Charter

 

The Vision

An Australian society of ‘faith friendly’ communities.
In this pluralist society, people of all cultural backgrounds, religious faiths,
spiritual persuasions and world views are open to each other and respect each
other.

The Charter

The charter is grounded in the following principles:

Principle of Mutual Respect

A faith friendly community seeks to respect the diversity and differences of faiths and beliefs
of all in the community.

Principle of Mutual Understanding

A faith friendly community seeks to learn about, and so understand, the values and beliefs of
world religions and diverse spiritualities.

Principle of Mutual Concern

A faith friendly community provides opportunity for individuals and groups to meet their
religious and spiritual needs and to work in harmony for the common good and a sustainable
world.

Principle of Mutual Responsibility

A faith friendly community has a responsibility to facilitate a context of goodwill in which
individuals and groups are free to differ peacefully, choose an alternate spiritual path or
practice a traditional faith with integrity.

The Australian Context

This charter is promoted in the Australian context where the following values are recognised:

Democracy: Australia values democracy, the equality of all individuals before the law,
human dignity and the freedom for all citizens to explore ideas and debate openly.

Diversity: Australia values a diversity of cultural backgrounds, religious faiths, spiritual
persuasions and world views, including those of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples, as significant contributions to a rich Australian ethos.

Equality: Australia values fairness and equality in a context where all individuals and groups
are free to choose and practice their beliefs, faiths and points of view in a tolerant society.

Education: Australia values those agencies of the community which enable individuals,
young and old, to gain an understanding of the diverse faiths, beliefs and points of view in
our society and the requirement to act responsibly and ethically.