Representatives of Australia's peak Christian, Islamic and Jewish bodies prayed together for the future of Iraq, the safety of Australian personnel serving in that country and for the families of civilians and soldiers who have lost their lives in that country.
Meeting at Temple Emanuel Synagogue in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, delegations from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) and the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), reflected on the great need for peace and international reconciliation at this momentous time.
Amjad Mehboob, the CEO of AFIC, stated the prayers were to "express hope that the long-suffering Iraqi people will find peace and security in their homeland".
NCCA General Secretary Rev John Henderson said, "this is a pivotal moment for the future of our global society and a litmus test for hope".
President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Jeremy Jones, affirmed that "Australians enjoy democracy, peace and wonderful inter-faith and inter-communal relations and our joint prayer is that the blessings we enjoy can be shared by the Iraqis and all people".
The occasion was a meeting of the Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews, which also included an intensive exchange of understandings of "Prophets and Prophecy" and discussed future prospects for interfaith co-operation in Australia.
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Further Information:
Jeremy Jones,
President, Executive Council of Australian Jewry 0411536436
John Henderson,
General Secretary National Council of Churches 0419224935
Amjad Mehboob,
CEO, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils 0408 234434
