The convenors of the Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims & Jews issued a joint
statement today, in response to revelations that material inciting contempt and rationalising hatred is
being sold at Islamic bookshops in Sydney and Melbourne.
Revd John Henderson, Amjad Mehboob, and Jeremy Jones, representatives of the National Council of
Churches in Australia, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and the Executive Council of
Australian Jewry respectively, said:
“All fair-minded people will be dismayed to learn that notorious racist and vilifying texts, printed
overseas, have found their way to Australia and have been made available for sale at bookshops
patronised by customers seeking knowledge of Islam and Muslim life.
“The individuals who have imported and are promoting this material must not be allowed to present
themselves as acting in the interests of Muslim Australians and principal among those offended by their
actions, in addition to Jews and Christians directly targeted in the texts, are the overwhelming majority of
Australian Muslims who know only too well the evil of racism and religious vilification.
“Notorious racist texts including ‘The International Jew’ and contemporary attacks on Jews and
Christians such as Sheikh Abdul-Azaaz bin Baaz’s ‘The Ideological Attack’ serve no purpose other than
to promote fear and contempt – responses which are the antithesis of what we believe should be promoted
by religion.
“We call on the proprietors of the book-shops to withdraw hate literature from sale and to apologise for
diminishing the culture of respect which is central to all Australians living together in the spirit mandated
by our respective Faiths.”
The Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims & Jews was officially ‘launched’ in March
2003 after 12 months of formal preparation, which was preceded by informal contact and discussions
between the NCCA, AFIC, & ECAJ.
The purpose of the Dialogue is “To provide opportunity for the national bodies of each faith to come
together to build understanding and harmony in the Australian context.”
The Objectives of the ANDCMJ are:
To be a model of how different faiths can live harmoniously together in Australia
To build understanding, good will and a sense of community between people of different faiths
To explore and learn about each other and our faith traditions
To share our knowledge and insights with others
To work together to achieve common goals in Australia
To support each other in times of difficulty
Further information:
John Henderson, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia : 0419 224 935
Amjad Mehboob, CEO of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils : 0408 234 434
Jeremy Jones, Spokesperson, Executive Council of Australian Jewry : 0411 536 436