By Miriam Bell…
Celebrating the beauty of diversity and the power of shared spirtuality was the goal of a successful interfaith event in Auckland last weekend.
Thirty-eight women from the Auckland Abrahamic Faith communities took part in the “Multiple Blessings: A journey of Unity and Faith” afternoon on Sunday August 13.
They visited three places of worship – a church (St Peters Anglican Church, Onehunga); a mosque (the Avondale Islamic Centre); and a synagogue (Beth Shalom Progressive Jewish Congregation).
It was intended to provide an opportunity for women from different backgrounds to gain first-hand knowledge of different faith traditions, engage in meaningful conversations and build bridges of friendship.
Starting at St Peters, an hour was spent at each place of worship, and the women learnt about the fundamentals of the religion while there.
Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan [pictured above] made the opening speech at St Peters, which is in her Maungakiekie electorate.
She said that we are one of the most diverse nations in the world, and we must use that diversity to our advantage.
“While diversity is often a given, inclusion is not.
“We must help each other understand our different backgrounds, heritages, faiths, and cultures. With knowledge comes understanding.”
Auckland Councillor Josephine Bartley, who represents the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward, joined the women for the afternoon.
In a city of much diversity, events that brought together people of different cultures, religions and backgrounds were vital to breakdown barriers, she said.
“In my experience where people see differences and don’t know about each others’ differences, this leads some to fear, and hate and misunderstandings.
“Personally, as a Catholic, I found the tour to be valuable to learn about other faith organisations and origins. I hope there is another one.”
One of the event’s organisers, Beth Shalom’s Naomi Johnson, said the initiative gave participants the opportunity to mix with other women of faith as they experienced the sacred space offered by each.
“Christianity, Islam and Judaism are all Abrahamic faiths and it was interesting to see the similarities and the differences.
“This was a good learning experience for participants most of whom (but not all) were familiar with one faith but not the others.”
Another highlight was the bus trip from one place of worship to the next, where they asked for people to sit next to someone they didn’t know, she said.
“This worked a treat, the noise levels within three minutes of leaving the church heading for the mosque were high, so much happy chatter. That continued for the afternoon.”
The event was supported by the Avondale Islamic Centre, Beth Shalom, Safina Trust Board and the Astor Foundation.
At the end of the event, Astor Foundation chief executive Gael Keren said they hoped it was the beginning of a journey of understanding and harmony.
The level of the womens’ engagement was testimony to the success of the venture, she said.
“I would like to leave you with a thought from a former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. He said the best way to break down barriers between people and communities is through simple unforced acts of kindness.”
The Astor Foundation hoped that “we all carry his message with us as we complete today’s journey”, she said.
“It is simple acts of kindness that allows us to build a better society – a shared home.”
Reverend Petra Zaleski [pictured above], from St Peter’s Onehunga, also hoped the moment of mutual welcome sparked a wider movement of compassionate engagement across the country.
“One embodying the spirit of hospitality and friendship across our shared humanity.”
