Statement from the Multifaith Advisory Group

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased from the terrorist attack targeted at the Jewish community’s Chanukah celebrations. Our prayers are with them and their loved ones, their families, and friends of the Jewish community.

Here in Victoria, our prayers and meditations are particularly focused on beloved friends in the Jewish community.

Our plans this week have included participation in a multifaith celebration of ‘Chanukah’ in Federation Square. This is the beautifully named ‘Pillars of Light’ celebration which, we know, has been carefully and lovingly prepared.

During this festival of lights, it is our sincere hope and prayer that the light of peace, the light of goodness and the light of hope will shine in such darkness.

As ever, we convey that terrorists will not succeed in subverting the harmony and peace of our festivals and of our community celebrations.

This will not happen. Evil will not have the final word. We condemn this terrorist attack, unequivocably.

We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

Our prayers and meditations will now support those who have suffered and are suffering. We pray, too, for those providing support in New South Wales.

The Multifaith Advisory Group currently comprises representatives from the following organisations:

• All Nations Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia Mulgrave
• AMAFHH Federation – Shi’a organisation
• Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
• Australian Baha’i Community
• Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
• Australian Intercultural Society
• Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights
• Board of Imams Victoria
• Buddhist Council of Victoria
• Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
• Catholic Social Services Victoria
• Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne
• Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria
• Faith Communities Council of Victoria
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia - Melbourne District
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia - Northcote District
• Hindu Council of Australia (VIC)
• Islamic Council of Victoria
• Jewish Community Council of Victoria
• Lutheran Church of Australia, Victorian District
• Presbyterian Church of Victoria
• Rabbinical Council of Victoria
• Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia, Australian and New Zealand Diocese
• The Salvation Army
• Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria
• The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
• Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
• Victorian Council of Churches