'Across Faiths Journey'

Something rather beautiful happened on Saturday 19 October 2019 in Rockhampton. Approximately 40 people of different faith beliefs came together to walk a common path which took them on a journey that resulted in a greater understanding of each other’s religions. This was Interfaith CQ's inaugural 'Journey Across Faiths' tour of various places of worship across the city.

The diverse group gathered at The Cathedral College car park for an approximate 10:00 -10.30 am departure. The group included people from Christian (Catholic, Uniting), Islamic, Hinduism, Buddhism and Baha'i faiths. Due to the generosity of The Cathedral and Emmaus Colleges, the group was able to travel together by way of mini bus and coach. Of course, coaches don't drive themselves so a big 'Thank you!' goes out to Claire Stitt and Mick Lunny for their kind commitment to driving the group from venue to venue with grace and much good humour.

At each place of worship, we were greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality. There presented among the group a gentle thirst for learning and understanding. Questions were encouraged and answered.

Martin Linnane, of the Cathedral Parish, was amazing in his knowledge of the history of St Joseph's Cathedral. It was the first experience of this magnificent Cathedral for many of the group. One member of the group wanted to know if the Vatican had paid for it! Martin assured them it hadn't. The fact that the stain-glass windows were removed during World War II and buried either at Neerkol or near Alpha certainly reflected the Cathedral's rich history. Alpha was probably the preferred site......probably unlikely the Japanese would have looked that far West. The significance of the Bishop's Chair was another point of great interest. 

Saif, the new President of the Islamic Centre, and other members of his Faith were gracious hosts at the Islamic Centre. Once again it was a first time for many. Saif spoke very well mentioning, in particular, the high esteem they hold Jesus Christ and Mary. He impressed upon the group that anyone can go to the Islamic Centre for quiet reflection or prayer as had previously been said at St Joseph's Cathedral.

The Ananda Buddhist Centre in Rockhampton was the next stop on the journey. Irena spoke to the group about the basics of Buddhism and its history. The 'Four Immeasurable Thoughts' were explored and explained. These 'Thoughts' were:

 May all beings have happiness and the cause of happiness;

May they be free from suffering and the cause of suffering;

May they never part from the happiness that knows no suffering;

May they dwell in equanimity free from attachment and aversion to those near and far.

 The Centre itself reflected much of the Buddha's teachings including thoughts and photos of the present Dalai Lama. Irena too encouraged those interested in meditation to come along to the 'Calm Abiding' meditation sessions that they offer to the community. Once again, a first visit to a Buddhist 'Temple' for many. 

The group then journeyed to the North Rockhampton Uniting Church in Berserker Street and was greeted there by Margery who introduced us to Pastor Matt. A little of the history of the Uniting Church was shared as well as an explanation of some of their religious services including the use of ' unfermented grape juice' instead of 'wine' when Communion is celebrated. The Church also offers Community activities ranging from Bible Study, Chaplaincy support, social gatherings etc.

The Uniting Church hall was our venue for the group's BYO lunch. Tea and coffee, dips, crackers and fruit provided by the Uniting Church made for a very convivial breaking of bread together. The Church hall was open and airy and after the group had finished lunch it was the turn of the Hindu representative, Dr Neeraj Moran, to share some of the Hindu practices and beliefs. During the quite comprehensive talk, many Hindu beliefs were explained to the group. Some of these included that Hindus only believed in one God which they refer to as Brahman. The gods of the Hindu faith represent different forms of Brahman. Hinduism has no founder, single teacher nor any prophets. The word, Hindu, comes from the name of the Indus River which flows from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea. The group was told that there is not a Hindu Temple in Rockhampton but there is one in Mt Morgan. An open invitation was extended to the group to visit. The knowledge shared about Hinduism was most enlightening and a visit to their Temple next year would further increase people's knowledge of this ancient religion.

The Baha'i was to be the group's host for the conclusion of our 'Journey Across Faiths'. As it is a special year for this Faith, the group had been invited to join the Baha'i at one of their members’ homes. By this time, the group was now about 45 in number and our hosts, Iran and Parvin Rad, had made a special effort to supply chairs for all and accommodated us in their large dining/lounge area. The atmosphere for our final session was truly one of friendship through our Faiths, reflecting the Spirit of Oneness that makes us One Family. The group joined the Baha'i in gentle prayers that were sung to the accompaniment of a guitar. The first prayer was written by their founder 'Baha'u'llah':

 'Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place,

and the city, and the heart, and the mountain,

and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land,

and the sea, and the island, and the meadow

where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified.'

The Baha'i religion was quite new to many of the group and the speaker from the Baha'i, Troy, helped many in the group to a better understanding of the Baha'i Faith. This year in October the Baha'i celebrated 200 years since the birth of the Bab. The latter was a forerunner to their founder Baha'ullah whom the Baha'i believe was sent by God to unite all religions. The Baha'i Faith originated in Iran where they were badly persecuted. Baha'u'llah was banished to Israel where he died. Baha'i's teachings reflect the belief that there is but one humanity and all people are equal in the sight of God. As the Baha'i wished the group to celebrate this special occasion with them, cake and pastries had been prepared along with delicious feta, walnut and cumin sandwiches on fresh white bread. Tea, of course was served. A fitting ending to a beautiful day that could be summed up in the last verse of David Haas's stirring hymn, We Are Called:

Sing! Sing a new song!

Sing of that great day when all will be one!

And we'll walk with each other

as sisters and brothers united in love!

Joy Williamson

Interfaith CQ