Respectful understanding sought between different religions

Members of the Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations released a statement to mark ten years after September 11, 2001.

We, the representatives of the major religions affiliated to the Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations (APRO), remember with sorrow the events which took place in the United States ten years ago on September 11 (“9/11”). We mourn the victims, and unite in condemnation of all acts of violence perpetrated in the name of religion.

As members of APRO, we resolve to play our part in the effort to ensure that such actions are relegated to history.

Accordingly, we undertake to continue and intensify our endeavour to combat all forms of religious prejudice, discrimination and the incitement of religious hatred. To this end, the leaders of the religions affiliated to APRO will act vigorously to encourage the pursuit of knowledge and peaceful dialogue among people of all religious beliefs, and to prevent the emergence of any material and practice that denigrates, insults or vilifies the followers of any other religion.

Our organisations acknowledge the Australian achievement of an open and welcoming society in which the members of all religious groups enjoy mutual respect and acceptance. We will be vigilant to preserve this achievement, and to act as partners in the creation of a culture of peace and respect for human rights and dignity.

We call on all our members to develop and improve information, discussion and educational exchange programs which encourage personal contact and respectful understanding between the members of the different religions.

The Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations (APRO) is a peak-of-peak body that was established in 2003.

It is unique in that it comprises representatives of major faith bodies as well as national-level multicultural community organisations.

APRO is a practical example of how successfully faith and ethnic communities can work collaboratively in Australia. It is auspiced by the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA).

This statement is endorsed by the following organisations:

• Australian Baha’i Community
• Australian Federation of Islamic Councils
• Australian Multicultural Foundation
• Australian Sangha Association
• Executive Council of Australian Jewry
• Federation of African Communities Councils
• Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
• Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia
• Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia’s Women’s Interfaith Network
• Hindu Community
• National Council of Churches in Australia
• Religions for Peace (Australia)
• Settlement Council of Australia
• Sikh Community
• UNESCO Chair, Interreligious and Intercultural Relations – Asia Pacific, Monash University