Parliamentary secretary commends World Youth Day diversity
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
At the start of World Youth Day celebrations, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, today commended organisers for inviting participation by people of all faiths.
‘While World Youth Day is a Catholic event, the Catholic Church is hosting several interfaith events that will cater for people of all religions in our diverse community,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘I also understand World Youth Day organisers have already briefed Christian, Islamic and Jewish leaders about the event and during the coming week, Pope Benedict XVI will meet Australian leaders of many faiths including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism.’
Catholicism is the most represented faith in Australia, with more than five million Australians identifying as Catholic in the latest Census.
Christian faiths are the largest in Australia with more than 12.5 million followers and sizeable and increasing populations of Buddhists (more than 400 000), Muslims (more than 340 000), Hindus (nearly 150 000) and Jews (more than 88 000).
‘World Youth Day will offer an important opportunity for increased dialogue between our various faith communities,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘It will also be a chance for young Australians of every faith to mingle with young Catholics from all over the world.
‘As Australians, we are fortunate to be free to openly celebrate our own religions and beliefs and share them with others in the community.
‘A large part of culture is religion and our diversity of peoples, cultures, languages and spiritual traditions demonstrates the genuine richness of this country. I welcome all those attending World Youth Day celebrations,’ the parliamentary secretary added.
Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj - 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08043.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST