Community members in the Knox area were able to discover more about different religions at a “speed dating”-style event hosted by the Knox Interfaith Network.
The event, co-sponsored by Knox Council as part of the Victorian Government’s Cultural Diversity Week was held at the Knox Council offices. Members of the public, the Knox Council Mayor, council executives and officers, and Victoria Police Multicultural Liaison Officers attended.
The night was an opportunity for representatives from six faith communities to give a five-minute snapshot of their beliefs followed by 10 minutes of open discussion where guests could ask questions. Guests rotated from table to table until they had been to all six.
The faith communities represented were Temple Society, Islamic Society of Melbourne Eastern Region, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Hindu Temple, Blackburn Sikh Community and Pure Land Learning Centre.
Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were Jenny Harkness and David Cray from the Maroondah Stake (diocese).
This was the first time this innovative format has been used by the Knox Interfaith Network.
Mark Herrman, President of the Knox Interfaith Network said the informal tone, small rotating groups and bite size presentations provided a great atmosphere for open discussion.
"The atmosphere on the night was respectful, as 'speed dating' participants came to learn about, discuss and appreciate various faiths present in Knox. Each 15-minute session ended with discussions still being conducted in earnest, suggesting people wanted more.”