The Interfaith Commission of the Diocese of Parramatta is a recently formed group with the goal of building networks with people of other religions. Members of the Commission explain the power of listening and ‘letting others in’.
“All I can say is our poor world needs all peoples to work together for our environment and the wellbeing of all,” observes Lorraine Murphy, a member of the Interfaith Commission in the Diocese of Parramatta.
Deep, respectful listening has been the key to Lorraine’s success in creating bonds with people of other faiths and she describes the Women’s Interfaith Network she currently belongs to. “There are two participants from each of the following faiths: Jews, Muslims, Hindu, Bahá’í, Buddhist, along with Christians of Anglican, Uniting and Catholic Communities,” she says. The group nominates a speaker to speak on a topic from her faith’s perspective – “uninterrupted,” Lorraine is at pains to point out, followed by a Q&A.
Sr Colleen Foley OSU is another member of the Commission. “Jesus prayed that we all may be one, to know the love of God for all God’s children,” she reminds us.
“We are one human family, living on the one planet. Everything is connected. People of faith have a special role in bringing love and justice to our world because we believe in God’s love and actively try to be a reflection of that love wherever we are. We need to walk together to make this a reality.”
In this regard, Sr Colleen refers to the example that Pope Francis sets when he seeks to bring global religious leaders together on issues impacting our world. “Pope Francis is leading us by his words and actions,” she says, referring to the document he signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi on Interfaith Relations. Closer to home, the Interfaith group ‘Voices for PoWer’ is lobbying for better outcomes in Western Sydney for heat and energy.
(L-R) Members of the Diocese of Parramatta Interfaith Commission Marilena Len Cruz, Fr Kevin Medilo SM, Ryan Epondulan, Deacon Michael Tan (Deputy chair), Irene Adamson, Mike Yates, Fr Michael Hardie, Bishop Vincent Long, Debbie Grigson (Chair), Kate Xavier, Lorraine Murphy, Fr Patrick McInerney, Anthony Maher and Alicja Borciuch (Secretary). Not pictured is Sr. Colleen Foley. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
She refers to the image of our Church as a ‘tent’ promoted by the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops document “Enlarge the space of your tent” (Is 54:2) and how well the Asian Synod of Bishops, SynodBangkok, has expressed what is understood by Interfaith dialogue.
“The image of the ‘Church as tent’ projects it to be a place of refuge that can be expanded to all in a spirit of inclusivity,” agrees Sr Colleen. “It expresses that God can pitch His tent wherever the Spirit of God blows, including places of violence, unrest, and suffering. Most importantly, in the tent, there is room for everyone; no one is excluded, for it is a home to everyone. In this process, those who in the past felt ‘left out’ now realise that they have a home in this tent – a sacred and safe space.”
Lorraine considers Australians blessed for the opportunity for Interfaith connections. “We are so fortunate in Australia, and especially in Western Sydney, to have the opportunity to get to know and experience this diversity,” she says. “We are one human family. All must be included.”
Find out more about the Synod of Bishops at www.synod.va
This article was originally published in the 2023 Lent and Easter | Autumn edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can pick up your copy of the magazine in parishes and offices across the Diocese of Parramatta now or you can read the digital version here.
