Western Sydney Faith Leaders join NSW Government call for unity

Yesterday we attended a meeting of faith leaders and government agencies, convened by His
Excellency Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and
Oceania. All attendees endorsed the following statement by the Faith Affairs Council.

This week the people of our state have suffered deep loss and pain. Many are experiencing fear,
trauma and grief as the result of senseless acts of violence. We offer our sympathies and prayers
to all victims and their families.

During the next few days people of faith will come together in their places of worship. They will
come to pray, to care and to heal.

They must be able to do so feeling safe and secure. Our places of worship are a refuge for those
seeking God, solace and peace.

As people of faith, we respect one another’s religions. We must all ensure that no one feels
intimidated when attending their places of worship.

As faith leaders, we are united against all forms of violence. We exhort all those who share our
respective faiths to treat one another with care and compassion.

Statement endorsed by attendees:
• Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Maronite Church of Australia
• Archbishop Mar Meelis Zaia, Assyrian Church of the East
• Archbishop Amel Nona, Chaldean Catholic Church
• Bishop Robert Rabbat, Melkite Catholic Eparch
• Metropolitan Basilios, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
• Chorbishop Joseph, The Ancient Church of the East
• Australian National Imans Council (ANIC)