Easter greetings
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, today extended his best wishes to all Australians who celebrate Easter as part of their faith.
'Australia is one of the most culturally diverse societies with most of the world’s religions represented by our people,' Mr Ferguson said.
'Even within the nearly 13 million-strong Christian community, there is a diversity of faiths.'
While most Christian Australians will celebrate Good Friday this week, more than half a million who follow the Orthodox faith will celebrate Easter later in April.
The largest Christian denomination in Australia is Catholicism.
'This year is also a special year for five million or so Catholic Australians, with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI visiting Sydney in July for World Youth Day,' Mr Ferguson said.
'While many of our early settlers were Christian in their belief, it is worth remembering that those settlers also included those of Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and other faiths.
'One of the most important aspects of Australian society is that we are free to choose our religion or not to have one at all and this is reflected in the Australian Constitution.
'Since becoming Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, I have been pleased to learn of the many inter-faith activities that occur in Australia, that promote understanding and acceptance.
'Just this last weekend I attended a walk in my electorate involving the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque and Saint Joachim's Catholic Church in Lidcombe.
'I send my best wishes to all Australians who are celebrating Easter at this time and later in April,' Mr Ferguson added.
Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj - 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08014.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST