Senior representatives from Victoria’s faith communities came together in Melbourne this week to renew friendships and reaffirm their shared commitment to peace, unity and social cohesion.
The Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG), convened by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), hosted the gathering, bringing together senior leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, Baha’i and other faith communities to discuss how they can continue fostering harmony across the state.
Faith leaders shared reflections from their own traditions and pledged to work collaboratively to strengthen the social fabric of Victoria. The discussions were described as open, respectful and deeply grounded in the shared goal of creating a more peaceful community.
As part of the event, each participant received a paper butterfly—a symbol of transformation and new life—and was invited to write a personal message of peace and hope. The butterflies were then exchanged among attendees in a gesture that captured the spirit of mutual understanding and unity that defines the MAG.
Sheik Muhammad Nawas Saleem from the Board of Imams Victoria said the gathering reinforced the importance of shared responsibility for peace. “In Islam, we believe that peace is a gift from God and a responsibility we all share. Today’s gathering reinforced this beautiful truth. When we sit together across faiths, listen to one another and commit to harmony, we honour not just our own traditions but the shared values that bind us as Victorians.”
Rabbi Daniel Rabin from the Rabbinical Council of Victoria reflected on the shared purpose across faiths. “In Jewish tradition, Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—is central to our faith. Today, as faith leaders from different communities came together to share our hopes for peace, we were doing exactly that. The Multifaith Advisory Group embodies this principle, working toward a Victoria where all communities thrive in harmony.”
His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia highlighted the common ground among communities. “The Orthodox Christian tradition teaches us that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. Today’s gathering renewed our commitment to recognising that divine presence in one another and working together for peace, unity and the common good across Victoria’s diverse faith communities.”
From the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria, Jasbir Singh Suropada spoke about unity through service. “In Sikhism, we believe in Langar—the concept of community service and equality for all. Today’s gathering reflected that same spirit of unity and mutual care. When leaders from different faiths come together with open hearts to discuss peace and harmony, we strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together. This is how we build a Victoria that truly belongs to everyone.”
VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM said the event illustrated the enduring importance of interfaith dialogue. “Today’s luncheon showcased the power of interfaith dialogue. Faith leaders shared their hopes for peace, reminding us that our commitment to harmony and social cohesion transcends all faiths. The Multifaith Advisory Group remains a vital bridge between government and Victoria’s diverse communities.”
The MAG continues to play an essential role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between Victoria’s faith groups, ensuring that the state’s diversity remains its strength.
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