NSW: APRO forum: Building a community where we all belong

On Tuesday 17 November, the Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations is conducting a forum in the Macquarie Room, Parliament House, Sydney, on Building a community where we all belong.

Australia’s future well-being and security depends on our success in forging a cohesive community in which all Australians feel they belong. Recent events in Australia and worldwide demonstrate the particular importance of building community that includes Australians of diverse religious faiths. The 2011 census data confirmed that nearly 70% of all Australians continue to profess a religion, and that the religious landscape is increasingly diverse. The continuing importance of faith and religion in the lives and identities of many Australians can no longer be ignored. At the same time, the number of Australians, and especially young Australians, who identify as having no religion has increased dramatically. They too need a sense of belonging.

If religion is to play a constructive role in building community in Australia, a range of questions need to be addressed by both public policy-makers and faith communities themselves. Historically, the world religions have been a powerful source of community solidarity. What is the role of religion in building community in Australia today? What are the role and responsibilities of religious leaders, who play an instrumental role in shaping beliefs, attitudes and relationships within and between the communities they serve? How can young people of all faiths and none contribute to building community in 21st century Australia? How can we draw on the insights and potential of women, whose voices have too often been absent at the highest levels of religious leadership?

This one-day forum will provide a timely opportunity to advance discourse on a range of issues related to the role of religion in building a united and cohesive Australian community. It will bring religious and community leaders together in an exchange of views that also includes government officials, academics, and interested community members.

Forum Details

Welcome and acknowledgement of country: Mrs Josie Lacey OAM (Forum co-convenor)
Introduction to APRO, Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations
Panel Discussion: The role of religious leaders in building community
Official remarks: The Hon John Ajaka MLC, Minister for Multiculturalism
The Hon Sophie Cotsis MLC, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism
Panel Discussion: Youth building community: Insights from the Youth Parliament of the World’s Religions
Panel Discussion: Women of faith: Building community together
Closing remarks, Summation and thanks: Dr Natalie Mobini

Funding for this event has been provided by the NSW Government through Multicultural NSW