About The Interfaith Network
A Brief History
Established in 1989 as the first Interfaith Network in Australia, the Network consists of various traditional and multi-faith groups who meet monthly at the Council offices. Their goal is simple – promoting understanding, respect and tolerance for each other’s beliefs by living together in peace and goodwill.
The Interfaith Network covers faith communities in the Springvale, Dandenong, Keysborough and Noble Park areas. The Network strives to achieve the vision of ‘Many Faiths, One People’.
Membership
The Network consists of leaders of the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikh faiths and their communities. The spiritual organisations of the Sathya Sai and the Brahma Kumaris are also members of the network. As the Interfaith Network becomes known and accepted, membership continues to grow.
Visit the Executive Committee page to view the Interfaith Network’s current Executive Committee.
Activities
Activities which the Interfaith Network promote include:
- An Annual Gathering of the different faith communities, held in October on the Wednesday evening nearest United Nations Day (24th October)
- A comprehensive schools program which includes a Combined Schools Annual Interfaith Gathering – also held in October
- Tours of the various places of worship within the City of Greater Dandenong for members of the general public, council staff, school teachers, students and specific interest groups
- Participation in the Annual Induction of the new Mayor, where faith leaders renew their commitment to Council by re-affirming the Common Statement to promote mutual respect and tolerance for religious and cultural diversity
- The offering of prayer on a rostered basis at fortnightly Council meetings by different faith leaders
- Involvement in celebrating community festivals like Sumnation and Harmony Day
- Sharing of faith beliefs and practices
- Providing resources for public events and multi-faith gatherings in times of significant world events
For further information about the Interfaith Network, visit our Contact Us page.
What The Interfaith Network Is and Is Not
The Interfaith Network:
- is an opportunity for dialogue and understanding
- is not an opportunity for religious argument
- is a way of living mutual respect and understanding
- is not an opportunity for conversion and proselytization
- is a positive recognition of different faiths and spiritual traditions
- is not a forum for exclusive religious claims
- is a celebration of individuality and identity of each tradition
- is not a compromise of any individual faith tradition
- is held together by human values and good-will
- is not a jealous guarding of acquired or presumed rights and privileges
- is a partnership of many faith communities and the civic authority
- is not the creation of any particular faith community
Rules
The Interfaith Network is an Incorporated body, and is governed by several rules.
Processes & Structures
Local faith leaders and faith representatives of faith communities, who support the ideals of the Common Statement and sign it, belong to the Interfaith Network. The faith leaders and faith representatives attend meetings, contribute to the development of the Network, assist in planning, and participate in activities of the Network. After participating as observers, faith leaders and faith representatives may formalise their community membership by signing the Common Statement at the Annual Gathering.
Common Statement
Faith Leaders of the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong sign a Common Statement, affirming their commitment to the City of Greater Dandenong, and their commitment to work together for peace, harmony and understanding in the community.