OCT 25, National Day of Unity – Australia

Muslim, Christian and Jewish faith leaders gathered together on Wednesday to collectively denouce Islamophobia, in response to growing reports of religious discrimination and violence against members of the Muslim community.

The leaders declared a “National Day of Unity” on October 25, and announced the joining of their two separate initiatives – the National Open Mosque Day and the Walk Together event – which coincide on the day.

“We’re encouraging people to go and visit a mosque to learn more about our neighbours and our friends,” said Pastor Brad Chilcott, director of Welcome to Australia, which is coordinating the pro-refugee Walk Together Rally.

Samier Dandan, president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, said the decision to combine the events under the banner of a National Unity Day was about “showcasing the strength that exists between different religious groups and social groups”.

The open day, he said, was designed to break down the “negative perceptions” about Islam by giving non-Muslims an opportunity to “share the experience of what goes on in the daily life of a Muslims”.

Read more: The Sydney Morning Herald

October 25 also sees the annual Walk Together take place in 20 locations across Australia.

Described by the organisers as a tangible expression of the Australia that is possible, Walk Together seeks to remind Australians that “no matter who you are, where you come from or how you arrived here, you’re a human, sharing common dreams of belonging, safety, peace and opportunity”.

Walk Together is an opportunity to remind all Australians of who we are at our best – welcoming, compassionate, inclusive and generous,” Pastor Brad Chilcott said.

Fear, division, and prejudice erode the health of our communities and damage our harmony.

All Australians – people of faith and no faith – need to recognize our future is shared.

“We can only build a better Australia if we commit to doing it together.”

For participating mosques, see here. National Mosque Open Day is a new Lebanese Muslim Association-led project, proudly supported by the Department of Social Services, which aims to breakdown common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Islam. The initiative aims to counteract all types of prejudice, such as Islamophobia, as well as mutual misunderstanding between Muslims and non-Muslims alike, by creating a platform for open discourse between both communities.

For March locations, see here.

We believe Australians are a welcoming, generous and compassionate people.

We believe an Australia where prejudice is unpopular and cruelty hurts at the polls, is possible. An Australia that recognises the equality and dignity of all people – no matter who you are, where you’re from or how you arrived here – and extends our values of fairness and friendship to everyone.

We dream of a nation that celebrates diversity, made up of communities where people of our First Nations, asylum seekers, refugees, international students, skilled migrants and every other human being can experience the joy and security of belonging.

For March locations, see here.

For participating mosques, see here.