Secularism, Ecumenism & Interfaith Dialogue

Question 1

Secular

Answer 1

Not connected with religious or spiritual matters.

Question 2

Ecumenism

Answer 2

The movement toward worldwide Christian unity. Aimed to promote cooperation between all Christian denominations.

Question 3

Denomination

Answer 3

Independent branch of Christian Church (e.g. Catholic, Anglican, Uniting)

Question 4

Interfaith dialogue

Answer 4

Cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religions, faiths and/or spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels.

Question 5

Multifaith

Answer 5

A variety of religions coexisting in a society of many cultures.

Question 6

Dialogue

Answer 6

Discussion/conversation on matters of importance.

Question 7

Religious pluralism

Answer 7

Accepting that all religions are equal, valid, and ultimately lead to God.
The coexistence of various religions, and celebrating the presence of other religions without losing one’s own identity.

Question 8

Structure of secular society

Answer 8

Policies and decisions made by governments are completely separate from religious influence, so as not to jeopardise the freedom and rights of citizens.

Question 9

Secularism vs religious affiliation in the 1960s-1970s

Answer 9

Nearly all Australians affiliated with a religious denomination. Sunday church/services seen as an integral part of life.

Question 10

Secularism vs religious affiliation in today’s society

Answer 10

Less emphasis on conforming, more emphasis on individuality –> increased secularism

Question 11

Religion in today’s society is a … and … decision. Many prefer … … practices rather than … ….

Answer 11

Personal
Private
New Age
Traditional religions

Question 12

What caused secularism to grow in the 1960s-70s?

Answer 12

• Australian Humanist Society
• Right to be married by civil celebrant rather than church clergy (1973)

Question 13

Religious … and diversity can lead to … and conflict if … between religious groups is not reached.

Answer 13

Pluralism
Distrust
Understanding

Question 14

Two forms of religious dialogue in multifaith Australia

Answer 14

• Ecumenism: All involved belong to Christian denominations.
• Interfaith dialogue: Groups involved come from different religious traditions.

Question 15

What does ecumenism create?

Answer 15

• Movement towards religious unity
• Mutual respect and acceptance
• Impact on Australia’s expression of Christianity

Question 16

Examples of ecumenism

Answer 16

• Uniting Church (methodist, presbyterian, congregational), formed 1977
• National Council of Churches (NCCA), with 17 participating churches
• NSW Ecumenical Council, with 16 participating churches, formed 1946

Question 17

Purpose and actions of National Council of Churches (NCCA)

Answer 17

• Deepen relationship between churches
• Express unity willed by Christ for his church (fulfil mission)

Question 18

Ecumenical initiatives examples

Answer 18

• Schools & education
• Support for Reconciliation
• Ecumenical services (e.g. Christmas, Easter)
• Local & regional initiatives (e.g. charity, fundraising)
• Week of prayer for Christian unity

Question 19

Purpose and actions of NSW Ecumenical Council

Answer 19

• Committed to peace & reconciliation
• Expression of common voice on issues of concern
• Projects & issues concerning churches & wider community
• Social justice programs
• Ministry & refugee program (helps asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, detainees)

Question 20

Purpose of interfaith dialogue

Answer 20

Need for religious leaders to express commonalities binding religious worldviews due to current cultural & political divisions.

Question 21

Both ecumenism and interfaith dialogue allow cooperation on social justice issues, such as…

Answer 21

• Indigenous rights
• Unemployment
• Poverty & homelessness
• Refugees & asylum seekers