Pilgrims of Hope: Abrahamic Interfaith Conference

 

The Abrahamic Interfaith Conference was held on Tuesday 1 July 2025 at St John XXIII Catholic College in Sydney addressing the unity amongst key faith groups which shape our contemporary religious demography.

The conference,  included a formal discussion panel facilitated by the school students and staff on the basis of centuries old prophetic traditions of Prophets Ibrahim (a), Musa (a), Ismail (a), Muhammad (s), Isa (a) & Isa’s mother Maryam (a), followed by immersive workshops from students, teachers and interfaith institutions; Together for Humanity & Columban centre for Christian Muslim Relations.

The chosen religions’ representatives for the event included members of the Christian, Muslim and Jewish Community from their learned background well versed in articulating each faiths’ mutual teachings with respect to this year’s Jubilee theme of the Catholic Church, ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’

Rabbi Zalman Kastel, Founder, Together for Humanity, Calisha Bennett, Founder, Grounded Online and Sebastian Duhau, Catholic Youth Parramatta played an instrumental role as the event’s keynote speakers in articulating their respective faiths’ principles with the shared unity these religions cultivate.

Kim Chong from Columban Centre for Christian Muslim Relations and Kate Xavior, Professional Learning Lead from Together For Humanity facilitated the event.

“The outward differences in religion are like the branches of a tree; their roots, submission to God and purification of the heart, are one and the same. To cling to division over form is to forget that true unity lies in the inner reality of faith.”(Imam Al-Ghazali)

Welcome, to all our students, teachers and guests. I am Ibrahim Asif Shah Khan, the college vice captain, and I humbly favour my role as a devout Muslim member within My Catholic School Community,

I have witnessed the transformative power of seeking knowledge through spiritual guidance, and its encouragement of respectful dialogue across faiths at my college.

My appreciation to this pursuit hinges on cultivating deep understanding and genuine cohesion, transcending the shadows of despair to open a path where harmonising our diverse truths may awaken humanity to its highest potential

For many centuries, Christians Muslims and Jews have been intrinsically connected through shared histories, sacred prophetic traditions, bound by our mutual respect to creating an unseen beauty, one where dialogue, cooperation, and positive relations have flourished even in the face of challenges.

These bonds remind us that despite differences in practice or doctrine, the three Abrahamic faiths have continuously contributed to a collective heritage of spiritual wisdom, culture, and a pursuit of justice.