Fostering peace

By NSW/ACT Independent Education Union

Harmony projects, interaction between schools, visits, exchange programs and dialogue could help counter messages of fear and prejudice around a proposed Islamic school in Camden, says Islamic Council of NSW Deputy Chairman Ali Roude.

Commenting on a coalition of Camden Christian congregations’ objection to the proposal, made largely on religious grounds, Mr Roude — who is also Principal of Rissalah College, Lakemba — said he was surprised by their arguments.

As part of the congregations' submission against the proposal they stated “the general community does not want a religious ghetto in Camden”.

“This is a very disturbing response,” Mr Roude said. “Usually people who come from faith-based backgrounds understand better their responsibility to foster peace and harmony.

“If people take issue with building the school on planning grounds, then this is a completely different issue and something we can all understand. But when issue is taken on the grounds of faith and where there is an element of prejudice, we need to be careful about the messages we are sending out.”

Mr Roude said one of the benefits of having a range of schools reflecting various faiths and cultures was that they provided a “great opportunity to actually come together, appreciate and learn about one another”.

He urged IEU members to play a role in promoting better understanding by “taking a stand and expressing their opinion where needed to help put a stop to any further disharmony. A positive word can go a long way”.

Source: NEWSMONTH Volume 29, Number 3 - DMA 2009

http://publications.ieu.asn.au/2784.html