Representatives of Australia’s diverse faith communities came together from almost every state in Australia at a day-long forum in Sydney on 7 May to discuss the role of religion in 21st century Australia.
The forum was organised by the Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations (APRO) to mark its tenth anniversary. Panellists and participants came from the Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Sikh and Baha’i communities. The forum was held at NSW Parliament House and was sponsored by the NSW government through its Community Relations Commission. The Forum was co organised by APRO members Josie Lacey, who chaired the Forum and Natalie Mobini who provided the concluding summation.
The forum was organised by the Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations, (APRO) under the presidency of Professor Abd Malak, to mark its tenth anniversary.
The forum was opened by NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities, the Hon Victor Dominello.
Veteran journalist Barney Zwartz was the keynote speaker on the role of religion in 21st century Australia, exploring current realities and possible futures. Among the key challenges he identified for faith communities in the next few years were the rising pressure in Australia to make religion private and exclude religions from the public square, the ingoing impact of the sexual abuse crisis, and the new media landscape. He noted that inter-faith activities, which were once novel and hence newsworthy, have now become mainstream.
Panel members from Religions for Peace: Dr Anna Halafoff and Prof. Des Cahill
Three panel discussions brought together 14 expert panellists, including representatives of all seven faith communities, to discuss key issues related to religion, rights and responsibilities; religions and beliefs education; and the role of inter-faith relations in building a united community .The panels were moderated by journalists from the ABC religion unit Dr Rachael Kohn, Mr Noel Debien and Mr John Cleary.
Delegates and Speakers at the APRO Forum in Sydney
