BALLARAT Interfaith Network will begin their celebration of the United Nations\u2019 World Interfaith Harmony Week next Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The annual observance from 1 to 7 February was launched by the intergovernmental organisation in 2010 to encourage connection between different religions and develop mutual understanding around the globe.<\/p>\n
A flag raising ceremony is planned for 11am at St Peter\u2019s Anglican Church on Sturt Street, with speeches from Rajinder Singh Gill on behalf of the local Sikh community and the City of Ballarat\u2019s Cr Belinda Coates.<\/p>\n
In a statement released by the BIN last week, organisers said they were optimistic for a successful event with QR code check-ins, double vaccination, masks and social distancing required.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeveral representatives of different faiths within the Ballarat region will be offering their own prayers for local, national and global interfaith respect and harmony,\u201d said Margaret Lenan Ellis, chair, Ballarat Interfaith Network.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese will include Father Michael O\u2019Brien of St Peter\u2019s Anglican Church on behalf of Christianity, Elham Jamali on behalf of the Baha\u2019i community of Ballarat, Ajahn Maha Chi, monk at the local Thai Buddhist Temple, Heba Mamdough, a Muslim member of the Islamic Society of Ballarat and children from the Ballarat Hindu Temple and Community Centre chanting a Mantra prayer.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a time of such uncertainty and anxiety as we have been experiencing during the pandemic, celebrating interfaith harmony can offer a light of hope and stability in our homes and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last year, BIN\u2019s flag raising event drew spectators from more than 20 faith communities, with a Walk and Talk event also held at the Indigenous Sculpture Park.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT Interfaith Network will begin their celebration of the United Nations\u2019 World Interfaith Harmony Week next Tuesday. The annual observance from 1 to 7 February was launched by the intergovernmental organisation in 2010 to encourage connection between different religions and develop mutual understanding around the globe. A flag raising ceremony is planned for 11am at […]<\/p>\n