May 28, 2008

Pope Benedict to hold ecumenical and interfaith meetings

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will meet the Australian leaders of other faiths during his visit to Sydney for World Youth Day Sydney 2008 (WYD08).

Pope Benedict will hold an ecumenical meeting with leaders or their representatives including those from the Anglican, Protestant, Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Eastern Rite churches. The announcement was made today in the presence of Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence of the Great Synagogue Sydney, Mr Mazem Bakhour, Youth Worker from the Lebanese Muslim Association representing Imam Shady Al-Suleiman, Secretary of the Australian National Imam’s Council and Imam of Lakemba Mosque, and the Rev. Tara Curlewis, President of the NSW Ecumenical Council and Minister of the Uniting Church

Most leaders will be joined by a youth representative for the Papal meetings.

Around 40 Christians will pray with His Holiness in the St Mary’s Cathedral Crypt.

This event will be followed by a meeting with around 40 Heads of Other Faith traditions including the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths.

“World Youth Day is an event for everybody,” said Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, Coordinator of WYD08.

“It is hosted by the Catholic Church, but open to all, including those of other faiths.”

“The Catholic Church is in regular dialogue with other churches and faiths, and we are pleased with the level of support we have received for this great celebration of youth.

“Our hope is that World Youth Day will reignite the flame of faith in all young people and encourage them to live out that faith in love and peace. Religion can be a great force for uniting our world rather than dividing people,” he said.

Catholics represent the largest contingent of religions in Australia, followed by Anglicans, Protestants, Jewish and Muslims.

World Youth Day will hold a series of ecumenical and interfaith events during the Youth Festival which will take place during the event week, from July 15 to 20.

Pope Benedict XVI will make his first visit to Australia for WYD08. The event is expected to attract up to 500,000 people at some events.