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Interfaith Encounters Program
Interfaith Encounters is an Interfaith empowering experience. Watch the video to see the program in action
Encounters Program
In 2020, with support and guidance from the Columban Centre for Christian‑Muslim Relations, Catholic Mission began developing a new inter‑school program, Interfaith Encounters.
The program was co‑developed and piloted with 60 senior students from Unity Grammar in Austral and St Patrick’s Marist College in Dundas.
“The shared vision for this program was evident as was the structure of the activities. It has made clear that we need to be proactive in seeking out these opportunities of experiencing another faith life,” says Matthew Paton, Assistant Principal of St Patrick’s Marist College
In 2021, Catholic Mission’s Interfaith Encounters team will roll out the program with two more school partnerships in Western Sydney. Using Catholic Mission’s educational pedagogy, firmly based on experiential and immersive learning, the program is committed to celebrating difference, deepening faith, and promoting peace and social cohesion. The program provides students with knowledge, skills and experience in identity, dignity, and diversity.
“We often look at the similarities, but it is also very important to look at some of the differences, to come to peace and be able to navigate through these differences because this is what makes us unique,” says Sheikh Arshad Khan, Head of Islamic Studies at Unity Grammar.
During the six‑module program, students come together to get to know one another. Students grow a new appreciation of embracing diversity, experience visiting sacred places of different faith traditions, dialogue genuinely and openly with others from Muslim and Christian faiths and commit to concrete actions of harmony.
“What I love about this program is that it’s actually just about being the best human being you can be,” says Aaron Boyd, CEO of Unity Grammar.
“Dialogue between the followers of different religions does not take place simply for the sake of diplomacy, consideration or tolerance. In the words of the bishops of India, ‘the goal of dialogue is to establish friendship, peace and harmony, and to share spiritual and moral values and experiences in a spirit of truth and love’.”
Pope Francis wrote in the encyclical Fratelli Tutti
For further information, please call 1800 257 296 or email info@catholicmission.org.au •
Evangelii Gaudium (Image: Simone Medri)
