TRADITIONAL faith stories will be shared next week at a special gathering of religious and cultural groups.
The Brimbank and Maribyrnong Interfaith Network, launched in December 2010, is celebrating the importance of stories within faiths and traditions via the theme Neighbourhood Faith Stories.
Leaders from Buddhist, Aboriginal, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths and cultures will discuss the role of storytelling in each group.
BMIN is open to all individuals and religious groups to promote initiatives between different faiths and cultural groups in the two municipalities.
The Venerable Phuoc Tan, of Quan Minh Temple in Braybrook, says he is delighted be a member of the network.
He said the multicultural western suburbs were home to people from many different faiths and cultural backgrounds.
“It is vital we have a constant exchange of conversations and meetings and I think having the interfaith network allows us to do this.”
Mr Tan said more could be done to unite different faith groups in the area.
“We might live close together but it seems we are still quite far apart,” he said.
“There is a potential for trouble to occur between different groups if they do not appreciate each other. The network is great because it allows us to share the values we hold.”
Maribyrnong mayor John Cumming said the network’s positive and inclusive events and activities promoted dialogue and understanding.
“Council and the Brimbank and Maribyrnong Interfaith Network share the same goal to celebrate and support the great cultural and religious diversity in our community,” he said.
This free public event, which includes a light halal dinner, is at the Victoria University Sunshine campus convention centre from 6-8pm next Tuesday.
The BMIN will also stage its second annual general meeting and launch its website on
the night.
