SYDNEY, Australia, AUG. 20, 2007 (Zenit.org).- World Youth Day 2008 organizers hosted an informational evening for Australian Islamic leaders, assuring them that the event for young people will be a celebration of faith.
Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher, World Youth Day coordinator, said the briefing offered a chance to consider ways the Islamic community could collaborate with the Church-sponsored event, to be held July 15-20, 2008.
"World Youth Day is an opportunity like no other for the renewal of every aspect of faith life in Australia," the 47-year-old-bishop underlined.
"Although a Catholic initiative, World Youth Days have historically had a positive impact on all faiths in the countries where they have been held. This was one of the key messages we wanted to convey," he added.
Bishop Fisher asked the leaders, representing the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and a host of local Islamic schools and mosques, to inform their faithful about the event and help minimize any interfaith tension regarding World Youth Day.
"I also asked them to consider taking part in interfaith forums and volunteering facilities such as large halls," he added. "Above all, we sought to assure them that World Youth Day is an opportunity for interfaith cooperation and renewal for all people of goodwill.
"Peace and cooperation between people of faith -- especially the three great monotheistic traditions of the Book -- is an aspiration of most young people and given the tensions in our world, it is an urgent message for us all to hear.
"World Youth Day will be a wonderful demonstration of the potential of faith to unite rather than divide our world."
A meeting with Jewish leaders is has been scheduled for the near future, while briefings with leaders of other Christian faiths have already been held.
ZE07082004 - 2007-08-20