BLIA Attends Interfaith for Religious Future Bridging

On the 25th of August, the Christchurch interfaith Society organized its 2015 annual general meeting?, attended by the organization's committee, members, as well as people from the general public. That evening, there were almost 30 religious groups attending the meeting, including followers of Buddhism, Catholicism, Christian, Islamic and Baha'i faiths. Buddha’s Light Internatioinal Association (BLIA) South Island New Zealand Vice President James Low attended the meeting on behalf of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) and BLIA New Zealand.

President Dianne extended a warm welcome to everyone who came that evening, and declared that for this new year, the organization has to reach out with a fresh new attitude, The inter-faith organization will strive to host and participate in more activities such as: 1) The World Day of Prayer for Peace on 11th October 2pm; 2) Joining the Police Force’s White Ribbon Day for the Elimination of Violence Towards Women on November 25th; 3) Attending Christchurch’s 5th earthquake Memorial Service; 4) Participating in the events hosted by various faith groups such as Buddha's birthday, seminars, etc; 5) Using the internet, especially social networking sites, as a medium for reaching out to youths on inter-faith topics. Also that evening, a TEDx video clip 'Breaking the taboos of interfaith dialogue' was played, showing how the three interfaith amigos - Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie, and Imam Jamal Rahman radically collaborated in a humorous way, to showcase the importance of interfaith dialogue.

Dianne remarked on how the presence of youths during this interfaith meeting is very commendable, and hoped too that the Christchurch interfaith organization will continue to prosper under a new framework. Spreading the purpose and spirit of interfaith organizations is the bridge that connects all religions, and also the stage on which religious harmony will take place and develop within our community.