Common Statement

Since August 21st, 1989, the Interfaith Network (IFN), our Faith Leaders and the City of Greater Dandenong have pledged their commitment and together have signed the Common Statement.

Guided by the Interfaith Network Vision of 'Many Faiths', One People, the annual signing of the Common Statement reaffirms the expressed commitment to the City of Greater Dandenong to work together for peace, harmony and understanding within our community.

Following the annual signing, the Common Statement is then formally presented by the Interfaith Network to the Mayor and the City of Greater Dandenong community.

Given the symbolic significance and expressed commitment of the Common Statement, the signed Common Statement is also presented by the Faith Leaders of the Interfaith Network to the Mayor at the annual Mayor election.

City of Greater Dandenong Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Weatherhill, is presented with the Common Statement candle from Liv Carusi, IFN Executive Officer. Jacqui was thanked for her leadership and support of the Common Statement and Interfaith Network.

COMMON STATEMENT

INTERFAITH NETWORK CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG

The first Annual Gathering occurred on August 21st, 1989, at the Supper Room, Springvale.  There was a large number of people in attendance from the various communities, and from that the Faith Leaders, Representatives took the signed ‘Common Statement’ to the Council meeting and presented it to the then Mayor, Cr Noelle Trembath.

Since 1989, the ‘Common Statement’ is presented and shared with Council by the Faith Leaders, Representatives.

‘Common Statement’

‘We bring greetings from the faith communities to the Mayor, Councillors, and people of Greater Dandenong.

We offer to the City of Greater Dandenong our common commitment to seek to live together in peace and goodwill.

We affirm our desire to promote respect and tolerance for the integrity of each other’s beliefs, cultures, and traditions.

This desire arises not only from our common humanity but also from our being people of faith and people of prayer.

We recognise that as neighbours, we have responsibilities to the community, the world and ourselves.

We therefore urge all citizens, both religious and non-religious, to put aside intolerance, prejudice, and divisiveness, to attain peaceful and fruitful co-existence in our City’.

 

INTERFAITH NETWORK CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG

Common Statement Annual Gathering Song

Arrangement by Damien Mizzi 2005