Ballarat Interfaith Network leaders have condemned US President Donald Trump's measures against refugees and travellers from several Muslim-majority countries.
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In defiance of worldwide controversy, people of all faiths in Ballarat will come together on Thursday to celebrate United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week at the Town Hall.
Interfaith newtork treasurer and Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council chairman Constantine Osuchukwu said there has never been a more pertinent time for unity in the community.
“It is very, very important in an increasingly fragmented and polarised world to celebrate our commonalities but also our differences,” Mr Osuchukwu said.
It is very, very important in an increasingly fragmented and polarised world to celebrate our commonalities but also our differences.
- Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council chairman Constantine Osuchukwu
“It’s about recognising there are so many more things that unite us than actually separate us.”
“It’s about saying to the community “we are one, we are united”.”
Mr Osuchukwu said the United Nations Harmony Week was founded in 2011 as a way to celebrate religious diversity.
"It is like what we say in Africa; "we are human together'," he said. "You can only be human-beings in the context of a community and not on your own.”
Ballarat Islamic Society secretary Darren James said the Muslim community was left reeling by the latest chain of events in America. Mr James adopted the Islamic religion 18 months ago.
“It’s certainly a bit intimidating,” Mr James said. “We believe it’s very discriminating against Muslims, Trump is trying to say that it’s not, but the community feels it is. Hopefully the greater Ballarat community see it for what it is, and continue to treat people respect regardless of their race or faith.”
Mr Trump has defended his executive action curbing immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries, amid widespread growing criticism that the measures are discriminatory and divisive.
He says the executive order is about safety, not religion.
But the move has sparked protests across the world including at major American airports as border agents detained refugees who landed after Mr Trump signed the executive order.
The Ballarat Interfaith Network and Ballarat City Council will mark World Harmony Week with a flag raising ceremony on Thursday at 11am at the Queen Victoria Square, in front of the Town Hall.
Melissa Cunningham
City of Ballarat and Social Affairs Reporter
City of Ballarat and Social Affairs Reporter
