An afternoon walking together in friendship and goodwill between a church, synagogue and a mosque.
Starting with a prayer of peace and reflections and then learn about some of the history and traditions of each of the places we visit.Congregating at St Peters Eastern Hill Anglican Church Hall, participants heard official acknowledgements, welcomes and speeches launching the gathering.
The masterful St Francis of Assisi Prayer was experienced.
Those wishing to, were invited to light a candle of Peace in the Church as we left.
We walked across the road to the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation Synagogue with a welcome by Rabbi Dovid Gutnick included a sacred horn and deer-skin parchment demonstration. Those assembled heard about Sephardic Jews, originating from areas around Mediterranean Sea, including Portugal, Spain, Middle East and Northern Africa. (Last year, we heard about “Ashkenaz”, a Hebrew word meaning "Germany", so Ashkenazi Jews became known as Jews originating from Eastern Europe.) We were then witness to an inspired scriptural performance from Oud soloist and sacred song duo.
And then onto to the Carlton North Albanian Mosque either via the beautiful walk marked out by organizers or the courtesy bus. At the Mosque, we were warmly greeted and seated. The Hosts invited us to celebrate the commonality of the Three Abrahamic religions who all have Torah, Bible and a Koran founder of Abraham/Ibrahim and reasons for a continued shared peace in Australia. With official proceedings over, the Mosque invited participants to enjoy a generous spread of light refreshments.
Organizers and participants wished to show that people of different faith traditions can and are working together in mutual respect understanding and friendship. Faiths are not the underlying basis for violence or something to be feared. Faith brings values that enhance and build strong and harmonious communities
On behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN), thankyou to JCMA for inspired leadership and free attendance. A memorable presentation, skilful programming, food and collective pride, received with gratitude.
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Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia
Ginette Everest, Executive Officer
Tel: (03) 9287 5590 or 0400 211 221
Email: executiveofficer@jcma.org.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcmaonline
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jcmaoz using #JCMAwalk and #JCMAfriendship.
JCMA is proudly supported by the Islamic Council of Victoria, Victorian Council of Churches and Jewish Community Council of Victoria.
