Understanding the Three Abrahamic Faiths:
I think that we all as human beings have a duty to respect the beliefs of others. I think that we should also try to understand the faith of others, even though we have to acknowledge that there are limits to our understanding.
David Lange, 2004.
Open Peace Lecture. Otago University.
Our group was formed here in Dunedin in the aftermath of the events of September 11th 2001 out of spontaneous expressions of solidarity and goodwill between leaders of our three faiths, the police and the Dunedin City Council. We exist to express a common heritage and concern, as people of faith in Dunedin.
Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all Abrahamic faiths. All three can trace their faith back to Abraham. Ordinary people from al three faiths share a deep desire for peace and justice. We seek to encourage and model friendship and respect for each other.
In the past, much of the thinking and talking about religion in New Zealand had to do with Christianity. Today, it includes Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Bahai, Hinduism, Confucianism and many others. Part of this is a reflection of our changing New Zealand society; the result of people from other parts of the world choosing to settle here and making New Zealand their home. It is also the result of an increasing understanding about the world we live in.
Of course, religious diversity confronts us with many challenges. The place of religion itself in the public arena, the accommodation of various religious practices in public institutions such as schools and universities, or the real fear of religious conflict are just some of the questions that have no ready answers and require serious consideration.
"The Multi-faith Conference: Uni-Diversity: The challenges of Change" 8th-9th September at the University of Auckland, will seek to address some of these concerns. The experiences and expertise of our international and local speakers from a variety of perspectives on religion will challenge us. More than this, I believe they will point to a creative way forward which will enable the wisdom of the many religious traditions to enrich and inform our modern age.I sincerely hope you can join us.
See www.multifaith2008.ac.nz/multifaith
for further information and to register
Rev. Uesifili Unasa
Conference Chaplain
University of Auckland
Greg Hughson
Otago Tertiary Chaplaincy
Box 1436, Dunedin, NZ.
Ph 03 479 8497
Mobile 027 212 1048
www.otago.ac.nz/chaplain