Religious dialogue in Multifaith Australia

1. Write down the definition for ecumenism and interfaith

dialogue.
Ecumenism: The movement among Christian Churches to
promote the restoration of unity among all Christians.
Interfaith dialogue: The move to greater cooperation and
harmony between different religious traditions.
2. How have Australian churches maintained their
relevance in a secular society?
In an increasingly secularised society, the Australian
mainstream churches have renewed their relevance by
becoming vitally involved in issues of peace and social justice.
3. Outline the development of the Uniting Church in
Australia.
The dialogue wasnt there, since the formation of the Uniting
Church.
4. What is the NCCA? When was it formed? What is its
role?
NCCA is National Council Churches in Australia, which was
formed in 1946. Its role is to represent the voice of the
Christian Churches in public debate In recent years. Its role is
to represent the voice of Australians
5. What are the Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox
leaders doing that they could not thirty years ago?
Today they meet, discuss and agree on matters of doctrine to
a level unimaginable thirty years ago.
6. What did the post war period bring for Australia?
It brought with it a dramatic diversification of Australias
ethnic and religious make-up, forced a reassessment of old
sectarian ways.
7. What was the turning point in interreligious relations?
The holding of the fifth world assembly of the World
Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP) in Melbourne in
1989 was a turning point in interreligious relations n Australia.
8. What steps are being taken in relation to interfaith
dialogue at a normal level?
The Uniting Church has established working groups on
relations with both Muslim and Jewish communities
The Catholic Church has a Committee for ecumenical
and Interfaith Relations
The Council of Christians and Jews has continued to
expand and has developed a strong national structure.
The Commission for Dialogue with Living Faith and
Community Relations of the NCCA has become far more
focused.
9. Read the Interfaith initiatives box and summarise the
main goals of either the Australian Council of
Christians and Jews or the Affinity Intercultural
foundation.
 The Australian Council of Christians and Jews
Active in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth
Made up of Christians and Jews who recognise their
common heritage and seek to promote understanding.
Stand together against anti-Semitism
Activities include, annual Holocaust remembrance
services, and education seminars and courses designed
to deepen mutual understanding and respect.
Seeks to foster broader interfaith relations, particularly
dialogue between Christians, Jews and Muslims.
10. A) Who are they
Columbans are missionary society of priests who work in 17
countries
B) What do they do?
They support the struggle of the poor for real participation and
against injustice.
C) Where do they operate?
They operate in 17 countries including: Australia, New
Zealand, Britain, Ireland, Fiji, China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar
(former Burma), Philippines, Taiwan, Pakistan, Chile, Peru,
Brazil, Mexico and the United States
D) Why do they engage in this work?
They see solidarity with the poor and commitment to the
integrity of creation as essential elements of missionary
commitment.