Book Launch – Discovering Diversity by Jocelyn Armstrong

Book Launch – Discovering Diversity by Jocelyn Armstrong
Sunday 1 November 2009 in the Wesley Hall, St Johns College Meadowbank, Auckland

Vice President of the BLIA, Linda Daniell and Secretary of the English Sub-Chapter, Hope Dixon, attended an afternoon tea to celebrate the publication of this social studies book and thank all the people who have contributed in some way.

‘Discovering Diversity’ is aimed at secondary school students and describes the six main religions of New Zealand; Christianity, Buddhism, Muslim, Sikh, Hinduism and Judaism, through specific themes. For instance the section on Buddhism focuses on ethics and meditation. It then asks pertinent questions from the text and encourages students to consider their values, understanding and tolerance of others.

The book was recently very well received at the Social Studies Teachers Conference, New Zealand and the 5th Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue, held in Perth in October. The Dialogue involved 15 countries from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific with the aim of promoting understanding and co-operation amongst different faith communities in this region, thereby addressing some of the potential causes of religious and inter-community tension. The author has also received a Human Rights award from the Race Relations Commission for the publication of this book which is a key resource within interfaith education to enable young people to grow up with an appreciation of diversity.

Fo Guang Shan Temple (North Island) greatly appreciates the work of the author and cherishes the opportunity to be included in the chapter on Buddhism.