Thai Muslim delegates (from left) Merianna Brungs, Ibrahim Dolah, Charlee Rengma, Fasiyah Ngoh, Abdulharem Hiley, Suthinee Muangsaen, Matsooke Daka, Zakee Phithakkumpol, with Interfaith Network president Helen Heath at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dandenong last Thursday on a study tour to discover more about religious harmony.
THAI Muslims flew to Greater Dandenong last week for a lesson on religious harmony.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) organised the trip for a group of southern Thai Muslims who visited Australia from 5 to 9 June.
The delegation of six Muslims, a liaison and an interpreter arrived in Greater Dandenong last week to be part of an Interfaith Network tour of Greater Dandenong’s places of worship, ranging from Catholic churches to Buddhist temples.
Interfaith president Helen Heath said the tour was vital for the delegation to learn about how Greater Dandenong’s many religions coexisted.
“The aim of the tour is to expose the group to modern ideas of multiculturalism and introduce them to religious tolerance and community harmony as practised in Australia. The background of this group includes school teachers, youth leaders and a DJ of a radio program in southern Thailand,” she said.
“It was thought that the work of the Interfaith Network was ideal in being able to highlight to the delegation the important work that the network does in fostering religious tolerance in the community.”
