IFN Executive Committee President, Monthly Message
Mehtap Williams Monthly Message – December 2024
Dear friends, members of our beloved interfaith community,
As we come to the close of another year, we gather to reflect on the journey we have travelled together. This is a time to celebrate the bonds that unite us, the shared values that guide us, and the collective strength that we have built through our faiths and our commitment to one another. It is a moment to look back with gratitude, to acknowledge our challenges, and to look forward with hope and purpose.
In this diverse tapestry of faiths and beliefs, we are reminded that the beauty of our community lies in the richness of our differences. Each tradition brings wisdom, compassion, and insight that enrich our collective experience. Whether we are drawn to the teachings of the Abrahamic faiths, the wisdom of Eastern traditions, or the diverse spiritual paths that exist in our world, we find common ground in our shared humanity.
This year, we have witnessed acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding that transcend any one belief system. From working together in service to those in need, to coming together to support one another in times of hardship, our unity has shone brightly. Through dialogue and cooperation, we have demonstrated that our differences need not divide us, but rather can deepen our mutual respect and understanding.
As we reflect on the past year, let us remember the challenges that we have faced — both in the world and within our own communities. We have seen the pain of division, the rise of intolerance, and the struggles that many face in our increasingly polarized world. But we have also seen resilience, courage, and the unwavering light of hope. It is in these times that our interfaith community plays a crucial role, offering a beacon of peace and a reminder that love and compassion transcend all barriers.
Looking forward to the new year, let us renew our commitment to walk together in the spirit of understanding and cooperation. Let us strengthen our ties, not just through words but through action. Let us continue to create spaces where people of all faiths can come together to learn, to support, and to uplift one another. Our diversity is not a challenge to overcome but a gift to cherish.
In the year ahead, may we be inspired by the teachings of our traditions — that we may be instruments of peace, justice, and healing in a world that so desperately needs it. Let us remember that even in the smallest acts of kindness and understanding, we are making a profound impact on those around us.
Together, we can build a future where differences are celebrated, where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live in harmony, and where the values of love, kindness, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.
As we close this year and welcome the next, I am filled with deep gratitude for each of you. May we continue to walk this path together, hand in hand, with hearts open to each other, and with faith in the transformative power of love and unity.
Thank you for being part of this community, and may the coming year bring peace, hope, and blessings to all.
Mehtap Williams
President, Interfaith Network
Mehtap Williams Monthly Message – November 2024
It has been a busy and fulfilling start to my new role. The Executive Team, staff, and I recently attended the Mayor Election Night at the City of Greater Dandenong.
Each year at the Annual Gathering, all Faith Leaders of the Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong sign the Common Statement. This reaffirms their commitment to working together for peace, harmony, and understanding in the community. The signed Common Statement is then formally presented to the elected Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong. Additionally, during the induction of the new Mayor each year, the Faith Leaders of the Interfaith Network are present to read out the Common Statement and present it to the incoming Mayor.
I had the privilege of reading out the Common Statement this year, and our new Mayor, Jim Memeti, affirmed his commitment to abiding by its principles. We also presented framed copies of the Common Statement to the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on the night.
Hosted by the Australian Catholic University (ACU), and invited by Jillian Hill, who now serves as the Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs. our Executive Officer and I were honoured to attend the ACU National Interfaith Breakfast event at Parliament House.
This marked the first time IFN was represented at this prestigious event, which has been organized by Australian Catholic University for the past 10 years. The breakfast brought together over a250 attendees, faith leaders from 90 different places of worship, as well as Members of Parliament.
It was an excellent opportunity for networking and for sharing insights with other interfaith leaders and networks.
We were proud to be recognized as the oldest running interfaith network in the community, a recognition we received from many of the attendees we engaged with.
Following the breakfast, we had the privilege of meeting with MP Julian Hill to thank him for his invitation and to offer our support in organizing another Interfaith Forum like the one held earlier this year. He enthusiastically welcomed our collaboration, and we look forward to working with him on this initiative.
We also recently held our bimonthly Executive Meeting, which was filled with fresh ideas to help our network grow and flourish. Watch this space for updates!
Finally, I’d like to remind you that our next Members’ Meeting is scheduled for 4th December, from 12:00 PM to 3.00 PM. Further detail can be found on our website, events section.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Please also take a moment to visit our website, where our wonderful staff are consistently updating it with the latest news, events, and information. Over the past 6 months, ‘foot traffic’ on our website has increased significantly and don’t forget to engage with our social media platform.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment. I would like to conclude with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.:
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
This quote emphasizes that true peace is holistic, encompassing fairness, community connection, and mutual support—key elements of wellbeing.
Stay well and be in peace.
Warm regards,
Mehtap Williams
President, Interfaith Network