As representatives of Victoria’s diverse faith communities, Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) affirms that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and connected in the place they call home.
Our faith traditions offer different pathways of belief and practice, while sharing a commitment to compassion, human dignity and care for our neighbours. These values call us to reach beyond our own communities and build relationships across differences.
In a changing world, uncertainty, conflict and social pressures can deepen fear and division. Events overseas can also affect relationships here in Victoria. We recognise the grief and concern that people carry, and affirm that no person or community should face hostility or be held responsible for events because of their faith, ethnicity or background.
Belonging does not require us to be the same or to agree on everything. It grows when we listen with respect, make room for different experiences and work together for the common good. We can hold firmly to our beliefs while respecting the rights and dignity of others.
We acknowledge First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country and recognise that stronger communities must be grounded in respect for their cultures, histories and continuing connection to Country.
We commit to:
- Building relationships across communities, creating opportunities to meet, share meals, learn from one another and develop trust.
- Standing against racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of religious hatred and discrimination, and supporting those who experience them.
- Welcoming newcomers and people experiencing isolation, making our communities more accessible and inclusive.
- Listening across generations, valuing young people’s voices alongside the experience and wisdom of older people.
- Working together to meet local needs, supporting people facing hardship and strengthening partnerships with community organisations and local government.
- Responding to disagreement with care, choosing respectful dialogue and rejecting intimidation and violence.
Stronger neighbourhoods are built through everyday acts: learning a neighbour’s name, offering help, sharing a table and speaking up when someone is excluded.
We invite all Victorians—of every faith and of no religious belief—to join us in this shared responsibility. Together, we can build neighbourhoods where our differences are respected, our contributions are valued and everyone has a place.
Together we belong. Together we build stronger neighbourhoods.
MORE:
Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV)Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) is comprised of the following peak bodies: Baha'i Community of Victoria, Brahma Kumaris Australia, Buddhist Council of Victoria, Hindu Council of Australia (Victoria), Islamic Council of Victoria, Jain Council of Victoria, Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria and Victorian Council of Churches.