CBCity shows unity in face of tragedy

In light of the recent Christchurch terrorist attack, a united Canterbury-Bankstown community will come together in faith and peace at two interfaith events.

On Thursday 4 April, Council will hold a Shine the Light vigil and walk at Wiley Park, starting at 6pm. This event will be followed by an Interfaith Session on Valuing Individuals and Building Community on Wednesday 1 May, at Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre (Community Room 2, from 6.30pm).

Both events will see leaders of all faiths stand in solidarity, with the aim of strengthening relationships and understanding between religions.

Overnight, Mayor Khal Asfour led a minute’s silence for the 50 Christchurch victims at the start of the Council meeting.

“I was deeply saddened to watch, read and hear of the tragic events as they unfolded in Christchurch,” he said.

“To see men, women and children lose their lives at the hands of extremists was heartbreaking.

“We are so fortunate that despite our diversity, we live in peace and harmony, respecting each other’s differences.

“Through the two events we propose to hold, and past and future events, like Harmony Day, and Ramadan Nights Lakemba, we are sending a strong message across the local community and nation.

“Canterbury-Bankstown is a city of many nations, religions, cultures and languages, and a community that stands for mutual respect, harmony, peace and unity.”

A member of the Canterbury-Bankstown Interfaith Reference group, Reverend David Wallace, said the Interfaith Session on Valuing Individuals and Building Community will continue to create positive dialogue between faiths.

“It’s a chance for residents to identify issues that are common across the board in our community, and come up with solutions that help our City grow and flourish,” he said.

“It will focus on what a healthy community looks like and how we can work towards it despite our religious and or cultural differences.”

To register for the Interfaith Session on Valuing Individuals and Building, call 9789 9428, or find out more about the Shine the Light vigil and walk, visit cb.city/shinethelight