Faiths build network

March 10, 2010

Section: News

HEATHER SMITH

The Illawarra Women’s Interfaith Network will be launched in Wollongong today with the aim of bridging religious divides for the benefit of the community.

Roshana Sultan, her mother Rosalind, and Thit Tieu, all of Wollongong, formed the network to encourage women of all faiths to meet and promote the commonality of all religions.

“We wanted to use it as a platform to dispel some of the misconceptions, particularly about Islam,” said Roshana.

“Our contribution as a group is to promote solidarity.”

Faiths represented among the organising committee include Catholic, Hindu, Islam, Judaism, Quaker, Buddhism and Shamanism (the worship of female deities).

Mrs Tieu said many inter-faith groups, such as the Parliament of World Religions, were male dominated and women had more opportunity to promote understanding and tolerance.

“We’re the ones who educate the children and keep peace in the family,” she said.

Mrs Tieu said the network was open to women of all walks of life, regardless of whether they were active in the community or new to the area.

“Discussion of faith is part of it,” she said.

“The more we continue to learn, the more we can educate each other.”

Siobhan Christian, an inter-faith minister of the Shamanic traditions, said the network was about more than material success.

“It’s about personal safety, wellbeing and the values of forgiveness, hope and grace,” she said.

“There’s some amazing work being done.”

The launch will be held in the level 9 function room of Wollongong City Council’s Adminis-tration Building in Burelli Street from 5-7pm tonight (March 11).

It will feature inspirational talks, music and presentations about “the beauty and importance of faith and action” in women’s lives. Admission is free.

For further information, contact Roshana on 0411 667 960 or email rs@kosmultan.com.