Hume
Faith Directory
2013
One Community
Many Faiths
Mayor’s Foreword
I am delighted to present the Hume Faith Directory 2013.
Hume City Council values the diversity of the Hume community
and understands that it’s this diversity that characterises Hume
as a good place to live and work.
The information presented in this directory is intended to be
a brief summary, providing an overview of ten faiths in Hume.
The Hume Interfaith Network members and Interfaith Leaders
are to be commended for researching and collating this directory
and it is Council’s pleasure to support this project which is
funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet - Office of
Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Hume
Interfaith Network members and volunteers for supporting the
development of this directory. I hope you will find this directory
informative and helpful and may it contribute to creating better
understanding between our diverse faith communities.
Cr. Geoff Porter
Mayor Hume City Council
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
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About the
Hume Interfaith
Network
In 2001, Hume’s faith leaders established
a local Network which included faith leaders
belonging to a range of faiths and philosophies.
The aim of the Network is to further develop
understanding and harmony across the many
faiths and cultures represented in Hume
City. Over the past ten years the Network has
worked with Council and has shared with
others their knowledge and experiences in
strengthening social justice, deepening mutual
respect and promoting community participation
and wellbeing.
The Network holds regular meetings open
to all faith leaders, ethnic community
leaders and community members to attend
and participate in its activities.
PURPOSE OF THE NETWORK:
• To encourage understanding between
all faith communities in Hume City
• To make the work of the Network
understandable and accessible to all
who live in Hume City
• To foster social harmony, share and
discuss problems, occasionally make public
statements on issues, and help clarify
and overcome any potential conflict issues
• To discover how together we can help each
other and the wider community through
meeting identified needs
• To ensure welfare services are provided
in culturally sensitive ways
• To help make different faith groups visible
and accessible
• To foster tolerance, inclusivity and dialogue
rather than promoting one religion over
another or debating religious beliefs
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Table of
Contents
Mayor’s Foreword2
About the Hume Interfaith Network3
Hume City Community Profile5
Census 20117
Religions in Hume
Aboriginal Spirituality
Alevism
Bahá’í
Buddhism
Christianity
Druze
Hinduism
Islam
Judaism
Sikhism
9
11
13
15
19
23
25
27
31
33
Hume Interfaith Network Conference Photos35
Celebration of faiths in Hume City
at Neighbourhood Houses36
References37
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ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
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Hume City Community Profile
future of Hume City is solid
and bright and that it will, in
coming decades, throw off its
struggle town image
and increase as a centre
of urban strength and
productive diversity.
Desmond Cahill, Professor
of Intercultural Studies,
RMIT University “CREATING
RELIGIOUS HARMONY AND
SOCIAL COHESION IN THE
CITY OF HUME”. Keynote
address to the Hume
Conference, “One Community,
Many Faiths”, held at the
Broadmeadows Global
Learning Centre,
29th November, 2011
Hume City is home to people
who come from more than
140 different countries, over
25 different faiths with over
120 different languages
spoken in Hume homes.
The population of Hume
City is currently estimated
to be about 176,000 and
projected to be over 300,000
in 25 years time in 2036. It
ranks as a municipality in
Australia with a very high
proportion of overseas-born
residents and has become
home to thousands of arriving
immigrants and refugees
since World War II (WWII).
In the last half of the 20th
Century, this area across
Melbourne’s north western
suburbs developed the image
of a modern-day struggle
town. It seems to me that the
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
Religious and cultural
diversity are very important in
Hume City. Let us look at
its cultural and religious
profiles in detail:
HUME CITY:
ITS ETHNIC PROFILE
The ethnic profile of the City
has been in transition for
some time with the decline in
the proportion of the ageing
European-born groups.
The British immigrant groups
are in slight decline and
even more in decline are the
continental European groups,
including the Italian and the
Greek which are heavily aged
with both having almost half
over the age of 65. However,
these declines are offset by
the growth in their secondand third-generation groups.
For example, about 10 per
cent of Hume’s population
have Italian ancestry, topped
only by the Australian and
English ancestry groups.
Moreover, it is conceivable that
these European groups will be
renewed over the coming
decade by further European
waves, especially from Greece
and Italy, resulting from the
economic turmoil currently
impacting upon Europe.
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
However, Hume’s first major
differentiating characteristic
is the Turkish presence. Since
the signing of the migration
agreement in 1967 between
the Australian and Turkish
Governments, Turkish
Australian immigrants have
taken some time to settle after
very negative press reporting
in the early 1970s; with their
Australian-born descendents
they have begun making
a real contribution to
Australian society.
The second differentiating
presence in Hume is its
rapidly growing Iraqi refugee
presence, now probably larger
than the Turkish presence.
Whilst Iraqis are much
more heavily concentrated
in Sydney, Hume is their
Victorian centre. It is heavily
Christian, with large Catholic
Chaldean and Assyrian
Catholic presences, together
with the Assyrian Orthodox
presence and the various
Syriac presences whether
Catholic, Orthodox or Jacobite.
The Iraqis have been arriving
in Hume in very significant
numbers since the early
1990s after the Gulf War.
Coming from an Assyrian
or neo-Aramaic language
background, they also speak
Arabic. There is also the
Muslim component, including
those with Kurdish and
Turkoman backgrounds.
Regarding the other ethnic
groups, the Filipinos,
especially those married to
5
Australian men as there are
50 per cent more females than
Filipino males, continue to
arrive in Hume in small but
significant numbers, as do
the Lebanese and the
Sri Lankans, who are
overwhelmingly Burgher
and Singhalese. However, it is
the Indians whose presence
has already grown since the
mid-1980s and will continue
to grow strongly. In the period
between 2001 and 2006,
the two religions in Hume
which showed the largest
growth were the Hindu and
Sikh religions. In fact, in that
five year period the Sikh
population grew by one and a
half times (+145%), manifested
by the new Sikh gurdwara on
the Hume Highway just south
of Craigieburn. The various
African and Pacific Islander
presences will continue to
trend upwards.
Hence, Hume City’s population
is characterised by diversity,
though its breadth of diversity
is not as great as other high
migrant density municipalities
because the Confucian
heritage countries, especially
China, are surprisingly absent.
There are some Vietnam-born
(1,179 in fact) but the numbers
of Vietnamese speakers
actually declined between
2001 and 2006.
HUME CITY:
ITS RELIGIOUS PROFILE
Religion is being rescripted
in Australia. And part of
that rescripting is occurring
in Hume with its changing
and unusual religious
profile. It ranks as one of
the most religiously inclined
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
municipalities in Australia.
Only 12.6 per cent of its
population said in 2006 they
had no religion as compared
to 18.6 per cent for the whole
of Australia, and those not
making any response to the
religious affiliation question
were 9.3 per cent as compared
to 11.2 per cent for Australia.
Its religious profile is
dominated by its Catholic
(36.9%) and Islamic (13.3%)
presences, which together
constitute just over half of
the Hume population. The
other smaller but significant
presences are those of the
Anglican, Eastern Orthodox
and Uniting Church.
The Catholic presence is
augmented by the large Iraqi
Chaldean presence, centred
around the Church of Our
Lady, Guardian of Plants, in
Campbellfield though their
children go to the nearby
Latin-rite primary schools
in Broadmeadows, Dallas,
Fawkner and Roxburgh Park.
This and the other Iraqi
Christian communities are
consumed, as customarily
are all refugee communities,
in the early stages of their
integration, by transnational
homeland politics and
worrying about their loved
ones at home.
Regarding the Islamic
presence, whilst it is
determined in large part by
the long established Turkish
presence, the presence is
multi-dimensional with the
Muslims of Hume coming
from other countries such as
Lebanon, India, Iraq, Egypt and
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
Syria. The presence is focused
around the mosques in
Broadmeadows, Campbellfield
and Meadow Heights and the
various pioneering Muslim
schools.
The Buddhist presence
in Hume is significant,
especially in terms of Buddhist
monasteries such as the
Tibetan Buddhist monastery
on Mickleham Road which
serves a clientele wider than
Hume City. But Buddhist
numbers in Hume City will
continue to grow slowly.
In Australia over the past
65 years, we have together
constructed a society admired
around the world and to which
to many people aspire to
emigrate. It has always been a
process and it will continue to
be a process. A core measure
of social cohesion usually
neglected is intermarriage,
intercultural marriages and
interfaith marriages, where
families are forced in their
diversity to confront the other.
The Chinese have a saying,
chickens do not marry ducks,
but chickens are marrying
ducks. In this area, we have
done well. Always there must
be respect for the other;
ultimately social cohesion
is about relationships
and belonging, worth and
acceptance, equity and justice,
and above all, trust.
© Desmond P Cahill, Religions for
Peace Australia
The complete presentation is
available on:
www.religionsforpeaceaustralia.
org.au/news/260-creatingreligious-harmony-and-socialcohesion-in-the-city-of-hume.html
6
Census 2011
The ABS total persons count for Hume City for 2011 was
167,563 and for 2006 it was 147,782. Between 2006 and 2011,
Hume City experienced an increase in population by 19,781
persons or 13.4%. This is an average annual growth rate of
2.5% over the five years.
AGE BREAKDOWN
2006
AGE GROUP
(YEARS)
NUMBER
2011
PERCENT
NUMBER
PERCENT
2006 – 2011 POPULATION
GROWTH RATE
2006 – 2011
% CHANGE
0 TO 4
11,132
7.5%
12,587
7.5%
13.1%
0.0%
5 TO 11
17,248
11.7%
17,550
10.5%
1.8%
-1.2%
12 TO 17
15,020
10.2%
15,894
9.5%
5.8%
-0.7%
18 TO 24
15,006
10.2%
17,791
10.6%
18.6%
0.4%
25 TO 34
20,435
13.8%
24,328
14.5%
19.1%
0.7%
35 TO 49
34,767
23.5%
37,142
22.2%
6.8%
-1.3%
50 TO 59
16,506
11.2%
19,445
11.6%
17.8%
0.4%
60 TO 69
9,866
6.7%
12,974
7.7%
31.5%
1.0%
70 TO 79
5,522
3.7%
6,806
4.1%
23.3%
0.4%
80 AND OVER
TOTAL
2,279
1.5%
3,046
1.8%
33.7%
0.3%
147,781
100.0%
167,563
100.0%
13.4%
-
-
-
MEDIAN AGE
32
33
PLACE OF BIRTH
2006
COUNTRY OF BIRTH
2011
2006 - 2011 % CHANGE
NUMBER
PERCENT
NUMBER
PERCENT
AUSTRALIA
94,418
63.9%
103,977
62.1%
-1.8%
OVERSEAS
43,145
29.2%
53,763
32.1%
2.9%
ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY (A)
6,367
4.3%
7,164
4.3%
0.0%
NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY
36,778
24.9%
46,599
27.8%
2.9%
NOT STATED
10,220
6.9%
9,693
5.8%
-1.1%
TOTAL
147,783
100.0%
167,433
100.0%
-
(A) ‘English speaking country’ comprises Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA.
TOP 15 COUNTRIES OF BIRTH
2006
TOP 15 COUNTRIES
OF BIRTH
NUMBER
AUSTRALIA
2011
PERCENT
TOP 15 COUNTRIES
OF BIRTH
NUMBER
PERCENT
94,418
63.9%
AUSTRALIA
103,977
62.1%
TURKEY
5,763
3.9%
IRAQ
7,184
4.3%
IRAQ
4,485
3.0%
TURKEY
6,378
3.8%
UNITED KINGDOM (A)
3,926
2.7%
INDIA
3,938
2.4%
ITALY
3,610
2.4%
UNITED KINGDOM (A)
3,868
2.3%
LEBANON
2,398
1.6%
ITALY
3,447
2.1%
NEW ZEALAND
1,667
1.1%
LEBANON
2,905
1.7%
PHILIPPINES
1,566
1.1%
NEW ZEALAND
2,422
1.4%
SRI LANKA
1,500
1.0%
SRI LANKA
2,341
1.4%
INDIA
1,483
1.0%
PHILIPPINES
2,016
1.2%
MALTA
1,435
1.0%
MALTA
1,317
0.8%
GREECE
1,263
0.9%
GREECE
1,200
0.7%
VIETNAM
1,179
0.8%
VIETNAM
1,192
0.7%
CROATIA
826
0.6%
FIJI
793
0.5%
EGYPT
804
0.5%
EGYPT
786
0.5%
(A) Includes ‘United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, not further defined’, ‘England’, ‘Isle of Man’, ‘Northern Ireland’, ‘Scotland’,
‘Wales’, ‘Guernsey’ and ‘Jersey’.
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TOP 15 LANGUAGES SPOKEN AT HOME
2006
TOP 15 LANGUAGES
SPOKEN AT HOME
2011
TOP 15 LANGUAGES
SPOKEN AT HOME
NUMBER
PERCENT
ENGLISH
86,217
58.3%
ENGLISH
TURKISH
NUMBER
PERCENT
90,846
54.3%
11,731
7.9%
TURKISH
13,641
8.1%
ARABIC
9,109
6.2%
ARABIC
12,979
7.8%
ITALIAN
6,699
4.5%
ITALIAN
6,479
3.9%
ASSYRIAN
5,001
3.4%
ASSYRIAN NEO-ARAMAIC
4,034
2.4%
GREEK
2,965
2.0%
CHALDEAN NEO-ARAMAIC
3,263
1.9%
VIETNAMESE
1,750
1.2%
GREEK
2,963
1.8%
SINHALESE
1,442
1.0%
SINHALESE
2,397
1.4%
MALTESE
1,269
0.9%
VIETNAMESE
1,871
1.1%
CROATIAN
1,123
0.8%
PUNJABI
1,590
0.9%
SPANISH
1,121
0.8%
HINDI
1,493
0.9%
CHINESE LANGUAGES (A)
1,091
0.7%
CHINESE LANGUAGES (A)
1,443
0.9%
SAMOAN
899
0.6%
SAMOAN
1,327
0.8%
TAGALOG
736
0.5%
MALTESE
1,171
0.7%
HINDI
718
0.5%
SPANISH
1,129
0.7%
NUMBER
PERCENT
(A) ‘Chinese languages’ includes Chinese, Cantonese, Hakka, Hokkien, Mandarin, Teochew and Wu.
TOP 15 RELIGIONS
2006
TOP 15 RELIGIONS
2011
NUMBER
PERCENT
TOP 15 RELIGIONS
CATHOLIC
54,484
36.9%
CATHOLIC
59,730
35.6%
ISLAM
19,690
13.3%
ISLAM
26,657
15.9%
NO RELIGION (A)
18,568
12.6%
NO RELIGION (A)
21,403
12.8%
ANGLICAN
13,861
9.4%
ANGLICAN
13,826
8.3%
EASTERN ORTHODOX
6,999
4.7%
EASTERN ORTHODOX
7,234
4.3%
UNITING CHURCH
4,661
3.2%
UNITING CHURCH
4,340
2.6%
BUDDHISM
2,864
1.9%
BUDDHISM
3,846
2.3%
PRESBYTERIAN AND
REFORMED
2,511
1.7%
OTHER CHRISTIAN (B)
2,664
1.6%
OTHER CHRISTIAN (B)
1,791
1.2%
PRESBYTERIAN AND
REFORMED
2,638
1.6%
BAPTIST
967
0.7%
HINDUISM
2,433
1.5%
PENTECOSTAL
959
0.6%
OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUPS
1,848
1.1%
HINDUISM
939
0.6%
ASSYRIAN APOSTOLIC
1,213
0.7%
OTHER RELIGIOUS
AFFILIATION (C)
783
0.5%
BAPTIST
1,205
0.7%
LUTHERAN
658
0.4%
PENTECOSTAL
1,060
0.6%
0.4%
OTHER RELIGIOUS
AFFILIATION (C)
1,039
0.6%
ASSYRIAN APOSTOLIC
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
641
Comprises ‘No Religion, not further defined’, ‘Agnosticism’, ‘Atheism’, ‘Humanism’ and ‘Rationalism’.
Comprises ‘Christian nfd’, ‘Apostolic Church, so described’, ‘Church of God, so described’, ‘Australian Christian Churches, so described’,
Comprises ‘Religious belief, nfd’, ‘Not defined’, ‘New Age, so described’ and ‘Theism’.
Comprises ‘Assyrian Apostolic’ and ‘Oriental Orthodox’.
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Aboriginal
Spirituality
ORIGIN:
More than 40,000 years ago the first people
of this land, the ancestors of the Wurundjeri
people were taught by Bunjil.
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
Bunjil (Wedge tail Eagle) the Creator and Lore
(Law) giver.
SACRED TEXTS:
There are no Sacred Texts as Wurundjeri had
no written language. Before he left this earth
and became a star to watch over his people,
Bunjil taught them to respect the land by taking
only what they needed, thereby leading an
ecologically sustainable way of life.
He also taught his people to respect him
via a ceremony pertaining to life; the people
honoured Bunjil for this gift. An interesting
concept was the absence of Wurundjeri
words for ‘thank you’ and ‘ownership’. This
was because there was no need due to the
Lore ensuring all resources obtained were
equally distributed and shared among the clan.
Observing Bunjil’s Lore promised the people a
sustainable, peaceful and happy life.
RITUAL:
General
The Wurundjeri practised a Tandurrum
ceremony to welcome visitors to their country
(a defined area of land). This ceremony is
still performed today throughout Wurundjeri
country. The practice was designed to make
visitors comfortable during their stay in
Wurundjeri country. Their stay was not a
permanent agreement; it was only access to
a country and its resources while the visitors
were conducting their business. For the
ceremony to occur, a Wirrigirri (messenger)
was sent out by the Ngrungaeta (spokesman
of the Elders) to convey the purpose of the
meeting. If they did not pass through this
Wedged tailed eagle in flight
Reference: www.wikipedia.org
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
9
ceremony, death or injury would be the result. The Gaggip (peace to you) Ceremony lasted up to 7
days and concluded in a friendly farewell to the visiting tribe. There were other ceremonies recorded
but due to the lack of knowledge by the European recorder, the information is far from accurate or
comprehensive.
Birth
There was also a ceremony of presentation of a newborn to the tribe (unfortunately the name of this
is unknown at this stage).
Marriage
A very strict kinship system existed wherein people’s identity was observed through their totem
and symbolised by some of the prominent animal characters in dream time beliefs.
Death
Once someone has passed, Aboriginal spirituality believes that the Murup (or spirit) travels to
Tharangalk (sunset).
KEY FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS:
The Wurundjeri participate in many festivals and celebrations throughout Melbourne. They also
conduct varieties of the Tandurrum ceremonies and dance performances at many varied events
throughout Wurundjeri country. Some of the major events, although not specifically Wurundjeri are:
• Survival Day Belgrave – 26th Jan
• Apology Anniversary – 13th Feb
• Harmony Day – 21st March
• National Sorry Day – 26th May
• National Reconciliation Week – 27th May – 3rd June
• Naidoc Week – 7th – 14th July
• Wurundjeri Week – 2nd Week August
Maribyrnong River, Maribyrnong
Reference: www.wikipedia.org
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Alevism
incil (Gospels) and the Koran. The Alevi
ORIGIN:
The Alevi path emerged in Anatolia and the
Upper Mesopotamia region. It has its roots in the
beliefs of ancient Egyptians, Hittites, Phrygians,
Sumerians, Persians and some Central Asian
civilisations. Additional elements have been
added to Alevi belief from time to time.
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
interpretations of these texts have been carried
out verbally till today through “deyish” (songs),
myths, and stories.
TENETS:
There are Four Gates and Forty Steps to reach
the stage of Complete Human Being (insan-ı
Kamil). Every gate has ten steps.
Alevis believe in the Unity of Existence (in
Turkish Vahdet-i Vücut) that is the Creator and
the Created (Universe, Man and Nature) are
one inseparable Unity. Often the Unity of this
trinity is expressed as “Hakk, Muhammad, and
Ali”. However, this is not a trinity composed of
God and the historical figures of Muhammad
and Ali; rather, Muhammad and Ali are the
representations of divine energies, the first
of which is Hakk (God). Ultimately, once this
concept is perceived by man, it then leads to
“I am the Truth” (in Arabic Enel Hakk) implying
God. A person who reaches the stage of
Complete Human Being (insan-ı Kamil) is
perceived as Kur’an-ı Natık (Talking Holy Book).
• The First Gate is Sheriat (in Arabic Shariah,
or the Law in Old Testament) which means
the “Rules on Earth”
The calligraphy on
the left is a symbolic
representation of a
human face which
contains the Alevi’s
5 Holy Names in
Calligraphy (O God,
O Mohammed, O Ali,
O Hasan, O Huseyin in
Haci Bektas Museum, Turkey.
RITUALS:
Reference: www.nadirkitap.com
Alevis believe that every major book has both a
visable and internal meaning (in Turkish zahir ve
batın). The internal meaning is perceived as the
main one because this can only be evident to the
person who has opened the eye of the inner self
(in Turkish can gözünü açana).
SACRED TEXTS:
Alevis state that there are four major religious
books: The Torah (Pentateuch), Zebur (Psalms),
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
• The Second Gate is Tarikat (in Arabic
Taariqah) means “The path to choose”
• The Third Gate is Marifet (in Arabic Maa’rifeh)
which means Skills, Abilities
and Knowledge
• The Fourth Gate is Hakikat (in Arabic
Hakiqah) which means “The Truth”
Every Alevi has to be in control of his/her hands,
tongue and lust (Eline, beline, diline sahip
olmak) during all these stages.
Alevis have several rituals and practices.
• Degrees: To reach the level of Kutub (The Pole)
one has to go through the level of ‘aşık’ (the
writer or composer of sacred songs), then
the level of ‘muhip’ (an affectionate friend),
the third degree is that of ‘dervish’;
the forth degree is that of ‘Baba’ (The Father
or Reverend) and the last degree is
The ‘Kutup’ or Halife (The Successor).
• Table Blessings: Before and after every
Cem (holy assembly), food is blessed by
the leading Elder.
• Morning and Evening Prayers: these prayers
are recited to clear the day from any evil or
bad circumstances to ensure a restful
peaceful evening.
Ayin-i Cem: It is the assembly for Spiritual
Ceremony attended by mature age community
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
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members. It takes place at
Cemevi (Assembly House)
under the leadership of the
spiritual Elder known as
Dede (Grandfather) or Baba
(Father). Before the ceremony,
the “Twelve Services” ritual
is performed. There are five
different types of Cems. For
each type, certain specific
other rituals are performed.
Then, the spiritual dance
called Semah will be
performed by men and women
turning in circles together,
to the accompaniment of the
‘bağlama’ (lute played with a
plectrum). The Semah Dance
symbolizes the revolution of
the planets around the Sun.
The purpose of Semah is to
forget one’s self, and merge
into union with the Ultimate.
KEY FESTIVALS AND
CELEBRATIONS:
The Ceremony of
New Year’s : Nevruz
In accordance with a custom
inherited from the Persians,
New Year’s Day has been
among the Alevis of Anatolia,
considered the day on which
spring begins. It has therefore
been observed at the time of
the equinox, 21st of March.
According to the common
Alevi belief, this is the birthday
of Ali.
The Abdal Musa Feast
This takes place in the village
of Tekke in Antalya province of
Turkey on Taurus Mountains
during the first weekend of
June. It is held for the name of
Abdal Musa who was a disciple
of Haci Bektas Veli, the one
who formulated the Alevi Path
in late 13th and early 14th
centuries. It is a celebration
in which the traditions of
unity and togetherness are
preserved.
for 12 days and no water,
meat, onion or garlic are
consumed during this period.
It starts after dinner and
finishes after sunset. During
this time males don’t shave.
A holy soup containing 12
ingredients called Asure is
cooked and people gather to
listen to songs of the martyr
Huseyin. An Elder blesses
the food and it is distributed
among the community
members.
The Hızır Fast
This is generally observed
from 13th-15th February to
commemorate the Big Flood
of Noah’s Arc for three days.
It is believed that Hizir and
Elias who drank the water
of life to help people both on
land and seas, helped Noah
and his people from the flood.
The sacred ritual, Ayini Cem
is practiced and a holy food
made of flour and butter called
“gavut” is distributed among
the community members.
COUNTRIES WHERE
PRACTICED:
The Muharrem
(12 Imams) Fast
This is practised according
to the Lunar Calendar in the
Islamic month of Muharrem
to commemorate the
martyrdom of Imam Huseyin
who is the grandson of
Mohammed. Fasting continues
Turkey, Albania, Azerbaijan,
Cyprus, Macedonia, Bulgaria,
Iraq and Iran.s
The spiritual Semah
(forgiveness & being forgiven) Dance
Reference: www.mikontwerpers.nl
Images on top:
The Semah Dance (Forgiveness)
Reference: www.sariemre.blogspot.
com.au
PLACE OF WORSHIP
NAME
ADDRESS
LANGUAGE
CONTACT NO.
EMAIL/WEBSITE
ALEVI COMMUNITY COUNCIL
OF AUSTRALIA
28 -32 WILLAMS RD
NORTH COBURG VIC 3058
TURKISH
ENGLISH
03 9354 8153
[email protected]
www.alevi.org.au
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
12
Bahá’í
ORIGIN:
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
TENETS:
The Bahá’í Faith is a worldwide
religion with millions of
members around the globe.
It is an independent faith that
has evolved to meet the needs
of modern society and is
among the fastest growing
and most widespread of the
world’s religions.
• One God
Bahá’u’lláh taught that there
is one God, the same Creator
recognised by the great
religions of the world. They
believe all the great religions
come from the same source,
God, and have the same
essential purpose - to guide
and educate the human race.
Bahá’í s believe that knowledge
of God’s will for humanity in the
modern age was revealed more
than one hundred years ago by
Bahá’u’lláh, who was the latest
of divine messenger after
Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster,
Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and
Muhammad.
Bahá’u’lláh was the son of
a government minister but
was not attracted to political
life and turned down an offer
to serve in the government;
instead, he devoted his life to
writing more than 100 volumes
which comprise the scriptures
of the Bahá’í Faith. He spent
forty years of his life in exile
and imprisonment, moved
from city to city and country
to country until 1868 when he
was exiled and imprisoned in
Akka, a prison city located on
the north of what is now known
as Israel.
• The oneness of humankind
• Oneness of religion
• Independent investigation
of truth
• The essential harmony
between science
and religion
• Equality of men and women
• Elimination of prejudice of
all kinds
• Universal compulsory
education
• Spiritual solutions to
economic problems
• A universal auxiliary
language
SACRED TEXTS:
Bahá’í scripture consists of
the writings of the Bab and
Baha’u’llah together with
the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
Among the better known
writings of Baha’u’llah are
The Most Holy Book, The Book
of Certitude, Gleanings from
the Writings of Baha’u’llah,
The Hidden Words and The
Seven Valleys. There are many
other books of Bahá’í scripture.
The principle of the oneness of
humanity is the pivot around
which all the teachings of
Baha’u’llah revolve.
The Baha’i Faith brings social
principles appropriate to the
needs of a global society.
Many of these principles,
while considered radical in the
time of Baha’u’llah, are now
increasingly accepted by many
people.
The principles include:
• Equality of women and men
• The elimination of prejudice
• The adoption of an equal
standard of human rights for
all people
• Universal education for all
• The establishment of world
commonwealth of nations
• The harmony of science
and religion as two
complementary systems
of knowledge that must
work together to advance
humanity
Sydney Baha’i Temple (Left)
Reference: www.bahai.org.au
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ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
13
• Spiritual solutions to
economic problems
and removal of economic
barriers and restrictions
• The abolition of extremes
of poverty and wealth
may only have one wife and
each woman may have only one
husband. Both the man and
the woman must agree to a
marriage. The parents of both
sides must also agree.
• The adoption of a world
auxiliary language, a world
script, and a universal
system of currency and
weights and measures
Contraception is permitted if
it is used to space the birth of
children in a marriage but not
for preventing the birth
of children altogether.
RITUALS:
Sexual activity is only allowed
within marriage.
General
There is no clergy in the Baha’i
faith. Baha’is have no priests or
nuns. They have no sacraments
like Christians and they have
just three rituals:
• All Baha’is say daily prayers
• Baha’is have a special
prayer for the dead which is
recited at funerals
• Baha’is also have a simple
marriage rite
Other than these, the Baha’is
do not follow any traditional
or ritualistic ceremony, as they
believe that such ceremonies
lose meaning when people
forget the spiritual purpose
behind them.
Marriage laws
The family is the basis of
society and so marriage is
given great importance in the
Baha’i teachings. Each man
KEY FESTIVALS AND
CELEBRATIONS:
• Naw-Ruz (New year)
21 March
• Ridvan - first day
21 April
• Ridvan - ninth day
29 April
• Ridvan - twelfth day
2 May
Divorce is allowed in the
unfortunate event that the
marriage breaks down
completely but it is discouraged
and every effort must be made
to enable the couple to be
reconciled.
Death and burial
All Baha’is should make a Will
so that their wishes may be
known. In their Will they should
ask that they be buried in
accordance with Baha’i law.
Baha’i law states that the body
should be buried within one
hour’s travelling distance of
the place of death. Cremation
is forbidden as it breaks the
natural cycle and for the soul,
is too abrupt a decomposition
of the body.
• The Bab’s declaration
of his mission
23 May
• Passing of Baha’u’llah
29 May
• Martyrdom of the Bab
9 July
• Birth of the Bab
20 October
• Birth of Baha’u’llah
12 November
COUNTRIES WHERE
PRACTISED:
There are Bahá’í believers in
every country of the world.
On the other hand, no country
currently has a Bahá’í majority.
Countries with large numbers
of Bahá’ís include: Iran, India,
the United States of America
and Bolivia.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
NAME
ADDRESS
LANGUAGE
CONTACT NO.
EMAIL /WEBSITE
NATIONAL BAHA’I CENTRE
173 MONA VALE RD
INGLESIDE NSW 2101
ENGLISH
02 9998 9222
[email protected]
www.bahai.org.au
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
14
Buddhism
ORIGIN:
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
Buddhists believe that a human
being, who trained himself over
a countless amount of eons to
gain the unique ability of selfrealisation of universal truth of
life, was born in India around
2600 years ago. Given his
unaided realisation of truth of
existence of all beings, he was
known as the Buddha.
The word ‘Buddha’ literally
means the perfectly selfenlighten Being.
Buddhism does not promote
a need for a belief of any sort.
Instead, it asks Beings to use
the events that occur in their
day-to-day life to gain the
fundamental awareness of life
so that a regular practise of
skilful observation results in
realisation of the truth of life.
After relinquishing all
forms of attachments, his
enlightenment occurred at the
age of 35. He lived a further
45 years, dedicating his life
to teach what is known as
the Four Noble Truths to the
beings of various planes
of existence.
The Buddha passed away
at the age of 80. As a result
of his renunciation of all
attachments, his death did
not give rise to another birth
in any form of existence. This
kind of passing away of fully
enlightened Beings is known
as Nibbana.
His teaching of 45 years is
known as Buddhism.
Buddhism is not a religion
as it neither associates with
a belief system nor accepts
the existence of any sort of a
Supreme Being whom some
believe to be responsible for
creation.
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
The Buddha is the teacher
of Buddhism. His teaching
guides Beings of all planes
of existence to lead a life
towards realisation of the
same truth the Buddha
himself has realised using
his own effort. The aim of
realisation of truth of life is
to eradicate the root cause
of all forms of unsatisfactory
nature of life. The Buddhists
who follow the teaching of the
Buddha, gradually come into
knowledge, the birth in any
plane of existence is associated
with unsatisfactory outcomes
due to the impermanent
nature of all things and our
attachment to the wrong view
of self.
SACRED TEXTS:
The teaching of the Buddha
was taken across generations
by memorising it in its
original form. However, due to
intentional misinterpretations
or by negligence, some
“impurities” were added into
the teaching over time.
When such occurrences were
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
noticed, learnt Buddhists
set up a council to review
irregularities and remove the
newly added foreign content
so that teaching was again
restored into its original
form. Around 400 years after
Buddha’s passing away, some
dedicated Buddhists in Sri
Lanka spent time writing all
of the memorised teaching
of Buddha into books made
of palm leaves. These sets
of books are now available in
many languages.
TENETS:
The teaching of the Buddha
are summarised as Four
Noble Truths:
• The truth of unsatisfactory
nature of all things;
• The truth of root cause
of unsatisfactory nature;
(Threefold attachment)
• The truth of eradication
of unsatisfactory nature;
(Nibbana)
• The path to eradicate the
unsatisfactory nature;
(Noble Eightfold Path)
The Buddha also taught many
other related topics that aid
one’s understanding of the
Four Noble Truths. Those
elements include:
• The natural law of
dependent origination
• The natural law of cause
and effect
15
RITUALS:
One of the key aspects of Buddha’s teaching is the exclusion of rituals of all sorts as they do not
help the journey in the direction of right understanding and eradication of unsatisfactory nature.
Instead, the Buddha taught a suitable lifestyle that leads to the end of unsatisfactory nature.
Given this fact, concepts such as rituals, worship and praying have no place in Buddha’s teaching
despite their existence among Buddhist followers due to gaps in their understanding of the teaching.
There are a number of skilful actions that have been recommended by the Buddha for the benefit
of Beings. They include refraining from all sorts of evil actions performed through the body, word
and thoughts, the practice of loving kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity toward
all Beings, offering of useful basic necessities such as clothing, food, shelter and medical aid to
needy individuals and purification of mind through mindfulness and correct attention to thoughts
at all times.
Main Shrine Hall in Daham Niketanaya Temple in Yuroke
Photograph by Lisa Sun
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
16
KEY FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS:
According to the teaching of the Buddha,
conditioned phenomena are impermanent,
unsatisfactory in nature and devoid of self.
When someone is fortunate enough to
understand this truth of life, the festivals
and celebrations have no value for such a
learned person. However, numerous festivals
and celebrations are being organised, performed
and attended by Buddhists, in the name of the
Buddha and his teaching. This is merely due to
lack of their understanding of the teaching.
While celebration and festivals are not for the
learned Buddhist, they do not forget the three
important events of Buddha’s life that fall on the
full moon day of May. The birth of the Buddha to
be, his enlightenment and the passing away of
the Buddha took place on full moon days of May.
Buddha
Reference: www.temple.ellamey.com
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
The Buddhists of the world dedicate time on
these days to perform religious activities.
The Buddha instructed dedicated followers of
his teaching to utilise the three rainy months of
the year to live in one place so that the task of
purification of mind can be performed effectively.
This is considered to be a good opportunity by
the lay followers of the teaching to provide the
dedicated learners with the four-fold requisites
(clothing, food, shelter and medical aid) by
gaining merits for a good worldly life.
COUNTRIES WHERE PRACTISED:
The teaching of the Buddha is available in many
countries of the world. However, the majority of
Buddhists live in Asian countries such as:
Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam,
China, Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Bhutan
and India.
A Buddhist sculpture at Daham Niketanaya Temple in Yuroke
Photograph by Lisa Sun
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
17
The Bodhi Tree at Daham Niketanaya Temple in Yuroke
Photograph by Lisa Sun
PLACES OF WORSHIP
NAME
ADDRESS
LANGUAGE
CONTACT NO:
EMAIL /WEBSITE
DAHAM NIKETANAYA TEMPLE
1690 MICKELHAM RD
YUROKE VIC 3064
ENGLISH
SRI LANKAN
03 9333 4848
[email protected]
www.dahamniketanaya.org.au
LINH-SON BUDDHIST TEMPLE
33-35 RADFORD RD
RESERVOIR VIC 3073
ENGLISH
VIETNAMESE
03 9462 1799
[email protected]
www.linhson.org.au
QUANG DUC MONASTERY
105 LYNCH RD
FAWKNER VIC 3060
ENGLISH
VIETNAMESE
03 9357 3544
[email protected]
www.quangduc.com/menu2.html
QUANG MINH TEMPLE
18 BURKE ST
BRAYBROOK VIC 3019
ENGLISH
VIETNAMESE
03 9312 5729
www.quangminh.org.au
TIBETAN BUDDHIST SOCIETY
(PEACEFUL LAND OF JOY
MEDITATION CENTRE)
1425 MICKLEHAM RD
YUROKE VIC 3064
ENGLISH
03 9333 1770
[email protected]
www.tibetanbuddhistsociety.org
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
18
Christianity
ORIGIN:
Christianity is founded
upon Jesus Christ and his
teachings. Jesus (also known
in the Islamic/Muslim world
as Issa), a Jew, was born to
the Virgin Mary more than
2000 years ago in Bethlehem
and grew up in Nazareth, in
what is now Israel. He began
preaching about God when
he was about 30 years old.
In addition to teaching, he
performed miracles, healed
the sick, declared sins
forgiven and brought life to
the dead. At age 33 he was
arrested, executed on a cross
and buried. According to the
Gospels, Jesus rose from
the dead on the third day
after his death. His followers
experienced his ongoing
presence with them and
became known as Christians.
They see Jesus’ life and death
as bringing life for all people.
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
Christians believe in one God,
experienced as the Trinity
of the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. They believe that Jesus
Christ fulfils the Hebrew
Scriptures’ promise of a
Messiah. Christians proclaim
that Jesus is the Son of God.
Christians believe that God
came to Earth in the form of
a man. He showed compassion
and acceptance to those who
were considered unacceptable
to the religious elite of his day.
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
In doing this he was declaring
the unconditional love of God
for all people.
According to Christian belief,
life in Christ is life without
limits. Not even death can
separate Christians from the
love of God in Christ.
Jesus promised his disciples
(followers) that after he was
physically gone he would send
a helper for them, the Holy
Spirit. Christians believe this
Spirit is still active in the
world today.
SACRED TEXTS:
The Bible is the holy book
of Christians. It is divided
into two sections called the
Old Testament (the Jewish
sacred books) and the New
Testament, which includes the
stories of the life and teaching
of Jesus Christ (Gospels) and
letters from early Christian
leaders to their communities.
TENETS:
Christians have two main
commandments to follow.
They are, first, to love God
with heart, soul and mind,
and second, to love their
neighbour as themselves as
per Christ’s summation of the
10 commandments described
in the Bible, Mathew 22: 36-40.
RITUALS:
General
Christians gather together to
worship God on Sundays and
at other times. They usually
meet in a church, but some
groups meet in people’s
homes. Christian worship
includes prayers, readings
from the Bible, and singing
religious songs called hymns
which praise God as the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The most important form
of Christian worship is
the service known as
Holy Communion, mass,
or the Eucharist. At Holy
Communion, Christians
share bread and wine in
remembrance of what Jesus
did with his disciples at the
last supper. Bread and wine
are symbols and reminders
of Christ’s body and blood.
Christians believe that they
are connected to Jesus
through this ritual.
Most Christians practise
the ritual of Baptism which
involves water. Some
traditions baptise babies, and
adult believers who have not
previously been Baptised,
while some traditions Baptise
only adults. The ritual of
Baptism signifies becoming
a follower of Christ.
Some Christian traditions
such as the Quakers and the
Salvation Army do not practise
Baptism or Holy Communion.
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
19
Birth
There are no universal rituals
relating to birth. In some
churches, Baptism fulfils this
role. In some churches there
is a rite of Thanksgiving for
the birth of a child, which
may include a blessing of the
child. In churches that do not
practise infant baptism there
are usually rites of Dedication
of a new-born.
Marriage
For most Christians marriage
is the joining together of one
man and one woman for the
whole of life. While marriage
is considered to be for life,
most Christian churches allow
for the re-marriage of divorced
people. In some traditions
this can only take place after
a formal church annulment of
any previous marriage. Some
churches require celibacy
for those who are priests
or bishops, and for those in
religious orders (monks
and nuns).
Death
At the time of death some
Christian traditions have
a form of Last Rites, or
anointing and praying for
the dying (or just-deceased)
person. All Christian traditions
celebrate Funeral rites, where
the community gathers to
give thanks to God for the
life of the deceased person,
to give comfort and support
to those who mourn, to
reverently dispose of the body
(by burial or cremation) and to
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
acknowledge that death is not
the end of their relationship
with God.
food or activities. Often this is
combined with donating the
money saved to the needy.
KEY FESTIVALS AND
CELEBRATIONS:
COUNTRIES WHERE
PRACTISED:
Christians celebrate a
variety of festivals. Most
commemorate events in
Jesus’ life. In some churches,
saints are celebrated on the
particular days dedicated to
them. Festivals are marked
with special church services
and with other customs, such
as giving Christmas presents
or Easter eggs.
Beginning in the Middle East,
Christianity is now practised
on every continent and in
every country of the world –
sometimes as the majority
faith, sometimes as the
minority. There are more than
two billion Christians around
the world.
The most significant Christian
festivals are:
• Christmas, celebrating the
birth of Jesus
• The Friday before Easter,
called Good Friday,
commemorating Jesus’
death
DIFFERENT
DENOMINATIONS IN
CHRISTIANITY:
Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican,
Protestant (includes
Adventist, Baptist, Churches
of Christ, Reformed,
Lutheran, Methodist, Uniting,
Presbyterian, Pentecostal,
Quaker and Salvation Army).
• Easter, honouring Jesus’
resurrection, when he rose
from the dead
• Pentecost, celebrating the
gift of the Holy Spirit and
the unity of Christians.
Fasting: Many Christians
practise fasting as a spiritual
discipline. Some traditions
have formal seasons of
fasting such as Lent (the forty
day period of preparation
for Easter, beginning on
Ash Wednesday). There is a
diversity of practises, from
not eating meat or other
animal products to a giving
up of certain non-essential
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
The First Christian Church established
in Augusta in 1835
Reference:
www. augustagadaily.blogspot.com.au
20
PLACES OF WORSHIP
BROADMEADOWS, DALLAS
NAME
DENOMINATION
LANGUAGE
ADDRESS
CONTACT NO.
EMAIL/WEBSITE
BROADMEADOWS
UNITING CHURCH
UNITING
ENGLISH
413 CAMP RD
BROADMEADOWS VIC 3047
03 9309 1062
[email protected]
FAITH CITY CHURCH
AUSTRALIAN
CHRISTIAN
CHURCHES
ENGLISH
BELFAST ST
BROADMEADOWS VIC 3047
03 9309 3777
[email protected]
HOLY CHILD AND
HOLY FAMILY
CATHOLIC
ENGLISH,
VIETNAMESE
227 BLAIR ST
DALLAS VIC 3047
03 9302 3376
[email protected]
www.holychildparish.org.au
HUME
COMMUNITY BAPTIST
BAPTIST
ENGLISH
HUME VALLEY SCHOOL
KOROIT AVE DALLAS VIC 3047
03 9302 2402
[email protected]
ST DOMINIC’S
CATHOLIC
ENGLISH,
SPANISH,
VIETNAMESE
408 CAMP RD
BROADMEADOWS VIC 3047
03 9309 2575
[email protected]
ST MARY MAGDALENE
ANGLICAN
ENGLISH
CNR BARRY RD & EMERALD ST
BROADMEADOWS VIC 3047
03 9309 2507
[email protected]
COOLAROO, MEADOW HEIGHTS
HOLY CHILD
CATHOLIC CHURCH
CATHOLIC
ENGLISH
133 MALMSBURY DR
MEADOW HEIGHTS VIC 3048
03 9302 3376
[email protected]
www.holychildparish.org.au
ST GEORGE CHURCH
ASSYRIAN
CHURCH OF
THE EAST
ASSYRIAN
8 KYABRAM ST
COOLAROO VIC 3048
0419 326 212
0402 451 558
[email protected]
ST MARY CHURCH
ANCIENT
CHURCH OF
THE EAST
ASSYRIAN
56-58 KYABRAM ST
COOLAROO VIC 3048
0411 527 854
[email protected]
CONGREGATIONAL
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
CONGREGATIONAL
ENGLISH
SAMOAN
83 MASON ST
CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061
03 9309 9114
[email protected]
HUME SAMOAN
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
AUSTRALIAN
CHRISTIAN
CHURCHES
ENGLISH
SAMOAN
87 LARA WAY
CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061
03 9357 8772
[email protected]
OUR LADY
GUARDIAN OF PLANTS
CHALDEAN
CATHOLIC
CHURCH
ENGLISH
CHALDEAN
93-99 SOMERSET RD
CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061
03 9357 4554
www.chaldeanchurch.org.au/
SCOTS CHURCH
UNITING
ENGLISH
1702 SYDNEY RD
CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061
03 9309 1062
[email protected]
TONGAN
METHODIST CHURCH
WESLEYAN
METHODIST
ENGLISH
TONGAN
81 SOMERSET RD
CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061
0408 558 145
03 9305 6792
[email protected]
GOOD SAMARITAN
CATHOLIC
ENGLISH
1-29 SOUTHERN CROSS DR
ROXBURGH PARK VIC 3064
03 9308 4500
03 8339 4053
[email protected]
www.our-ladys.org
ROXBURGH PK
COMMUNITY CHURCH
CHURCHES OF
CHRIST
ENGLISH
HOMESTEAD PS GYMNASIUM
ROXBURGH PARK VIC 3064
03 9305 1114
[email protected]
www.rpcc.com.au/
CENTRAL LIFE CHURCH
AUSTRALIAN
CHRISTIAN
CHURCHES
ENGLISH
LEISURE CENTRE FUNCTION RM,
CRAIGIEBURN RD WEST
CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064
03 9305 5655
[email protected]
CROSSWAY NORTH
BAPTIST
ENGLISH
WILLMOTT PK PRIMARY
CNR COWES & DORCHESTER STS
CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064
03 9333 0100
[email protected]
www.crosswaynorth.org.au
MT RIDLEY
ORTHODOX MISSION
ANTIOCHIAN
ORTHODOX
ENGLISH
5-15 WINDROCK AVE
MT. RIDLEY VIC 3064
0437 476 684
[email protected]
www.mountridleyorthodox.org.au
OUR LADY’S
CATHOLIC
ENGLISH
FILIPINO
171 CRAIGIEBURN RD
CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064
03 9308 4500
[email protected]
www.our-ladys.org
ST PETER’S
ANGLICAN
ENGLISH
HUME ANGLICAN GRAMMAR
MT RIDLEY RD
CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064
03 9305 6092
[email protected]
ST THOMAS’
UNITING CHURCH
UNITING
ENGLISH
CNR RAYFIELD & DIANNE AVE
CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064
03 9308 1258
[email protected]
ST YACOUB CHURCH
SYRIAC
ORTHODOX
CHURCH
ENGLISH
SYRIAC
ARABIC
75 WHITES LANE
MICKLEHAM VIC 3064
0403 200 545
03 9333 1145
[email protected]
SALVOS 3064
SALVATION
ARMY
ENGLISH
75 INTERLINK DR
CRIAIGEIBURN VIC 3064
03 8339 6100
[email protected]
ANGLICAN
ENGLISH
CNR WILLS ST & RALEIGH ST
WESTMEADOWS VIC 3049
03 9309 5061
[email protected]
www.anglicanwestmeadowsbulla.com.au
CAMPBELLFIELD
ROXBURGH PARK
CRAIGIEBURN
WESTMEADOWS
ANGLICAN PARISH OF
WESTMEADOWS/BULLA
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
21
RESERVOIR
ASSYRIAN
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
ASSEMBLY OF
GOD
ENGLISH
ASSYRIAN
ARABIC
43 MAHONEY’S RD
RESEVOIR VIC 3307
03 9310 7790
0403 123 179
[email protected]
ST APHREM CHURCH
SYRIAC
ORTHODOX
CHURCH
ENGLISH
SYRIAC
ARABIC
2-4 JOFFRE ST
RESEVOIR VIC 3073
03 9470 2430
[email protected]
ST GEORGE CHURCH
ASSYRIAN
CHURCH OF
THE EAST
ASSYRIAN
8 BROADHURST AVE
RESEVOIR VIC 3073
03 9462 1028
0419 326 212
[email protected]
CITY WEST
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
AUSTRALIAN
CHRISTIAN
CHURCHES
ENGLISH
89 ROSE ST
ESSENDON VIC 3040
03 9337 4454
0437174655
[email protected]
www.citywestaog.com.au
REAL LIFE
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
AUSTRALIAN
CHRISTIAN
CHURCHES
ENGLISH
5 PRICE ST
ESSENDON VIC 3040
03 9310 5438
[email protected]
NEIL THOMAS
MINISTRIES
BORN AGAIN
CHRISTIAN
ENGLISH
40-42 GARDEN DR
TULLAMARINE VIC 3043
03 9335 6309
[email protected]
www.neilthomasministries.org.au
NORTH POINT 7TH
ADVENTIST CHURCH
SDA
ENGLISH
3 TRADE PARK DR
TULLAMARINE VIC 3043
03 9338 1898
GREENVALE
UNITING CHURCH
UNITING
ENGLISH
CNR PROVIDENCE RD AND
CARROLL LANE
GREENVALE VIC 3059
0408 220 877
03 9338 2561
[email protected]
HUME
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
PRESBYTERIAN
ENGLISH
825 SOMERTON RD
GREENVALE VIC 3059
03 9333 3529
[email protected]
ST CARLO BORROMEO
CATHOLIC
ENGLISH
DRUMMOND ST GREENVALE VIC 3059
03 9338 2840
[email protected] SEVENTH DAY
ADVENTIST CHURCH
SDA
ENGLISH
825 SOMERTON RD
CNR SOMERTON & SECTION RD
GREENVALE VIC 3059
03 9333 2808
0401 590 307
http://greenvale.adventist.org.au/
GLADSTONE PARK
UNITING CHURCH
UNITING
ENGLISH
CNR ELMHURST RD & CARRICK
DR GLADSTONE PARK VIC 3043
03 9330 0422
secretary@gladstonepark.
unitingchurch.org.au
GOOD SHEPHERD
CATHOLIC
ENGLISH
88 SOUTH CIRCULAR RD
GLADSTONE PARK VIC 3043
03 9338 2840
[email protected] SPIRIT ALIVE CHURCH
PENTACOSTAL
ENGLISH
48 KATRINA DR
GLADSTONE PARK VIC 3043
03 9335 4339
[email protected] BETHANY
LUTHERAN CHURCH
LUTHERAN
ENGLISH
57 BROOK ST
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9743 4643
0413 610 263
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.lca.org.au
CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE
OF MELBOURNE
CATHOLIC
ENGLISH
51 MACEDON ST
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9744 1060
[email protected]
www.olmcsunbury.org.au
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
JEHOVAH’S
ENGLISH
KINGDOM HALL,
160 RESERVOIR RD
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9744 6389
MELBOURNE CHRISTIAN
FELLOWSHIP INC.
CHRISTIANITY
ENGLISH
303 MITOHELLS LANE
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9740 9234
[email protected]
NEW LEAVE
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
CHURCHES OF
INTERNATIONAL
ENGLISH
GOONAWARRA COMMUNITY
CENTRE - DORNOCH RD
SUNBURY VIC 3429
0487 264 325
[email protected]
ST MARY’S
ANGLICAN CHURCH
ANGLICAN
ENGLISH
9 O’SHANNASSY ST
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9744 1347
[email protected]
www.stmaryanglican.org.au
SALVATION ARMY
CHURCH
SALVATION
ARMY
ENGLISH
27 ANDERSON RD
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9744 2095
www.salvationarmy.org.au
SUNBURY
BAPTIST CHURCH
BAPTIST
ENGLISH
207 GAP RD
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9740 7683
www.sunburybaptist.org
[email protected]
SUNBURY
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
INDEPENDENT
(METHODIST)
ENGLISH
GOONAWARRA NEIGHBOURHOOD
HOUSE - 8 GULLANE DR
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9744 2549
[email protected]
SUNBURY
UNITING CHURCH
UNITING
ENGLISH
CNR BROOK & BARKLY ST
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9744 7501
[email protected]
WESLEYAN
METHODIST CHURCH
METHODIST
ENGLISH
37 O’ SHANNASSY ST
SUNBURY VIC 3429
03 9740 3106
0413 275 986
[email protected]
ESSENDON
TULLAMARINE
GREENVALE
GLADSTONE PARK
SUNBURY
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
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22
Druze
ORIGIN:
TENETS:
The Druze faith began as a movement in
Ismailism that was mainly influenced by Greek
philosophy and gnosticism and opposed certain
religious and philosophical ideologies that were
present during that epoch.
Druze believe both men and women should
participate in daily prayers. Stimulants such
as tobacco and wine are not allowed in Druzism
and stealing and revenge are considered wrong.
The Druze Faith came into Beirut at
the beginning of the 11th Century A.D.
Its headquarters started in Cairo and spread
throughout Mount Lebanon, Syria and
Palestine.
The Druzes differ from the followers of other
faiths in that the literature of the Druze Faith is
not widely circulated.
The Druze spiritual leader is called Sheikh
Al-Aql. Being a faith which differs in many
respects from traditional Islam, Druzism
remained secret in an environment which was
intolerant to beliefs considered unorthodox
when the movement started.
The moral system of Druze religion consists
of the following seven principles:
• Truthfulness - love of the truth
• Fellowship - take care of one another
• Abandoning false beliefs
• Avoidance of confusion - avoid evil
• Accept divine unity in humanity
• Acceptance of all al-Hakim’s acts
• Submission in accordance to al-Hakim’s Will
RITUALS:
The Druze believe in one God and all prophets
are his messagers to humanity to help the
believers to the end of their time.
Druze around the world can have radically
different lifestyles. Some claim to be Muslim,
some do not. The Druze faith is said to abide by
Islamic principles but they tend to be separatist
in their treatment of Druze-hood, and their
religion differs from mainstream Islam on a
number of fundamental points.
SACRED TEXTS:
KEY FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS:
The Druze Sacred texts are the Kitab Al Hikma
(The Book of Wisdom). It is a collection of
books, of which the first six are the most
commonly used.
Traditionally, Druze only celebrate one
religious festival which is Eid al-Adha (Festival
of Sacrifice).
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
COUNTRIES WHERE PRACTISED:
The majority of Druzes are in Lebanon, Syria,
Israel and Jordan, often in mountainous
regions. There are also significant Druze
communities who are living in Australia,
Europe and USA.
Shrine of Prophet Job (Ayoub) in Lebanon
Reference: www.druzestar.com
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23
The Druze star symbolises the five wise
superior ministers, each with his quality.
• Green is for “the mind”, ‘al-’akl, which is
necessary for understanding the truth.
• Red is for “the soul”, ‘an-nafs.
• Yellow is for “the word”, ‘al-kalima, which
is the purest form of expression of the
truth.
• Blue, ‘al-sabik is for the mental power of
the will.
• White, ‘al-tali, is the realisation of blue,
where its power has been materialised in
the world of matter.
The Druze Star
Reference: www.druze.org.au
Due in part to their long history as a
persecuted minority, Druze ofen live in
villages that are located on higher ground.
In the 1500s Druze villages prospered in the
Chouf Mountains of Southern Lebanon.
The area of Southern Syria where they live
became known as Jabal al-Druze (mountain
of the Druze).
Ein Qinya, a Druze village near Mount Hermon
Nature Reserve in Syria, is picture on the left.
A minority of Druze live in the Golan Heights
region that Israel seized from Syria in 1967.
There are about 120,000 Druze in Israel, or
about 1.5 percent of the population, located
in eighteen villages, many of them exclusively
Druze. Druze number about 230,000 in
Lebanon and about 420,000 in Syria, or about
4 percent of the population.
A Druze Village
Reference: www.zealby.com
PLACE OF WORSHIP
NAME
ADDRESS
LANGUAGE
CONTACT NO.
EMAIL /WEBSITE
THE DRUZE COMMUNITY
CENTRE (EXPECTED TO BE
COMPLETED IN 2015)
256 HUTTON RD
KEYSBOROUGH VIC 3173
ENGLISH
ARABIC
03 9305 2858
[email protected]
www.druzevictoria.org.au
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24
Hinduism
ORIGIN:
Hinduism began in the Indus
Valley in present day Pakistan.
It spread thoughtout northern
India, along the valley of the
Ganges. The word “Hindu”
comes from the Persian
word for “River”. It refers
to the religion of the people
who lived by the Indus river.
Hinduism evolved out of
the many diverse traditions
of ancient India. As such it
doesn’t have a single founder,
a specific theological system,
a single holy text, or the
concept of a prophet.
Hinduism is generally
regarded as the world’s
oldest organised religion.
It consists of thousands of
different religious groups
that have evolved in India since
1500 B.C. Because of the wide
variety of Hindu traditions,
freedom of belief and
practises are notable features
of Hinduism.
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
Hinduism does not have one
central belief. It has evolved
slowly over time, drawing in
ideas from other religions.
There are many different
types of Hinduism and many
different ways to be Hindu.
Most Hindus believe in God
and believe that God is
everywhere. They worship
gods and/or goddesses who
help them to maintain their
faith in God.
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
Hinduism grants absolute
and complete freedom of
belief and worship. Hinduism
perceives the whole world as
a single family that deifies
the one truth, and therefore it
accepts all forms of belief and
dismisses labels of distinct
religions which would imply a
division of identity.
Prominent themes in Hindu
beliefs include (but are not
restricted to):
• Dharma (ethics/duties)
• Samsãra (the continuing
cycle of birth, life, death
and rebirth)
• Karma (action and
subsequent reaction)
• Moksha (liberation from
samsara)
• The various Yogas (paths or
practises)
SACRED TEXTS:
The Vedas are among the
oldest sacred texts, the
oldest of which is the Rigveda.
They are the foremost in
authority, importance and
antiquity for Hindu beliefs.
Scriptures include the
Upanishads, Purãnas
and the epics Mahãbhãrata
and Rãmãyana. The Bhagavad
Gïtã, a syncretistic treatise
from the Mahãbhãrata is of
special importance.
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
TENETS:
The authority of the Vedas (the
oldest Indian sacred texts) and
the Brahmans (priests).
The existence of an enduring
soul that transmigrates from
one body to another at death
through reincarnation.
The law of karma that
determines one’s destiny both
in this life and the next.
Hindus recognise three
possible paths to moksha,
or salvation.
• The first is the way of
karma yoga, where
liberation may be obtained
by fulfilling one’s familial
and social responsibilities
• The second way of salvation
is the way of knowledge, or
jnana yoga
• The third way of salvation
is the way of devotion, or
bhakti yoga
Devotion is expressed through
acts of worship, temple
rituals, and pilgrimages. Some
Hindus conceive of ultimate
salvation as absorption
into the one divine reality,
with all loss of individual
existence. Others conceive
of it as heavenly existence in
adoration of the personal God.
25
RITUALS:
General
The vast majority of Hindus engage in religious
rituals on a daily basis. Most Hindus observe
religious rituals at home. But observation of
rituals varies greatly among regions, villages,
and individuals. Devout Hindus perform daily
chores such as worshipping at dawn after
bathing (usually at a family shrine, and typically
includes lighting a lamp and offering foodstuffs
before the images of deities), recitation from
religious scripts, singing devotional hymns,
meditation, chanting mantras, reciting
scriptures etc.
Marriage
A Hindu marriage ceremony contains many
religious rituals. At the end of the ceremony,
the couple take seven steps, making a vow for
each one. The steps represent food, strength,
prosperity, wellbeing, children, happiness and
harmony.
May - Rathyatta (festival for Vishnu as
Lord of the universe)
August -Janmashtami (Birthday of Krishna)
September - Ganesh Chaturthi (Birthday of
the god Ganesh)
September/October - Dusserah
October/November - Diwali (Festival of lights)
COUNTRIES WHERE PRACTISED:
Hinduism has grown to become the
world’s third largest religion, after Christianity
and Islam. It claims about 950 million
followers - about 14% of the world’s population.
It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal,
Bhutan and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Death
The Hindu faith asserts death as a
transformation rather than an end. In the
Bhagwat Gïtã, Lord Krishna says: “As man
discards his worn out attire for a new one, so
does the soul - leaves its worn-out body to
acquire a new life.”
KEY FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS:
The Hindu year is filled with many festivals
celebrating the gods and natural events:
February - Pongal Sankranti (Festival of the rice
harvest)
March - Holi (Spring Festival)
March - Shivaratri (birthday of the God Shiva)
Lord Shiva
Reference: www.devotionalonly.com
PLACES OF WORSHIP
NAME
ADDRESS
LANGUAGE
CONTACT NO:
EMAIL/WEBSITE
MELBOURNE MURUGAN TEMPLE
17-19 KNIGHT AVE
SUNSHINE VIC 3020
ENGLIGH
TAMIL
03 9367 3080
[email protected]
www.melbourne-murugan.org
SHRI SHIVA VISHNU TEMPLE
57 BOUNDARY RD
CARRUM DOWNS VIC 3201
ENGLISH
HINDI
03 9782 0878
www.hsvshivavishnu.org.au
THE MELBOURNE HARE
KRISHNA (ISKCON) TEMPLE
197 DANKS ST.
MIDDLE PARK VIC 3206
ENGLISH
HINDI
03 9699 5122
03 9690 4093
[email protected]
www.iskon.net.au
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Islam
ORIGIN:
TENETS:
Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
in the city of Mecca in modern-day Saudi
Arabia in about A.D.620. Muhammad received
revelations from Allah (God) and began to
preach His last message. The word “Islam”
means “submission to the commands of Allah
(God)”. Muslims (followers of Islam) submit
themselves to Allah’s (God’s) commandments.
Islam rests on five duties that all Muslims
must obey and carry out. These are called
The Five Pillars (fundamentals) of Islam.
They are based on the Qur’an and the actions
of Muhammad. They give a sense of purpose
to every Muslim’s life.
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
Muslims believe that Allah is the one God, and
that Muhammad is Allah’s last messenger.
Muslims believe that Allah sent many Prophets
(messengers) before sending Muhammad.
These include holy men recognised by Jews and
Christians, such as Adam, Abraham, Moses,
David, and Issa (Jesus). Muhammad received
revelations from Allah through the Angel Jibril
(Gabriel) from the age of 40. Muhammad told his
followers about these revelations.
Muslims believe the Islamic holy book the
Qur’an was revealed by God in Arabic and that
their faith is the final revelation of Allah.
Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgment,
when the universe as we know it will end,
everyone will be held accountable for their
actions in this life.
Muslims believe that nothing happens
without the will and knowledge of God. Islam
acknowledges that each human being has
the ability to make choices in life and that
there are some actions that are beyond an
individuals’ control.
The Five Pillars of Islam:
Declaration of Faith (Shahadah): This is the
Muslim statement of faith that Allah is the one
true God and that Muhammad is His prophet.
This belief is stated several times each day in
the call to prayer.
Prayers (Salat): Muslims are required to
pray five times a day in a set sequence.
Wherever they are in the world, they turn to
face the sacred Ka’bah in Mecca when they pray.
Charity (Zakat): Every Muslim is to give
2.5% of his wealth to the poor and needy;
the amount must meet the Zakat threshold
figure and should have been in his possession
for a lunar year.
Fasting (Sawm): Muslims fast during the
month of Ramadan (name of Islamic Month).
When Muslims fast, they abstain from food
and water between sunrise and sunset.
They celebrate the end of Ramadan with a
feast called “Eid-ul-Fitr”.
Pilgrimage (Al-Hajj): All healthy Muslims must
make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca during
their lifetime. This occurs on the 12th month of
the Islamic year, Dhul Hijjah.
SACRED TEXTS:
Muslim’s sacred text is the Qur’an (or Koran).
They also acknowledge the Torah (Pentateuch),
revealed to Moses; the Psalms (Zabur), revealed
to David (Dawood) and the Gospels (Injil),
revealed to Jesus (Issa).
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27
RITUALS:
Birth
The ritual that accompanies the birth of a child is the Call to Prayer, whereby “There is no God but
Allah and Mohammed is his prophet” is whispered into the newborn’s right ear as the first sound it
hears. This act ensures that the first words that a child hears are the words where Allah’s name is
mentioned from the first moment of life.
Marriage
Marriage is encouraged for all Muslims, and hence the selection of a partner and the wedding are
approached with great seriousness. While wedding customs vary widely from country to country the
expectation is that they are done within the confines of Islam. Although divorce is permitted, there are
strong moral sentiments against it. In addition, the marriage contract often guarantees the divorced
wife a significant monetary payment.
Death
Muslims believe in resurrection after death, in angels, devils, heaven and hell. All people will be
judged by God. Once a person has died, their body is washed and shrouded, and buried as
soon as possible. The corpse is buried facing Mecca, in imitation of the direction of prayer.
Meadow Heights Mosque
www.ummahdirectory.com.au
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KEY FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS:
COUNTRIES WHERE PRACTISED:
The Islamic calendar has 12 lunar months, each
with 29 or 30 days.
• Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar, when Muslims fast during daylight
hours.
• Eid-ul-Fitr (the breaking of the fast) is
celebrated at the start of the tenth month.
Today, Islam is the world’s second–largest
religion, with more than a billion followers spread
over almost every country. Approximately 13%
of Muslims live in Indonesia, the largest Muslim
country, 25% in South East Asia, 20% in the
Middle East and 15% in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Sizable communities are found in Russia and
over 50 million Muslims live in China.
• Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month, is when
Muslims make their hajj (pilgrimage) to
Mecca.
DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS
IN ISLAM:
• Eid al-Adha.”Festival of Sacrifice” or “Greater
Eid” is an important religious holiday to
commemorate the willingness of Abraham
(Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael
(Isma’il) as an act of obedience to God, before
God intervened to provide him with a ram to
sacrifice instead. Eid al-Adha is celebrated
annually on the 10th, 11th and 12th day of the
twelfth month and the last Islamic month the
lunar Islamic calendar.
Shia (or Shiite) represents approximately
15% with the Alawi being a minority branch.
Sunni & Shia
Sunni represents approximately 85% of the
Muslim world and has four (4) schools of
thought: Hanafi, Shafii, Maliki and Hanbali.
Tasbih is a form of dhikr(remembrance)
that involves the repetitive utterances
of short sentences glorifying God
Reference: http://www.muslimbase.com/
Muslim statement of Faith in Arabic calligraphy
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29
Broadmeadows Mosque
www.fotopedia.com
PLACES OF WORSHIP
NAME OF THE MOSQUE
ADDRESS
LANGUAGE
CONTACT NO.
EMAIL /WEBSITE
ALAWI ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION
OF VICTORIA
780 SOMERTON RD
GREENVALE VIC 3059
ENGLISH
ARABIC
0400 475 767
[email protected]
AUSTRALIAN ISLAMIC
CULTURAL CENTRE
46-48 MASON ST
CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061
ENGLISH
TURKISH
03 9309 7605
AUSTRALIAN ISLAMIC
SOCIAL ASSOCIATION
(MEADOW HEIGHTS MOSQUE)
I5-17 HUDSON CT
MEADOW HEIGHTS VIC 3048
ENGLISH
TURKISH
03 9302 3030
www.aisamg.org
[email protected]
AUSTRALIA LIGHT FOUNDATION
14-16 FREDA ST
BROADMEADOWS VIC 3047
ENGLISH
TURKISH
03 9309 6366
03 9312 0104
[email protected]
DARUL ULUM ISLAMIC
COLLEGE OF VICTORIA
17 BAIRD ST
FAWKNER VIC 3060
ENGLISH
ARABIC
03 9355 6800
[email protected]
HUME ISLAMIC
YOUTH CENTRE (HIYC)
1-15 MOTTO DR
COOLAROO VIC 3058
ENGLISH
ARABIC
03 8351 8003
http://hiyc.aswj.com.au
[email protected]
IMAM ALI ISLAMIC CENTRE
92-104 LOWSON ST
FAWKNER VIC 3060
ENGLISH
ARABIC
03 9478 1580
[email protected]
www.iaic.150.com
ISLAMIC PRAYER GROUP
HOMESTEAD COMMUNITY
CENTER
30 WHILTSHIRE DR
ROXBURGH PARK VIC 3064
ENGLISH
ARABIC
URDU/HINDI
0402 536 552
[email protected]
ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF VICTORIA
(PRESTON MOSQUE)
90 CRAMER ST
PRESTON VIC 3072
ENGLISH
ARABIC
03 9470 2424
[email protected]
www.prestonmosque.org
SERENITY FOUNDATION
(KUBA MOSQUE)
250 HUME HWY
SOMERTON VIC 3062
ENGLISH
TURKISH
03 9305 2858
[email protected]
www.serenityfoundation.org.au
THOMASTOWN TURKISH
EDUCATION & ISLAMIC SOCIETY
(THOMASTOWN MOSQUE)
124-130 STATION ST
THOMASTOWN VIC 3074
ENGLISH
TURKISH
03 9465 3526
[email protected]
TURKISH ISLAMIC &
CULTURAL CENTRE
(BROADMEADOWS MOSQUE)
45-65 KING ST
BROADMEADOWS VIC 3047
ENGLISH
TURKISH
03 9359 0054
[email protected]
www.bitcc.org.au
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Judaism
ORIGIN:
SACRED TEXTS:
RITUALS:
Judaism began approximately
4000 B.C. and its founder was
Abraham.
The primary sacred text
of Judaism is known as
the Tanakh (or Hebrew
Bible / Scripture). There are
39 different books within
these Scriptures. The first
five books contain Jewish law
and are known as The Torah
(or Pentateuch). The Torah
is also called the Five Books
of Moses, because tradition
teaches that Moses received
the Torah from God at Mt
Sinai. The Torah consists of
both narrative (Bible stories)
and laws/commandments
(mitzvot).
General
Jews have many rituals.
Some are done on a daily
basis, some weekly, some
less often. Some rituals are
done in the home, some in
the synagogue, some during
festivals, and some in the
workplace.
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
Judaism is a monotheistic
religion, which means that
Jews believe that there is only
one God. While many Hebrew
names exist for God, they are
generally not uttered unless in
the context of prayer.
Judaism does not seek to
convert others to its way of
life. Judaism believes that
all just and decent people
are seen as religiously
righteous, and that the 613
commandments are the
specific responsibility of the
Jewish people.
Jewish sacred amulet Hamsa or Miriam hand
Reference: www.123rf.com
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
TENETS:
The 613 Biblical
commandments can be
divided into those which
govern one’s relationship to
God, and those which govern
one’s relationship to other
people. These concepts can
be summed up in the precepts
to “Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, mind
and soul”, and ”Love your
neighbour as yourself”.
Contained within the 613
Biblical commandments
is the Decalogue or Ten
Commandments. These
laws are often described as
sensible commandments
about how to live in
relationship with God and the
community e.g. do not steal,
do not commit adultery etc.
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
Birth
Baby boys are circumcised
when they are eight days old
and are given a Jewish name.
Traditionally, this is performed
as part of a ceremony
conducted by the Rabbi. Girls
are also ceremoniously named
and blessed.
Marriage
There are several rituals as
part of the Jewish marriage
ceremony. The couple are
married under a canopy
which is called a huppah.
It is a symbol of the couple’s
new home. The bride walks
around the groom seven times
to show that she is making
a home with him. A crucial
part of the ceremony is the
groom giving a ring to the
bride, before two witnesses.
At the end of the ceremony the
groom smashes a wine glass
with his foot. This is to remind
everyone that while this is a
happy occasion, we still live
in a world where there is
some sadness. Then everyone
shouts ‘Mazel Tov’, which
means good luck.
31
Death
It is a basic tenet of Judaism that a dying
person should not be left alone. A person
approaching death is encouraged to confess his
or her sins before God (Viddui or confession)
and to evoke God’s forgiveness, but there are no
other religious last rites. The deceased should
be buried as soon as possible after death,
preferably on the same day, as leaving the body
without burial is considered a desecration of
the deceased.
All members of the immediate family are in
mourning for the first week after the funeral,
known as Shiva (‘seven’). They stay indoors,
sit on low chairs, wear a torn garment and nonleather shoes, do not shave or bathe, and cover
all the mirrors in the house. Memorial candles
are kept burning in the house of mourning for
seven days and prayer services are held there.
Memorial prayers (Kaddish) for the deceased
are recited and members of the community
come to comfort the mourners.
Menorah (Hanukkah) Lamp
Festival of Lights
Reference: www.speaker-dailydevotion.blogspot.com.au
KEY FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS:
There are several Jewish festivals. Some of
these include Shabbat or Sabbath, a weekly
celebration of creation; Purim, the celebration
of Jewish survival thanks to Queen Esther;
Passover, which recalls the Jews’ experience
of slavery in Egypt; Rosh Hashanah, which
is New Year’s Day; Yom Kippur, a day of
repentance; and Hanukkah, the festival of lights
when children receive presents.
COUNTRIES WHERE PRACTISED:
Globally, including Asia and Australia,
the largest communities being in Israel
and the USA.
Gottlieb-Jews Praying in the Synagogue on Yom Kippur
Reference: www.wikipedia.org
PLACES OF WORSHIP
NAME
ADDRESS
LANGUAGE
CONTACT NO:
EMAIL /WEBSITE
MELBOURNE HEBREW
CONGREGATION
CORNER TOORAK RD & ARNOLD ST
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
HEBREW
ENGLISH
03 9866 2255
[email protected]
www.melbournesynagogue.org.au/
TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL
76-82 ALMA RD
ST KILDA VIC 3182
HEBREW
ENGLISH
03 9510 1488
[email protected]
www.tbi.org.au
THE CITY OF MELBOURNE
SYNAGOGUE
488 ALBERT ST
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002
HEBREW
ENGLISH
03 9662 1372 [email protected]
www.melbournecitysynagogue.com/
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ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
32
Sikhism
ORIGIN:
Sikhism started with the
birth of the first Guru who
was Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
He was born in 1469 A.D.
He emphasised honesty,
truthfulness, equality and
ending hypocrisy. The name
of the religion comes from
the word “Sikh” which means
disciple or student, as in
Disciple of the Guru.
WHO THEY BELIEVE IN:
Sikhs believe in God. Sikhism
is a monotheistic religion, that
is they believe in only one God.
SACRED TEXTS:
The Sikhs’ Holy Scripture is
called the Sri Guru Granth
Sahib Ji and this scripture
is now regarded as the main
eternal Guru of Sikhs.
TENETS:
Sikhism’s basic principles are:
• Kirat Karo, that is, do hard
and honest work
• Naam Japo, that is,
meditate on the name of
God
• Vand Shako, that is, share
your earnings with the
needy
Baptised Sikhs are to keep five
symbols (Kakaars):
1.Kes - Unshorn Hair, as an
order and stamp of the Guru
2.Kangha - Wooden Comb to
clean hair twice daily,
to be kept in the hair
3.Kara – an Iron Bracelet, a
reminder to follow Sikh Morals
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
4.Kachhehra – Specific
underwear, reminding to
control sexual desire (lust)
5.Kirpan – A strapped
Curved Sword, symbolises
the safety of all and the
carrier’s personal duty and
responsibility as a Sikh to
protect the innocent in the
message of peace
Sikhism encourages truthful
and simple living.
Sikhism believes in the
equality of men and women in
all spheres of life.
Sikhism does not believe in
the caste system or any other
form of discriminatory worldly
distinctions.
The Guru ordered males to
have the surname “Singh”,
meaning Lion.
The Guru ordered Females
to have the surname “Kaur”,
meaning Princess.
RITUALS:
Birth
After a baby is born, s/he
is taken to the Gurdwara
(place of worship) to be
blessed and named. The Sri
Guru Granth Sahib Ji (holy
scriptures) is opened to a
random section and the first
letter of the reading on that
section becomes the first
letter of the baby’s name.
Ardas, the Sikh traditional
prayer, is performed so that
the child follows good moral
principles and has a good
healthy life. Children are given
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
the best possible education,
irrespective of their gender.
Sikhs don’t believe in any kind
of superstition or in any of the
rituals that other religions
follow: pilgrimages, fasting,
bathing in rivers, worship of
graves or idols and pictures
are prohibited. The sacrificing
of creatures on the name of
God is prohibited.
Baptism
The Baptism ceremony in
Sikhism is known as Amritsanskar. Amrit(Holy water) is
produced by 5 physically and
morally complete Sikhs known
as 5 pyare by reciting the 5
sacred verses while mixing
sugar in water in an iron bowl
with a double edged sword.
The holy water is then given
to the persons being initiated
into Sikhism or Khalsa
brotherhood. The Amrit can
be given to person of any age
as long as s/he understands
his/her duties as a Baptised
Sikh. A Baptised Sikh must
keep 5 K’s at all times with
him/her and must never
engage in adultery nor take
intoxications. Haircutting,
Halal and other sacrificial
meat is forbidden.
Marriage
Marriage is considered a
sacred bond between man and
woman. A special marriage
ceremony is performed with
hymns read from the writings
of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The bride and groom take
four circular rounds around
33
Sikhs held a vigil at the New England Gurdwara Sahib in Milford, Massachusetts, USA
Reference: www.bostonglobe.com
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as
the hymns are being read.
Sikh marriages are usually
arranged, the parents
choosing their children’s
partners. Divorce is not
allowed. Re-marriage is only
allowed if the person’s partner
dies. Pre-marital and extramarital relationships are not
allowed. Older people live with
their children and are treated
with respect. Sikhs usually live
in large extended families.
Death
When a person dies, their
body is cremated with all of
their five Kakaars, if they were
baptised. The last Ardas or
prayer is performed some
days after the death by reading
the whole Sri Guru Granth
Sahib Ji.
KEY FESTIVALS AND
CELEBRATIONS:
COUNTRIES WHERE
PRACTISED:
Vesakhi (sometimes referred
to as Baisakhi) is celebrated
in recognition of the first
baptism ceremony which
was performed in 1699. It is
now traditionally celebrated
annually in the month of April.
Mainly in the Punjab, a region
which encompasses both India
and Pakistan.
Also Canada, the United
Kingdom, the United States of
America, Australia and Asia.
Sikhs also celebrate the
Prakash Utsav Pehli Patshah
annually in November in
memory of the arrival of
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (first
Guru of the Sikhs).
These celebrations are a few
of the most widely celebrated
events by Sikhs based on the
Nanaksahi calendar (calender
used by Sikhs).
Sikh Temple on right:
Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Craigieburn
Reference: Sri Guru Singh Sabha
PLACE OF WORSHIP
NAME
ADDRESS
LANGUAGE
CONTACT NO:
EMAIL /WEBSITE
GURUDWARA
SRI GURU SINGH SABHA
344 HUME HWY
CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064
PUNJABI
HINDI
ENGLISH
03 9305 6511
[email protected]
www. supremesikhcouncil.org.au
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
34
Hume Interfaith Conference 2012
Hume City Council in partnership with Hume Interfaith Network organised “One Community,
Many Faiths” Conference on Nov 29, 2010 in Broadmeadows. The conference showcased the main
faiths in Hume. The Conference included presentation by Faith leaders from Indigenous, Buddhist,
Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Sikh background. In addition, it included performances from Sikh
faith and Choir by the Christian Samoan Church. 180 people attended the conference. Some photos
from the conference below:
Mr. Harkirat Singh Ajnoha
Rev Scott Holmes
Ms. Tasneem Chopra
Ven Kotte Santhindriya
Photos of various faith leaders from Hume Interfaith conference held at Broadmeadows Learning Centre in March 2012
Reference: Hume City Council
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
35
Celebration of faiths in Hume City
at Neighbourhood Houses
Christmas Celebration 2011 at Tullamarine
Community House
Reference: Hume City Council
Vesak Celebration 2012 at Meadow at Heights
Learning Shop
Reference: Hume City Council
Eid Celebration 2009 at Roxburgh Park Homestead
Community and Learning Centre
Reference: Hume City Council
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
Diwali Celebration 2010 at Dallas Neighbourhood House
Reference: Hume City Council
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
36
References
All information in this booklet have been approved by at least 2 faith leaders of each faith.
• www.en.wikipedia.org
• www.looklex.com/e.o/work/alevism.htm
• www.alevi.org.au/eng/
• www.bahai.org/
• www.bahai.org.au/
• www.druze.org.au/index.htm
• www.everyculture.com/multi/Bu-Dr/Druze.htm
• World Religions by Simon Adams
• Religions around the world by Britannica Encyclopaedia
• The Bektashi Order of Dervishes, John Kingsley Birge, 1937, LUZAC & Co. LTD
All information is correct at the time of printing this booklet.
Note:
Electronic copies of this document are available on Hume City Council website: www.hume.vic.gov.au
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and currency of information
contained herein, the Hume City Council accepts no responsibility for any omissions or errors.
To make amendments or future editions, please contact the Social Development department at
Council on 9205 2200 or email: [email protected]
Copyright
Hume City Council. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means
(electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior permission of
the copyright owner.
Hume City Council and Hume Interfaith Network partnership
This document is a partnership project between Hume City Council and Hume Interfaith Network
funded by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship.
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
Design & Print by:
This Booklet is printed on FSC certified paper.
HUME FAITH DIRECTORY 2013
ONE COMMUNITY MANY FAITHS
Hume City Council
1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, Victoria 3047
PO Box 119, Dallas, Victoria 3047
Telephone 9205 2200 Facsimile 9309 0109
[email protected]
www.hume.vic.gov.au