Senior representatives from Victoria’s diverse faith communities have come together in Melbourne for a special luncheon dedicated to renewing friendships and strengthening their shared commitment to peace, unity, and social cohesion.
Hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG), the event brought together senior leaders from Victoria’s Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, Baha’i, and other faith communities to reflect on ways to build a more harmonious and inclusive Victoria.
VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM said the event was a powerful reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue. “Faith leaders shared their hopes for peace, reminding us that our commitment to harmony and social cohesion transcends all faiths.”
“The Multifaith Advisory Group remains a vital bridge between government and Victoria’s diverse communities.”
Throughout the gathering, MAG members shared the hopes and aspirations of their communities and pledged to continue working collaboratively for the benefit of all Victorians.
As a symbolic gesture of renewal, participants received a paper butterfly — representing transformation and new life — on which they wrote personal messages of peace and unity. They then exchanged these butterflies, creating a moving moment of connection and understanding that embodied the spirit of the MAG.
Sheik Muhammad Nawas Saleem from the Board of Imams Victoria said the event reflected Islam’s deep commitment to peace and harmony.
“In Islam, we believe that peace is a gift from God and a responsibility we all share. When we sit together across faiths, listen to one another and commit to harmony, we honour not just our own traditions but the shared values that bind us as Victorians.”
Rabbi Daniel Rabin from the Rabbinical Council of Victoria echoed the sentiment, linking the event to the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam — repairing the world: “As faith leaders from different communities came together to share our hopes for peace, we were doing exactly that.”
“The Multifaith Advisory Group embodies this principle, working toward a Victoria where all communities thrive in harmony.”
His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia said the meeting reaffirmed the shared belief in human dignity and compassion: “The Orthodox Christian tradition teaches us that we are all created in the image and likeness of God.”
“Today’s gathering renewed our commitment to recognising that divine presence in one another and working together for peace, unity and the common good.”
From the Sikh community, Jasbir Singh Suropada of the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria reflected on the spirit of service and equality, “In Sikhism, we believe in Langar – the concept of community service and equality for all.”
“When leaders from different faiths come together with open hearts, we strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together. This is how we build a Victoria that truly belongs to everyone.”
The gathering reinforced the shared vision of a peaceful, inclusive, and united Victoria — a place where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding.
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