Multifaith Gathering at Parliament House for those impacted by bushfires

Multifaith Gathering at Parliament House for those impacted by bushfiresThe Victorian Multicultural Commission, in conjunction with the Faith Communities Council of Victoria, hosted  a multifaith event at the steps of parliament to support the parliament in their efforts to lead the state, support the recovery efforts and show support for the bushfire victims and firefighters.


The gathering brought together the faith and community leaders, firefighters, emergency services workers and politicians in a public display of solidarity to give thanks to our emergency services and volunteers who have worked tirelessly and risked their lives during the devastating crisis.
 
Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO led the Welcome to Country on the steps, followed by a welcome to all by Viv Nguyen, Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. This was followed by speeches from the Premier, Daniel Andrews; Opposition Leader, Michael O’Brien; and Greens Leader, Samantha Ratnam who also expressed their solidarity for the bushfire victims and thanked the faith communities for their role in coming together and supporting those impacted by the devastating events.
 
Reverend Hugh Kempster from St. Peter’s Eastern Hill closed the gathering with a prayer and meditation saying 
 

“We are thankful for the fire fighters and others who work tirelessly to protect our people, our land, all creation.
For the volunteers, for those who donate money, supplies, their homes, to assist those in need.
Fill us all with compassion and mercy, to stand alongside our sisters and brothers affected by the fire.
Anoint and soothe the wounds of the victims, seen and unseen.
May we be balm to one another. Heal the land, the people, the flora and fauna.
Heal our hearts, make us new again”

 

Multifaith Gathering at Parliament House for those impacted by bushfires
Multifaith Gathering at Parliament House for those impacted by bushfires