that the debate what the truth is, and then try to including Dr Davies, it’s all spirituality”. represented “the most logical becomes shrill. The ferocious shoehorn the facts to fi t. I’m still beginning to look like a fi xed-up Dr Davies would like us to explanation for the origin of debate between fundamentalist searching, as I was when I was a job. But not fi xed up by a pre- move on from thinking of God mankind”. evolutionary theorists and those school child.” existing super-being who designed as a “cosmic magician” because “Those of us of the Christian who believe in creationism and For Dr Davies, the heart of it all, he stresses. Here, some theists he believes that using that kind faith would believe in a god creator intelligent design is a case in point. fi nding an overarching explanation disagree. of “10th-century view” keeps us who was the engineer. For me, this Unfortunately, says Dr Davies, of existence involves fi nding the “We need to move beyond these locked in an immature debate. engineer did not complete the the September 11 attacks polarised answer to the Goldilocks enigma primitive notions of the magician Interesting words from a job in a week as expressed in the some people further, providing — why is it that the universe is just in the sky,” he tells The Age. “It’s just man who calls himself a “wishy- book of Genesis, but more over an those opposed to religion the right for life? a tired old argument: is there some washy Anglican”. He hastily adds: evolutionary time span,” he said. opportunity to condemn all It’s a question that science and sort of god? Isn’t there some sort “As a colleague of mine said, So, does religion conveniently religion as dangerous and evil. It religion ponder in equal measure. NATAGE F011 ADVERTISEMENT

Artistic pursuits such as drama, film-making, “Our overall aim is to highlight the digital arts, music and stand up comedy common humanity we share, and value the provide a great way of supporting diversity differences between us,” Mr Harper added. and strengthening intercultural relations Many of the projects also involve bringing and understanding. They are also a good Promoting people from different cultural means of encouraging dialogue about the backgrounds together as participants in harmful impacts of race-based the process of ‘making art’. Being involved discrimination and the benefits of diversity. Diversity together in such activity has the potential Cultural Infusion’s InterACT is one of 16 to help breakdown the barriers between projects that has been funded byVicHealth groups that can lead to tension, to do just this, by engaging people in the intolerance and discrimination. Studies process of ‘making art’ or by using various show that these new understandings are arts programs to communicate these through taken by participants into other areas of messages to a wider audience. their lives. The Promoting Diversity through the Arts Program will run until 2012. It will employ the Arts a variety of promising approaches to address community attitudes and beliefs that may lead to unfair treatment on the Artistic pursuits such as drama, film-making, digital arts, basis of race, culture, ethnicity or religion, music and stand up comedy provide a great way of undermine acceptance of diversity or contribute to tensions and supporting diversity and strengthening intercultural misunderstanding between groups. relations and understanding. They are also a good means This program is being developed in of encouraging dialogue about the harmful impacts of response to studies showing that people who report race-based discrimination race-based discrimination and the benefits of diversity. have a higher chance of developing a VicHealth’s Chief Executive Officer Todd The program will involve supporting arts range of health problems, especially Harper: “Supporting diversity and organizations to communicate about anxiety and depression. In contrast, reducing discrimination are also good for diversity, discrimination and intercultural people tend to have better health and productivity and creativity. They can help relations to a wide audience. As well as traditional arts venues, the projects will use venues such as sporting clubs, social clubs, churches and schools. The intent Together the projects will form a rolling is to bring arts to people who may three-year program. otherwise have limited opportunities for participation. Other activities being supported by VicHealth to reduce race-based The program will provide opportunities discrimination and support diversity for people to reflect on misunderstandings include projects with Victorian local we might hold about certain groups” Mr governments, professional development Harper said “The activities will provide for people planning programs and insights into the experiences of people initiatives supporting co-operative from migrant, refugee and Indigenous contact between young people from backgrounds and the effects ofdifferent cultural backgrounds. discrimination and intolerance”. InterACT is supported through VicHealth’s “They will invite us to think about whether to make us a more cohesive and inclusive Promoting Diversity through the Arts well-being when their cultural background values, such as fairness and respect for community. They are also important to scheme. is respected and valued. others, are reflected in our interactions reduce the gap in health and opportunity with people from cultural, ethnic, and And improving health is not the only between Indigenous and non-Indigenous religious backgrounds that differ from reason for supporting the program says Victorians”. our own.

An Inter-Cultural Musical from a ‘multicultural’ minority, I too want Ensemble combats cultural to feel worthy of being a member of this The Australian Intercultural Society is a non-government society and contributing towards its interreligious and cross-cultural organization that promotes social isolation through the arts. growth as a musician. Though making a Cultural Infusion, in partnership with living as a musician, even winning some harmony and social inclusion in the diverse multi-faith and VicHealth and the Victorian local awards, I have always felt that I had more multicultural communities of Australia. The AIS acts as a catalyst government communities of Hume, to offer and was frustrated that I could not for social and policy change. The main avenue for promoting and Brimbank, Casey, East Gippsland and do more.” enhancing multiculturalism and social harmony is development Wellington is set to begin a three-year It is important to of social policy, social interaction and social inclusion through intercultural community arts project remember that entitled InterACT. Through public forums while successful educational awareness and social interaction. and artistic workshops community ‘world’ artists Since its establishment in 2000, the AIS has been actively involved members will be asked to put their ideas combat cultural on cultural and racial difference forward to barriers with in promoting social harmony through projects such as fostering be interpreted through the performing music, they are relationships between different cultures, encouraging the members arts mediums of music (2010), dance not immune to of communities to achieve high ethical standards in education, (2011) and theatre (2012). As the project cultural business, industry, public services and private endeavours. progresses these elements will come exclusion. Singh together to form a new professional speaks about the need musical theatre production. The Australian Intercultural Society is proud to be one of the major to be valued as effective members of supporters of the Parliament of the World’s Religions that aims to Each year professional musicians with society which is a sentiment shared by diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds other artists and non English speaking bring the members of many different religions and cultures together will be invited to join the InterACT people. Singh sees InterACT as moving to learn from each other, to establish bonds of friendship and to Ensemble. The first musical ensemble him a step closer toward achieving this. build bridges. The AIS is also on the organising committee of the features artists with indigenous Australian, He says, “I want to play my part in Parliament’s Melbourne event scheduled for the 3-9 December 2009. Indian, Chinese, African and Greek musical contributing towards the diversity of and cultural origins. Each of the InterACT cultures in Australia as part of Ensemble artists will have their own the evolutionary process for mainstream stories of cultural disconnection so their Australian society, towards a society of commitment to the project is personal as greater acceptance of all races, ‘ethnic’ well as professional. 2010 InterACT Music groups, religions and other faiths.” Ensemble member and award winning Sikh ‘world’ musician, Dya Singh was asked Dya Singh is one of the performers about his attitudes to intercultural music providing ‘spiritual entertainment’ for the exchange. opening and closing ceremonies for the Parliament of the World’s Religions on the He says“It is like a breath of fresh air for me 3rd and the 9th of December. after twenty years of struggling in the For more information call 03 9326 2177 music industry. Any musician like me - coloured, Asian and working as an ‘ethnic’ or visit www.intercultural.org.au in a white dominated country like Australia also dreams of his state of Utopia. Though

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NATAGE F012 THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 MEETING OF THE FAITHS 13

P ROGRAM OF HIGHLIGHTS The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Detailed program at parliamentofreligions.org

Thursday, December 3 Morning: 11.30am-1pm Plenary Hall Evening: 7.30am-9.30pm Plenary Hall Health and welfare Opening plenary Halting the spread of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria: challenges for faith Offi cial welcome to country — Joy Wandin-Murphy, elder, Wurundjeri people Canon Gideon Byamugisha (priest in the Church of Uganda, and fi rst African religious leader Large choral piece: Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Chorus, Monash University Chorus, to openly declare HIV-status) Melbourne Percussion Ensemble and Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra, and Jean Duff (executive director of the Centre for Interfaith Action on Global Poverty) didgeridu Cardinal Theodore McCarrick (Archbishop Emeritus of Washington) Indigenous performances Thomas Bohnett (program coordinator, World Faiths Development Dialogue) Offi cial opening: Victorian Governor David De Kretser, Premier John Brumby, Lord Mayor Afternoon: 2.30pm-4pm Room 207 Robert Doyle Blessings: Zoroastrian, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Bahai Keynote speaker: Rabbi David Saperstein Poverty and development Keynote speaker: Dr Sakeena Yacobi (founder, Afghan Institute of Learning) Engaging faith-based organisations for the millennium development goals — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (spiritual leader) comparative UN experiences Concluding blessing: Dr Haruhisa Handa Dr Azza Karam (United Nations Population Fund) Ali Moussa Iye (UNESCO) Friday, December 4 Stephen Hanmer (UNICEF) Morning: 9.30am-11am Plenary Hall Sally Smith (UNAIDS) Dr Thomas Uthup (UN Alliance of Civilizations) Poverty and development Tim M Rwabuhemba (UNAIDS) Quentin Wodon (head of the Development Dialogue on Values and Ethics unit, World Bank) Poverty must no longer be with us Afternoon: 2.30pm-4pm Room 216 Rev Tim Costello (chief executive offi cer of World Vision Australia) Dr A Ariyaratne (founder and president of Sri Lanka’s Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement) Indigenous people Katherine Marshall (senior fellow at the Berkley Centre for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs) Sulak Sivaraksa (Santi Pracha Dhamma Institute, Thailand) Maori custom law and listening to the land — Australian Aboriginal meditation Rabbi David Saperstein (director, Religious Action Centre, Union for Reform Judaism) Merekaraka Caesar (founder and president of Wahine Maori of Queensland Inc) Dr Haruhisa Handa (businessman, philanthropist, ordained Zen Buddhist priest) Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann (member of the Ngangiwumirri language group and Jim Wallis (author, president and chief executive offi cer of Sojourners) member of National Indigenous Council, Australia) Sr Joan Chittister (founder and executive offi cer of Benetvision) Evening: 7.30pm-9pm Plenary Hall Morning: 9.30am-11am Room 105 Indigenous people International plenary Indigenous performance Framlingham Aboriginal Trust, the Gunditjmara People and Brambuk Cultural Centre Indigenous, Christian/Catholic, Bahai, Zoroastrian, Jewish-Orthdox blessing Geoff Clarke (chairman of Framlingham Aboriginal Trust) International Balinese performance group (Yayasan Dharma Samuan Tiga) — “Sesaji Tri Yoni Jeremy Clarke (CEO, Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre and a national indigenous Saraswati” leader) Video address: Queen Rania of Jordon Canon Gideon Byamugisha Morning: 11.30am-1pm Room 213 Performance: Diva and Divo from Pot-Pourri Presentation of the Paul Carus Award: awards for contribution to the international Peace and confl ict resolution interreligious movement Achieving sustainable peace Stein Villumstad (former regional representative, Norwegian Church Aid, Eastern Africa) Sunday, December 6 Pat Walsh, (Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in Timor-Leste) Morning: 9.30am-11am Room 203 Dr Abdul Aziz Naderi (program manager, Sanayee Development Organisation, Afghanistan) Fr Leonel Narvaez (Schools of Forgiveness and Reconciliation, Colombia) Religions and society Dr William Vendley (secretary general, Religions for Peace) Who do we want to be: exploring the mission of the Jewish people in the 21st century Afternoon: 2.30pm-4pm Room 110 Rachael Kohn (producer and presenter of The Spirit of Things on ABC Radio National) Rabbi David Rosen (director, the American Jewish Committee’s Department for Interreligious Women’s voices Affairs) Breaking through patriarchy — new visions for women of faith Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence (Senior Rabbi at The Great Synagogue, Sydney) Sr Joan Chittister (founder and executive director of Benetvision) Rabbi Brad Hirschfi eld (president, CLAL, the National Jewish Centre for Learning and Katherine Marshall (Berkley Centre for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs) Leadership, US) Jacqueline Ogega (Women’s Program, Religions for Peace) Rabbi David Saperstein (director, the Religious Action Centre of Reform Judiasm, US) Jane Sloan (International Women’s Development Agency) Morning: 9.30am–11am Plenary Hall Jean Duff (executive director of the Centre for Interfaith Action on Global Poverty) Afternoon: 2.30pm-4pm Plenary Hall Indigenous people Indigenous peoples and the United Nations — the struggle for recognition Environment Nana Osei Boakyewa Yiadom II (founder and president, Apeadu Peace Centre People) The human face of climate change Tonya Gonnella Frichner (North American representative to the United Nations Permanent Martin Frick (deputy chief executive offi cer/director of the Global Humanitarian Forum) Forum on Indigenous Issues) Mary Evelyn Tucker (senior lecturer in Religion and the Environment, Yale University) Anna Pinto (executive director, Centre for Organisation Research and Education) Rev Tim Costello (chief executive offi cer of World Vision Australia) Margaret Lokawua (member, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Uganda) 6pm onwards Around Melbourne Afternoon: 2.30pm-4pm Room 110 Communities night: a night of hospitality Peace and confl ict resolution Special Event Global ethics and religion forum — religion and the future of humanitarian intervention in a sustainable and just world 23 religious and spiritual communities will offer this “Night of Hospitality” to people of all faiths and spiritual traditions from around the world attending the 2009 Parliament. Joseph Runzo (executive director and president of the board of directors of the Global Ethics and Religion Forum) Saturday, December 5 Brian Lepard (law alumni professor of law at the University of Nebraska College of Law) Gerard Powers (Joan Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, US) Morning: 9:30 - 11:00am Room 202 Dan-Erik Andersson (director of human rights studies, University of Lund, Sweden) Seamus Miller (director of the Australian National University Centre for Applied Philosophy Religions and society and Public Ethics) Islam and politics: faith, governance and society Antje Jackelén (Bishop of Lund in the Lutheran Church of Sweden) Anwar Ibrahim (former deputy prime minister of Malaysia) Dr Tariq Ramadan (Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, UK) Dr Siti Musdah Mulia (research professor at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Indonesia) Dr Burhanettin Tatar (offi cial representative of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkey) Continued page 14 NATAGE F013 THE AGE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009 14 MEETING OF THE FAITHS

P ROGRAM OF HIGHLIGHTS The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Detailed program at parliamentofreligions.org

Afternoon: 2.30pm-4pm Room 202 Morning: 9.30am-11am Room 109 Peace and confl ict resolution Social cohesion Islam 101 series — war and peace in Al-Islam: the prophet’s struggle Living a good life: the secular way Dr Tariq Ramadan (professor of contemporary Islamic studies at the Oxford University) Meredith Doig (secretary and treasurer, the Rationalist Society of Australia) Dr William F Vendley (secretary general of Religions for Peace, US) Ian Robinson (president, the Rationalist Society of Australia) Rabbi Michael Melchior (international director, Elie Wiesel Foundation and other human Dr John L Perkins (founding member and president, the Secular Party of Australia) rights, immigration and educational organisations) Stephen Stuart (president, Humanist Society of Victoria Inc) Brian Ellis (humanist and former philosophy of science lecturer at University of Melbourne Evening: 7.30pm-9pm Plenary Hall and La Trobe University) Russell Blackford (School of Philosophy and Bioethics at Monash University and editor-in- Sacred music concert chief of The Journal of Evolution and Technology) Performances include: Traditional songman Djakupurra Munyarryun and dancers from North Morning: 11.30am-1pm Plenary Hall Eastern Arnhem Land; Dr Michael Beckwith’s Agape International Choir, from Los Angeles; the Whirling Prayer Ceremony of the Naqsbandi Sufi Order; Muslim singer-songwriter Zain Peace and confl ict resolution Bhikha and ensemble; medieval Sephardic music performed by Kim Cunio and Heather Lee; the Harmonic Tibetan Buddhist Chant of the Gyuto Monks; and the mystical music of David Islam and the West — creating an accord of civillisations Jones and Friends with renowned musician James Morrison; Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, Dr Tariq Ramadan (professor of contemporary Islamic studies at the Oxford University) contemporary Australian indigenous music and song; and traditional Jewish chants from Dr Chandra Muzaffar (political scientist and founder of JUST, Malaysia) tenor Rabbi Philip Heilbrunn and choir. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf (chairman of the Cordoba Initiative, an independent, multi-national, International indigenous performers include: Elder Cochiti, Pueblo man; Joe Suena, and Ainu multi-religious project that works to improve Muslim world-West relations) dancers from Japan. Ancient sacred music will be performed by Natesan Ramani and Manjiri Dr Daniel C Peterson (social policy consultant and offi cer in the Salvation Army) Kelkar (Hindu), Bhai Kultar Singh (Sikh) and a Zoroastrian choir. Divya Jain will dance from the Jain tradition. Evening: 7.30pm-9pm Plenary Hall Monday, December 7 Melbourne plenary The Melbourne Percussion Ensemble School Marimba Academy Morning: 9.30am-11am Room 210 Poem read by Jewish storyteller Debbie Masel Indigenous, Islamic, Hindu Balinese, Ethiopian blessing Schools and education Belaganjur and Bata Gede ceremony Convening education session — schooling, young people and social inclusion Arnold Zable, Joy Murphy and other indigenous leaders speak on the signifi cance of the river, in particular the Yarra Minister Bronwyn Pike (Victorian Minister for Education) Sergei Golovko performs Amazing Grace Captain Genevieve Peterson (Salvation Army) Melbourne Singers of Gospel Maria Minto-Cahill (Catholic Education Offi ce, Melbourne) Keynote speaker: Aunty Walda Blow (Water Commission and a Yorta Yorta nations elder) Helen Butler (Australian Catholic University) Choral and dance fi nale Morning: 11.30am-1pm Room 105 Artist Anthony Breslin will create a painting on stage as the plenary progresses Business ethics Wednesday, December 9 Refl ections on the global fi nancial crisis Morning: 9.30am-11am Hans Küng (president, the Global Ethic Foundation of Tubingen University, Gemany) Steve Killelea (chairman and founder, Integrated Research Ltd; The Charitable Foundation; Women’s voices Global Peace Index; Institute for Economics and Peace East and West — spirituality and women’s leadership in different religious perspectives Katherine Marshall (senior fellow, the Berkley Centre for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, US) Arini Beaumaris (national secretary, Australia Baha’i Community) Simon Longstaff (president, The Australian Association for Professional & Applied Ethics and Susan Brennan (YWCA World President) a director of several companies) Jennifer Kanis (councillor, City of Melbourne) Afternoon: 4.30pm-6pm Room 201 Wendy Sargent (coordinator, UN Dialogue Among Civilisations Forum in Australia) Performance Morning: 9.30am-11am Room 210 Sacred music of India — a double-bill with fl autist Natesan Ramani and singer Manjiri Kelkar Religions and society Dr Ramani, India’s greatest fl ute player, will offer selected compositions of Carnatic (south The Future of Religion in Australia? Melbourne’s religious leaders in dialogue with young Indian) music people (seminar 2) Manjiri, Indian classical singer and fi rst winner of India’s highly regarded Bismillah Khan Award, Archbishop Dr Philip Freier (Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne) will sing selected traditional north Indian sacred music ragas, with romantic undertones Rabbi John Levi (former deputy president, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, and a Evening: 7.30pm-9pm Plenary Hall patron of the Council of Christians and Jews [Australia]) Sheikh Isse A. Musse (Imam, Virgin Mary Mosque and spiritual leader of Melbourne’s Horn of Youth plenary Africa Muslim community) Be inspired by the work being undertaken by young people around the world as they Mathew Luke Crane, Alana Bruce, Azmeena Hussain (members of the PWR Youth Committee) tackle global issues using leadership and creativity 11:30am - 1:00pm Room 215 Hugh Evans (director, Global Poverty Project Australia) Family Platform Youth Theatre: Extract from “Faith, Diversity and Difference” The Importance of Family Tuesday, December 8 Elder Dirk Smibert (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Morning: 8am-1pm Room 202 Dienen Karna (medicine woman of the Aborigine Ya’idt-midtung group, north-eastern Victoria) Rabbi Rayna Gevurtz (formely Rabbi at King David School she Rabbi at Temple Beth Israel [TBI]) Convocation of Hindu spiritual leaders Mejinderpal Kaur (legal director and chair of the UK chapter of United Sikhs) A special feature of the Melbourne Parliament will be an assembly of some of the most Afternoon: 2.30pm-4pm Plenary Hall outstanding Hindu spiritual leaders of India. The convocation of saints will begin with Vedic chanting, prayers, meditation and music. These opening observances will be followed by Closing plenary eminent speakers on universal themes such as spiritual values and peace, as well as current Indigenous performance issues such as humanitarian work, education, and the environment. Sikh, Islamic, Buddhist blessing Morning: 9.30am-11am Room 102 Speech from Bob Randall (member of the stolen generation, Yankunytjatjara elder and traditional owner of Uluru) Speech from Dadi Janki (administrative head and spiritual leader of the Brahma Kumaris Indigenous people and education World Spiritual University) The centrality of spirituality in Australian indigenous education Performance: Australian Girls Choir Nereda White (Gooreng Gooreng woman, Australian Catholic University) Performance: sand animation artist & Tenzin Choegyal Aunty Joan Hendriks (Ngugi people, co-chair, Reconciliation Australia) Keynote address: His Holiness Dalai Lama Performance: Michael Fitzpatrick (solo cellist) Closing speech: Dr Abdul Malik Mujahid (new board chair of the Council of the Parliament of the World’s Religions) Dya Singh and other world musician performance Closing: indigenous dancers and Gyuto Monks Procession of dissolved sand from Tibetan sand mandala to the Yarra River

NATAGE F014 Exhibition Information Registering Onsite for The 2009 Parliament will feature an exciting and highly distinctive exhibition. Over 60 diverse religious, spiritual and community organisations from around the world will the Parliament of the come together at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Along with an array of international World’s Religions art work, the exhibition is set to encourage interfaith discussion and cooperation, inspiring participants to listen, exchange views and learn. Exhibition and Visual Arts Opening Times Onsite registration for the Parliament of the World’s Religions will open at 11am this Thursday December 3 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Friday 4 December 9.00 am – 5.00 pm The Parliament itself will not officially begin until that evening at 7.30pm with the Saturday 5 December 9.00 am – 7.30 pm Opening Plenary, but local Parliament Director Janetta Stones is encouraging those Sunday 6 December 9.00 am – 7.30 pm people who can to register earlier in the day in order to avoid queues. “We’ll have plenty Monday 7 December 9.00 am – 7.30 pm of easily recognisable volunteers available to assist people with their registration and answer any other questions they have about the event”. Tuesday 8 December 9.00 am – 7.30 pm Wednesday 9 December 9.00 am – 2.00 pm The Parliament’s Registration desk will be in the concourse of the Exhibition Centre, off Clarendon Street. Access to the exhibition and visual arts display is available to all Parliaments participants The Parliament is offering a range of Registration packages which are outlined on the displaying a name badge. inside front cover of this publication as well as online at www.parliamentofreligions.org Feature Exhibitors Senior Registration is available to registrants aged 60 years and older who hold a seniors card. The Seniors card (or international ID for proof of age) must be from a 3Fish Readings Books Music Film locally or internationally recognised body. 8/75 High Street, Woodend Carlton, Hawthorn, Malvern, Victoria, 3442 St Kilda, Port Melbourne, Concession Registration is available to those who hold a valid concession card. P. 0354 271175 F. 0354 271176 State Library Please bring your seniors/concession card with you when you register onsite www.3fi sh.com.au Ph. 9347 6633 email: [email protected] Note: Student and Children Concessions are defined as a holder of a student identification card, or must be a Guru Nanak Nishkam child aged between 13 – 16. The Student card must be from a locally or internationally recognised tertiary or website: www.readings.com.au secondary educational institution. Students must be studying full time to qualify for the discounted rate. Sewak Jatha Birmingham, England Please bring your student card with you when you register onsite. [email protected] Walking Meditation At Batman Park T 0044 (0) 121 551 1125 Whether you’re attending the Parliament of the World’s Religions or not, you can The Laws of Life Science of Spirituality experience its special atmosphere by taking part in walking meditation at Batman Park Contact: Roza Riaikkenen Melbourne: (03) 9898 8950 every morning from 7.30am to 8.30am from Wednesday 2nd December to Wednesday [email protected] Sydney: (02) 9634 5805 9th December. Margarita Riaikkenen email: [email protected] [email protected] The walking meditation will be led each morning by a different Buddhist group, www.sos.org/australia www.essays.riaikkenen.com beginning on Wednesday 2nd December with three nuns from the Order of Interbeing, www.riaikkenen.com led by the famous Vietnamese Zen Master and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. Everyone is welcome, especially beginners. There will also be a prayer labyrinth set up The National Opal Collection at Batman Park, with a special program of guided walks. Batman Park runs between 60 Pitt St., Sydney NSW 2000 Kingsway and Spencer Streets, and is a short walk from The Melbourne Convention and Tel: 61-2-9247 6344 Hartley Film Foundation Exhibition Centre. For full details of the Parliament’s Offsite Program, visit the offsite Fax: 61-2-9247 6355 Westport, USA section of the Parliament’s website – www.parliamentofreligions.org email: [email protected] (203) 226 9500 web: www.nationalopal.com www.hartleyfoundation.org ANSVAR AGE 8182 1109 AGE 8182 ANSVAR

How to support Cultural Infusion By Donation As a not-for-profit organisation, classed as a charitable institution, donations are tax deductible. By Gift The organisation has been endorsement by the Australian Government as a deductible gift recipient. Schools Programs Encourage teachers to consider these programs as part of the school curriculum. Sponsorship Provide sponsorship for one or more of its programs and activities which include intercultural and multidisciplinary events, concerts, shows and tours. For further information contact 1800 010 269 or visit www.culturalinfusion.org.au Cultural Infusion gratefully acknowledges the support of the following organisations Have faith in us, we’re the experts

We insure over 38,000 places of worship around the world, from St Paul’s Cathedrals in London and Melbourne to Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Berkeley NSW. Australia’s leading insurer of faith organisations can also offer you peace of mind for your house and car. Call 1800 729 513 for our competitive insurance rates. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Policy Wording before deciding whether to acquire or to continue to hold the product. These are available from Ansvar Insurance or from our website ansvar.com.au Insurance Products are issued by Ansvar Insurance Ltd. ABN 21 007 216 506 AFSL 237826 Member of the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group active partner

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NATAGE F015 2010 Interfaith Calendar

Key Dates for Cultural Inclusion

www.culturalinfusion.org.au

January February March 5 Birthday Guru Gobind Singh Ji (Sikh) 13 National Apology Day (Koori Community) 2 The Fast –Beginning (Baha’i) 6 Epiphany (Christian) 13-14 Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year 14-21 Cultural Diversity Week 7 Christmas Day (Orthodox Christian) (Buddhist – Mahayana – Chinese, Vietnamese) (Victorian Multicultural Commission) 14-15 Thai Pongal – Ekadasi (Hindu) 17 Ash Wednesday (Christian) 20 The Fast – Ending (Baha’i) 18 Founders Day (BrahmaKumaris) 23 Maha Shiva Ratri (Hindu) 21 Naw Ruz (Baha’i) 30 Tu B’Shvat (Jewish) 26 Mawlid-al-Nabi (Muslim) 27 National Walk for Values (Sathya Sai) 26 Ayyam-i-Ha (Baha’i) 28 Palm or Passion Sunday (Christian) 28 Purim (Jewish) 30 - 6 April Pesach (Jewish) April May June 1 Maundy (Holy) Thursday (Christian) 2 Feast of Rivdan – Ending (Baha’i) 3 Mabo Day (Koori Community) 2 Good Friday (Christian Orthodox) 6 Easwaramma (Sathya Sai) 16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji (Sikh) 3 Shri Ram Navami (Hindu) 13 World Falun Dafa Day (Fulun Gong) 20 Refugee Day (National) 4 Easter Sunday (Christian Orthodox) 19-20 Shavuot (Jewish) 25 Poson (Buddhist – Theravada, Sri Lankan) 11 Yom Ha Sho’ah (Jewish) 23 Pentescost (Christian, Orthodox) 20 - 26 Refugee Week (National) 13-14 New Year (Hindu) 23 Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) 14 Vaisakhi / Birth of Khalsa (Sikh) 26 National Sorry Day (Koori Community) 14 New Year 27 Anniversary of 1967 Referendum (National) (Buddhist – Theravada, Burmese, Cambodian, 27 Vesak (Buddhist – Thervada, Burmese, Cambodian, Lao, Sri Lanka) Lao, Sri Lankan) 28 Vesak (Buddhist – Mahayana, Chinese, Vietnamese) 19 Yom Ha’atzmaut (Jewish) 29 Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) 21 Feast of Rivdan – Beginning (Baha’i) 27 - 3 June Reconciliation Week (National) July August September 4-11 NAIDOC Week (Koori Community) 4 National Aboriginal & Islander Children’s Day 1 Installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh) 8 Israa’/Me’raj (Muslim) (Koori Community) 5 Lailatul-Qadr (Muslim) 9 Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i) 5 Raksha Bhandhan (Hindu, Brahma Kumaris) 9-10 Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) 20 Tisha B’Av (Jewish) 9 International Koori Day (Koori Community) 10 Eid-al-Fitr – Ending of Ramadan (Muslim) 26 Lailatul-Bara’at (Muslim) 11 Ramadan – First Day (Muslim) 16-26 Royal Melbourne Show (Victoria) 23 Shri Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) 18 Yom Kippur (Jewish) 24 Vulan Festival 21 International Peace Day (United Nations) (Buddhist – Mahayana, Chinese, Vietnamese) 21-27 InterFaith Week (National) 22 Children’s Festival (Buddhist – Mahayana Vietnamese) 23-29 Sukkot (Jewish) 24 Shri Khrisna Jeyanthi (Hindu, Brahma Kumaris) 30 Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) October November December 1 Simchat Torah (Jewish) 1 All Saints Day (Christian) 2-9 Chanukah (Jewish) 8 Pchum Ben (Buddhist – Theravada, Cambodian & Thai) 9-10 Akhand Bhajans – Global (Sathya Sai) 7 Muharram (Muslim) 17 Deepavali /Diwali (Hindu) 12 Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) 16 Day of Ashura (Muslim) 20 Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) 15 Yaum-al-Arafah – Hajj (Muslim) 25 Christmas Day (Christian) 20 Proclamation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh) 16 Eid-al-Adha (Muslim) 24 United Nations Day (Interfaith) 21 Birthday of Guru Nanak Ji (Sikh) 23 Birthday of Sai Baba (Sathya Sai) 24 Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (Sikh) 28 Advent Sunday (Christian)

For more information regarding Interfaith and Cultural Inclusion please contact one of the following organisations: Interfaith Network InterAction Greenfaith Australia Patheos Greater City of Dandenong Multifaith Youth Network www.greenfaithaustralia.org www.patheos.com www.interfaithnetwork.org [email protected] [email protected] www.interaction.org.au Tel/Fax President: 03 9547 8958 Eagle image taken at Kinglake Victoria Can we beNote: Datesyour for Muslim Holy Days and Festivalspartner are the EXPECTED dates only and should be confirmedin by physical cultural moon sightings or contacting the local masjid (mosque). inclusion?© 2009 Andrew Williams

Cultural Infusion is a national not-for-profit Through a range of school programs, national organisation utilising arts, culture and technology and community tours and performances, to promote harmony, diversity, inclusiveness and Cultural Infusion provides the gateway to well-being in schools and communities. intercultural and social dialogue. A proud supporter of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. With the introduction of new programs focusing on health and well-being, as well as continuing to deliver established programs featuring International artists and performers capturing the hearts and minds of audiences Australia-wide, Cultural Infusion is your ideal partner to assist you in delivering cultural and social awareness and inclusiveness. For more information on how we can partner with you contact 1800 010 069 or email www.culturalinfusion.org.au [email protected] a not-for-profit organisation CI-TheAge-16

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