Faith Conversations at Miller’s Homestead
 
As part of Cultural Diversity Week 2022, Knox Council and the Eastern Regional Libraries partnered on a program of events. Knox Interfaith Network (KIN) was invited to stage an activity at Miller’s Homestead in Boronia.
 
A number of interested people joined faith representatives – in a 'round robin' format – to participate in small group conversations with Q&A about the Hindu and Baha’i religions, as well as a local Progressive Christian community, under the theme of “Learn, Discuss and Appreciate”.

Knox City Council's annual Carols by Candlelight was a virtual event this year consisting of a series of pre-recorded video presentations. This is the presentation given by Mark Herrmann, President of the Knox Interfaith Network, for the event. 

Our TOURS TO PLACES OF WORSHIP have been postponed due to the Victorian government's COVID lock-down restrictions. Further tours will be scheduled once  restrictions are eased in the future.

The Knox Interfaith Network held a public forum on Faith Perspectives on Death and Dying at the Knox Council offices on Tuesday 10th September. Sponsorship was also provided through grant funding from the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

Introductory presentations were given by Nora Fernandes, Community Engagement and Capacity Building Manager at Palliative Care Victoria and Maureen McConnell, Networker for the Community Houses Association of the Outer Eastern Suburbs. For the remainder of the evening, attendees moved from table to table for interactive discussions in a faith “speed dating” format. At the four tables, various faith perspectives were discussed - Muslim (represented by ISOMER), Hindu (represented by Sri Vakranthunda Vinayagar temple), Buddhist (represented by the Pure Land Learning Centre and Christian (represented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
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Shameela Essop. President of Knox Interfaith Network, said, “The death of a loved one is always distressful, but having the support of family, friends and the community makes a huge difference, particularly when they are understanding and respectful of your faith and traditions." 

​Our prayers are with all victims of the tragic attacks on Christian worshippers and hotel guests in Colombo, Sri Lanka, including family, friends and community, as well as those injured and traumatised. 

The events on Easter Sunday have again shocked us and we condemn all forms of religious and racial violence. The senseless killing of innocent people confounds us, yet strengthens our resolve to better encourage understanding, social cohesion and friendship in religious and multicultural spheres. The Knox Interfaith Network continues to serve to learn, discuss and appreciate the various faiths in our community.

In the spirit of inclusive community, we reach out at this deeply sad time and offer our sympathies to our Muslim friends and neighbours. We extend our prayers to all victims of the tragedy in Christchurch, including family, friends and community, as well as to those injured and traumatised.

In line with Knox City Council's work in the multicultural sphere – breaking down barriers, denouncing racial or religious violence and welcoming all those who call Knox home – the Knox Interfaith Network serves to learn, discuss and appreciate the various faiths in our community. We support all efforts to encourage understanding, social cohesion and friendship.