Young members of five major world faiths as well as those with no particular religious affiliation attended an intimate interfaith and intercultural event at the Baha’i Temple in Sydney on Sunday, 25 August 2013.
The youth came from the Baha’i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities but individuals without any religious allegiance also accepted the invitation to experience a service at the Temple and to learn more about each other.
The Australian Baha’i Community and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies jointly organised the event, which involved 17 youth.
A representative of the Jewish Board of Deputies, Sarah Greenbaum, said interfaith events are enjoyable because they provide an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate common humanity rather than their differences.
“I always think it is great that you can get young people together — friends are made instantly, regardless of background or religion,” Ms Greenbaum said.
Baha’i spokesperson Venus Khalessi said it was the first time that some of the group had visited the Temple, and that the size of the group allowed for meaningful conversations.
“It was so enjoyable and educational for us to get to know each other,” Ms Khalessi said.
“We plan to hold more such events, and continue to welcome requests for special visits from community and cultural organisations, clubs, schools and families, as well as from scouting and sports groups,” she said.
The participants at the youth event attended a typical weekly public service during which the Temple choir sang, and there were readings from the scriptures of the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian Hindu, Jewish and Islamic faiths.
On a tour of the House of Worship after the service, Ms Khalessi told the participants about the history of the building, which was opened in 1961 and became a pioneer venue in Australia for interfaith services.
The youth then visited the second floor where they viewed the distinctive inscription on the inside of the dome: “O Glory of the All-Glorious”. Each received a copy of the newly developed Temple brochure.
They then visited the Information Centre and watched a brief video about the Baha’i Faith. They cheered in support when the narrator explained that the Sydney Baha’i Temple is one of only seven in the world.
Discussion about the various faith and cultural backgrounds of the participants continued in the adjacent picnic area where the participants enjoyed a kosher lunch provided by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
To organise a visit and for a dramatic aerial video, visit https://www.bahai.org.au/Participate/Temple.aspx