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Left to right: Yasser Soliman, Swami Shankarananda, Paul Gardner, Archbishop Denis Hart, John Dupuche.
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The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne launched its guidelines ‘Promoting Interfaith Relations’ on 21 August and invited Swamiji to speak at this significant event.
Father John Dupuche was the MC for the evening and began by introducing Rev. Christopher Prowse who introduced the guidelines. Rev. Prowse praised the prudent nature of the guidelines which he hoped would correct the misunderstanding that all religion causes violence. Rev Prowse quoted the words of Pope John Paul 11 when he encouraged a mature dialogue of interfaith issues based on “deep respect, hope and love”.
Father John then introduced a range of speakers from various faiths including, Dr Paul Gardiner (B’nai B’rith Antidiscrimination Commission), Mr Yassar Soliman (Islamic Council of Victoria), Venerable Carolyn Lawler (Spiritual Program Director, Tara Institute) and Swamiji.
Swamiji expressed his admiration for the Catholic Church in producing the guidelines, which he said brought lofty ideals into practical reality. He said, “This document is a praiseworthy rumination on the issues in interfaith and it also stands as a guide for how we should deal with all our relationships. In interfaith (as in relationships) it is important to listen and also to speak with what I like to call truth and kindness.” Swamiji also commented that “Interfaith is an evolutionary movement…It is important for spiritual people to give their blessings to others to follow whatever their spiritual path is.”
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