A member of the Australian Baha’i Community was among the representatives of the major religions at the launch of “The Golden Rule Poster” at New South Wales Parliament House on 19 June 2013.
The NSW Minister for Citizenship and Aboriginal Affairs, Victor Dominello, launched the poster with a statement affirming the essential unity of the religions: “There is one light, but many lanterns.”
The poster illustrates the principle of reciprocity — “treat others as you would like to be treated” — by showing how it appears in the sacred text of religions, including Aboriginal spirituality.
The poster was produced by the Columban Mission Institute’s Centre for Christian-Muslim relations.
Indigenous social justice campaigner, Dr Tom Calma AO, gave the keynote address at the launch, which was also attended by Members of Parliament and the public.
Dr Calma spoke about the importance of the “Golden Rule” in achieving reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Respect and recognition are key to achieving equality and justice for all Australians, Dr Calma said.
A panel discussion chaired by ABC Radio National broadcaster, Rachael Kohn involved representatives of eight religions, and explored the reality of living by the “Golden Rule”.
Australian Baha’i Community representative Venus Khalessi spoke about the plight of the persecuted Baha’is in Iran and the “heroes of justice” who have stood up for them.
Ms Khalessi referred to individuals like Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi, Mahnaz Parakand and Abdolfattah Soltani — all from the Defenders of Human Rights Centre — who put their lives at risk by acting as legal counsel for Baha’is imprisoned in Iran.
Ms Khalessi said those heroes were not members of the Baha’i community but were Iranians who were treating others how they would want to be treated, by giving the Baha’is in Iran the opportunity to have legal representation.
She also spoke about the “Golden Rule” being put into action at an event on 7 May 2013 at New South Wales Parliament House when representatives of the Baha’i, Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Islamic communities, amongst others, offered prayers for the seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders.
A member of the Buddhist community, Venerable Dr Juewei, said the “Golden Rule” translates into karma. “We all want a better world and there are three ways to achieve this: through good deeds, good words and good thoughts.”
Rabbi Mendel Kastel, CEO of the Jewish House Crisis Centre, said: “The idea of encouraging kids to respect each other and acknowledge that we’re all the same is vital.”
Mr Bawa Singh Jagdev OAM, secretary of the Sikh Council of Australia, said: “If every person’s actions reflected the ‘Golden Rule’ the world would become a paradise on earth.”
View more photos from the launch
Photos courtesy of the Columban Mission Institute (CMI). For more information about CMI’s Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianMuslimRelations.CMI