QUEENSLAND LEADS THE COUNTRY ON COMMUNITY HARMONY

Multiculturalism Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Queensland was leading the way nationally with representatives of the Christian, Islamic and Jewish faiths meeting in Brisbane on Wednesday to discuss ways to encourage community harmony.

Ms Nelson-Carr said 200 religious representatives, community leaders and government representatives would share their views on how to achieve a tolerant and peaceful community at the Abrahamic Faiths Forum, which was funded by Multicultural Affairs Queensland, at Parliament House in Brisbane on 7 February.

“Queensland is leading the way, despite the Federal Government’s move away from multiculturalism, in bringing together the Abrahamic faiths,” she said.

“The forum will enable the three Abrahamic faiths to work together, showing their strong commitment to building a state-wide culture characterised by respect for all groups and a shared humanity.

“The participants will aim to find a common ground and develop strategies and recommendations so their communities can respond positively to global events that tarnish their good standing in the broader community.

“This united front will help to lessen the negative perceptions that result from the extremist behaviour of a minority.”

Sandy McCutcheon, noted ABC broadcaster and author, will facilitate the forum.

Workshops throughout the day include:

· The role of education in promoting interfaith dialogue;

· The role of community, political and faith leaders in promoting interfaith dialogue;

· Media representations of religion responding to international incidents and community development; and

· Reconciliation between the faiths.

Media contact: Andie Gatti 3336 8002