Faith leaders unite at Governor-General’s Interfaith Dinner to promote inclusion, education, and social cohesion

This week the Moderator joined faith leaders from across Australia to gather at the invitation of Her Excellency the Governor-General, Ms Sam Mostyn AC, for an interfaith dinner focused on unity, religious freedom, and social cohesion. The event, co-chaired by the NSW Faith Affairs Council and Better-Balanced Futures, brought together leaders from diverse faith traditions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

In her remarks, the Governor-General highlighted the vital role faith communities play in Australia’s multicultural society, emphasising the freedom to practise one’s faith, the importance of contributing positively to civic life, and the role of education in fostering understanding and respect.

Moderator of the Uniting Church NSW and ACT, Rev. Faaimata Havea Hiliau stressed the importance of faith communities working together for the greater good.

“We have a responsibility to work together, across traditions, to build a society where everyone feels included, respected, and heard. Inclusion is not optional, it is central to the work of faith groups in a diverse nation, particularly when our society can feel fractured and divided by tragic events,” Rev. Hiliau said.

Faith leaders shared how their communities live out their beliefs in a diverse society and promote respect and peace while maintaining their distinct identities. A new initiative, “Choose a Mitzvah”, was launched at the dinner, encouraging Australians to commit to one of 15 good deeds in honour of the 15 lives lost at Bondi. Developed by Rabbinical leaders, the initiative received unanimous support from members of the Faith Affairs Council.

Education and the next generation were a key focus of discussion. Participants explored the role of faith-based and public education, religious education in schools, and community learning in shaping young Australians who are confident in their identity, respectful of difference, and committed to social cohesion. The BBF Institute of Applied Research for Faith Communities will host an education symposium to develop practical applications of these ideas.

The gathering comes as the nation prepares for a National Day of Mourning on Thursday, 22 January, following the tragic Bondi Beach attack. The Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT has expressed its solidarity with the nation:

“We join with all Australians in mourning the lives that were lost, and we hold in our prayers those who have been injured, traumatised, or bereaved. We encourage people to observe this day in whatever way feels most meaningful - attending a service or time of prayer, gathering at a community event, or marking the day quietly with a moment of silence at home or by lighting a candle. In times like these, our shared presence and willingness to pause speak powerfully. As people of faith, we are reminded that love is stronger than violence, and even in deep sorrow, we are called to care for one another with tenderness and compassion.”

In closing, the Governor-General encouraged faith communities to continue this work, particularly through education, as a means of strengthening unity in diversity and the social fabric of Australia. Faith leaders welcomed her invitation to reconvene later in the year with federal and state Education Ministers to report on progress, initiatives from the symposium, and steps taken to foster inclusion and social cohesion.

The dinner concluded with informal conversations and photographs, enabling participants to return to their communities with renewed commitment and a shared statement of intent: Australia’s strength lies in unity alongside difference, and in faith communities working together with respect and understanding for the common good.