Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD STL, Bishop of Parramatta

Bishop’s Appeal for Membership of Interfaith Commission

3 March 2021

My dear People of God,

In Western Sydney, which is where the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta is situated, we are blessed with many faith-based communities as diverse as our nation itself. There are those have been here for generations, as well as those who have only just arrived from war-torn countries like Iraq and Syria. We stand united as citizens of Australia and as brothers and sisters of the human family. We stand in celebration of our common humanity and dedication to peace and justice for all.

At my Installation, I pledged to continue the legacy of my predecessors in building stronger relationship with non-Christian people. I believe we must foster pathways across the political and religious divide to create an inclusive and harmonious society.

We are the epitome of multicultural, multi-faith and ethnically diverse Australia. It is for this reason that we are privileged to host the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations. It has played a vital role in building bridges in our community, bridges of understanding, inclusion and solidarity instead walls of prejudice, division and exclusion.

It is my hope that the Diocese will continue and expand the works of the Centre as a permanent feature of our mission. To this end, I would like to establish the Diocesan Inter-faith Commission and appeal to you all, clergy, religious and parishioners to consider joining its membership. This Commission will work to advance the vision of Pope Francis in forging a new fraternity in our fractured world. I do hope that you can join me in this bridge building exercise.

Please contact and register your interest at comms@parracatholic.org or your local parish.

With the men and women of goodwill, let us build a better Australia and a better world. May our endeavour to build true peace and unity be brought to fulfilment in accordance with God’s vision of the fullness of life for all humanity.

Most Rev Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta

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