Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre
In 2018, the Abbey Church established the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre to foster understanding, respect, and collaboration among people of different faiths, cultures, and communities.
What Is the Multi-Faith Centre?
“The Flower of Consciousness has many Petals”
The Centre is founded upon the fundamental belief of the Abbey Church and the Abbey Community, expressed in the Abbey’s Statement of Belief:
This all-inclusive statement embraces the whole of humanity in all its diversity. It recognises and values people of different faiths, religious traditions, cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and communities, while also acknowledging the ethical principles and shared values upheld by civic organisations, humanitarian groups, and those of no religious affiliation.
The Abbey’s Statement of Belief is intrinsically linked to the principle of Unity in Diversity. This philosophy lies at the heart of the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre, guiding its mission to encourage dialogue, mutual understanding, and respectful engagement across religious, cultural, and community boundaries.
Under the theme “Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Unity,” the Centre seeks to create an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can meet in friendship, learn from one another, celebrate their shared humanity, and work together for the common good. The vision was to create a centre that would serve as a model of religious understanding and civic peace across the wider Moreton Bay region.
Theme: Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Unity
Core Principle: Unity in Diversity
Scope: Greater Moreton Bay Region
The Queensland Police Service, through the Moreton District and its Cultural Support Unit, partnered with the Abbey Church in support of this significant initiative.
On Friday, 10 August 2018, the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre was officially opened by the Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
Guests were welcomed in the beautiful surrounds of the Abbey Church and its gardens, where congregation member Gillian Nicholson provided music on the lute. Brian Adams, a prominent member of the Centre for Interfaith and Cultural Dialogue at Griffith University, served as Master of Ceremonies. Prayers were offered by representatives from eight different faith traditions, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect. The keynote address was delivered by the Hon. Mark Ryan MP, Minister for Police and Corrective Services, and the event concluded with Father George inviting everyone to stay for refreshments and fellowship.
The launch of the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre marked the beginning of many enduring relationships founded on mutual faith, trust, and respect. It created opportunities for people of diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds to come together in friendship and dialogue, fostering understanding and cooperation across the Moreton Bay region. These connections continue to strengthen the Centre’s vision of promoting peace, goodwill, and unity through meaningful engagement and shared humanity.
The Moreton Bay Goodwill Committee
From the First Symposium to a Resolution
The Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre celebrated its first anniversary by hosting a symposium on 15 August 2019. Titled “Understanding Each Other’s Faith and Cultural Tradition,” the symposium explored how diverse faiths and cultural traditions within the wider Moreton Bay region could work together to become a model of religious harmony and civic peace.
The symposium featured two sessions in which representatives from six different faith traditions shared their perspectives on the theme. The keynote speaker for the day was Dave Andrews, whose presentation encouraged deeper understanding, compassion, and cooperation across faith and cultural communities. Held in the Abbey Church Hall, the event attracted more than 100 participants who spent the day learning from one another, building new relationships, and enjoying food representing the diverse religious and cultural traditions present.
The success of the Centre’s inaugural year demonstrated the value of meaningful dialogue and collaboration in strengthening community relationships and promoting mutual respect among people of different faiths and cultures throughout the Moreton Bay region.
The workshop sessions held during the 2019 symposium highlighted the need for an ongoing forum that would translate dialogue into meaningful action. Participants recognised that building lasting relationships between faith, cultural, and ethnic communities required a continuing commitment beyond annual gatherings.
In keeping with the Abbey’s long-established tradition of embracing and celebrating the diversity of cultural, ethnic, religious, and faith traditions while affirming the unity of our shared humanity, the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre resolved to establish a Goodwill Committee. The committee’s purpose was to strengthen relationships, encourage cooperation between communities, and promote mutual understanding and respect throughout the Moreton Bay region which became the central focus of the Centre’s next major gathering.
Date & Hall: 15 August 2019, Abbey Hall
Theme: Understanding Faith & Tradition
Keynote: Dave Andrews
Attendance: 100+ Delegates
Outcome: Resolution to form Goodwill Committee
Building a Cohesive Community
On 22 October 2022, the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre hosted its second symposium, “Building a Cohesive Community.” The symposium was presented in two parts. The morning session explored the practical steps required to establish a Goodwill Committee for the Moreton Bay region. Drawing on the successful Toowoomba model, two guest speakers shared their experience of building strong interfaith and intercultural relationships.
Muhammed Haniff, representing the Toowoomba Multi-Faith Multicultural Centre and the Pure Land Learning College Association, presented on “Sustaining Healthy Conversations Through Sharing Stories and Experience.” His address highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue, personal storytelling, and ongoing relationships in creating cohesive and resilient communities.
He was followed by Sergeant Scott McGrath, Chair of the Toowoomba Goodwill Committee, who spoke on “The Toowoomba Goodwill Committee Today.” Sergeant McGrath outlined the committee’s development, achievements, and the positive impact it has had in fostering trust, cooperation, and understanding among the diverse communities of the Toowoomba region.
The session concluded with Doctor Peter Hoppe, who introduced the primary objective of the symposium, -to commence the establishment of a Moreton Bay Goodwill Committee. He encouraged participants to work collaboratively in developing a local network that would promote goodwill, strengthen community relationships, and continue the Abbey’s vision of building peace through dialogue, mutual respect, and shared humanity.
The Hon. Mark Ryan MP, Minister for Police, Corrective Services, and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, delivered the keynote address, speaking on the importance of nurturing Queensland’s diverse communities to strengthen social trust, social cohesion, and civic peace and harmony. He emphasised the vital role that partnerships between government, community organisations, and faith groups play in creating safe, inclusive, and resilient communities.
John Hallam, Superintendent of the Queensland Police Service, Moreton Bay District, followed with a presentation on the values of good citizenship and the humanistic philosophy underpinning the Queensland Police Service’s engagement with culturally and religiously diverse communities. He highlighted the importance of respect, understanding, and collaboration in building strong relationships between police and the communities they serve.
Following a lunch of food that celebrated the diverse cultures represented at the symposium, participants took part in facilitated workshops to establish a Moreton Bay Goodwill Committee. The workshops enabled representatives to discuss the committee’s purpose, structure, and future direction. By the conclusion of the symposium, participants had agreed to proceed with the formation of a committee and set a date for its inaugural meeting.
The Committee at Work
Inaugural: 6 December 2022
2023 Meetings: 10 Working Sessions
Partner: Pure Land Learning College
Initiative: Youth 4 Youth Moreton Bay
The Moreton Bay Goodwill Committee members were drawn from a number of faith communities as well as civic authorities. The Committee affirms that lasting peace and harmony in Moreton Bay is a shared hope and aspiration for all. It held its inaugural meeting on 6 December 2022, marking the beginning of an ongoing collaborative partnership committed to promoting goodwill, intercultural understanding, and social cohesion throughout the region.
During 2023 the Moreton Bay Goodwill Committee met on ten occasions, fostering strong relationships among its members and with other organisations committed to interfaith and intercultural dialogue. A particularly significant partnership developed with the Multi-Faith Multicultural Centre of the Pure Land Learning College Association in Toowoomba through its Director, Mr Haniff Abdul Razak.
Through this partnership, committee members gained valuable insights into the Centre’s long-established and highly successful multi-faith and inclusive youth empowerment programs. Recognising the importance of engaging young people as future community leaders, the committee embraced the vision of creating a similar initiative within the region. From these discussions, the concept of Youth 4 Youth Moreton Bay was born.
The Youth 4 Youth Forum
Participants engaged in dialogue, collaborative outdoor activities, and fellowship.
Date: 13 April 2024
Symposium: Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Unity
Keynote: Tanya Hagedorn (Together for Humanity)
This vision became a reality at the Centre’s third symposium, Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Unity, held on 13 April 2024, when the inaugural Youth 4 Youth Forum was held. The Forum provided the young attendees with the opportunity to meet, learn from one another, and build friendships founded on mutual respect, understanding, and shared values.
The keynote address was delivered by Tanya Hagedorn from Together for Humanity, whose presentation encouraged young people to embrace diversity, challenge prejudice, and become active contributors to building inclusive communities. Five additional speakers representing a range of faith traditions shared their own experiences and perspectives with an audience of approximately 120 adults and 50 young people.
The Forum marked a significant milestone in the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre’s ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation to become ambassadors for social cohesion, intercultural understanding, and lasting peace throughout the Moreton Bay region.
An important expression of the Centre’s commitment to peace had taken place several months earlier, on 26 November 2023, when members of the community gathered for a Peace Vigil. Held in response to the conflict in Israel and Palestine, the vigil brought together people from different faith and cultural traditions in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and solidarity. United in their hope for peace, participants offered prayers for all those affected by conflict and affirmed their shared commitment to compassion, reconciliation, and the dignity of every human person.
The Exploration of Faith Series
The Exploration of Faith Series, themed “Who Is My God?” commenced in September 2024 as a new initiative of the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre. Designed to foster deeper understanding of the beliefs and traditions of different faith communities, this event provided an opportunity for participants to explore questions of faith in an atmosphere of openness, respect, and genuine dialogue.
Building on the success of its inaugural event, the series continued with three further gatherings during 2025. Across the four events, more than four hundred people attended, representing a broad cross-section of faiths, cultures, and the wider community. The series encouraged thoughtful discussion, strengthened interfaith relationships, and reinforced the Centre’s commitment to promoting mutual understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence through education and dialogue.
Inaugural Theme:“Who Is My God?”
Timeline:Sept 2024 – 2025 (4 Events)
Community:400+ Attendees Total
Across the four events, more than four hundred people attended, representing a broad cross-section of faiths, cultures, and the wider community.
Coming in 2027
Symposiums and Events
The Moreton Bay Goodwill Committee continues to build on the foundations established. The Committee is currently preparing its fourth symposium for 2027 which will explore the understanding that, despite our diverse faiths, cultures, and traditions, we share common ethical principles that guide us towards compassion, respect, and care for one another.
The symposium will reinforce the belief that recognising our shared humanity and common values provides a pathway towards peaceful coexistence. Through open conversation, mutual learning, and meaningful engagement, the event aims to strengthen relationships across communities throughout the Moreton Bay region.
The Centre will in 2027 also reignite its successful Exploration of Faith Series, introducing new themes that continue to encourage meaningful conversations and deeper understanding between people of different faith traditions.
Join the Conversation
To become involved in the Abbey Multi-Faith and Cultural Dialogue Centre or receive notification of upcoming event please email theabbeymfcdc@gmail.com.
For more information or making a booking visit the Abbey Museum website.
Call the Abbey Church on 1300 172 333
or email theabbeymfcdc@gmail.com