An interfaith call for peace and harmony resonated from the steps of the Victorian Parliament this week as faith leaders gathered to mark the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, offering a powerful public symbol of unity during a time of heightened community tension.
Organised by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), the gathering brought together members of its Multi-Faith Advisory Group (MAG), representing Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, Bahá’í and other faith traditions. The visually striking assembly also served as a prelude to Cultural Diversity Week (21–29 March), reinforcing the shared values that underpin Victoria’s multicultural society.
The message carried added weight in light of recent events, including the Bondi terror attack, anti-immigration rallies, and the rise of hate speech online. Against this backdrop, faith leaders and Members of Parliament came together on the Parliament House steps during the parliamentary lunch break for a group photograph beneath a banner promoting social and religious harmony. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt MP invited fellow MPs to join, underscoring bipartisan support for unity and coexistence.
Speakers reflected on the importance of dialogue, compassion, and everyday acts of respect. Board of Imams Victoria representative Sheik Muhammad Nawas Saleem highlighted shared moral foundations across faiths. “In Islam, we believe in the principles of compassion, dialogue and love for God and neighbour. During World Interfaith Harmony Week, we share this with other faiths,” he said.
Rabbi Daniel Rabin of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria spoke of the Jewish concept of redifat shalom – the pursuit of peace – describing dialogue as a practical pathway to coexistence. “It starts with small actions, like this peaceful gathering,” he said.
From the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, Bishop Paul Barker emphasised listening as central to interfaith engagement. “Through our love for God and our neighbours, this World Interfaith Harmony Week, we listen and build bridges to other faiths,” he said.
Following the public gathering, MAG members met for a private afternoon tea, continuing conversations aimed at deepening interfaith connections and nurturing a culture of peace, hope, and mutual respect.
VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen said the week was a timely reminder of Victoria’s strengths. “World Interfaith Harmony Week reminds us that religious and faith diversity is our strength. By fostering understanding and respect, we create a more inclusive and harmonious Victoria for all.”
Minister Stitt echoed the sentiment, noting the importance of collective resolve in challenging times. “In the wake of the horrific Bondi terrorist attack, it’s more important than ever that we come together as Victorians of all faiths and backgrounds to show our commitment to harmony and humanity,” she said.
The Multi-Faith Advisory Group, chaired by the head of the VMC, comprises 27 religious leaders who advise the Victorian Government on faith-related issues and support engagement with the state’s culturally and religiously diverse communities. Their gathering at Parliament House formed part of a broader global observance of Interfaith Harmony Week, focused on reinforcing peaceful coexistence through shared values rather than division.
