Bluestar

The Bluestar Intercultural Centre together with the Australian National University, the Australian Catholic University and the Australian Centre for Christianity & Culture (ACCC) / Charles Sturt University organised the National Social Cohesion Conference on Tuesday, 12 July 2011 in Canberra.

 The main Topic of the conference was: “Enrichment of a socially inclusive society: challenges and solutions”. 

The Australian community with its many diverse cultures has undergone great changes over the past twenty five years. However, there has not always been a broad community understanding or acceptance of this reality. In recent years, multiculturalism as a framework for living with cultural diversity has come under increasing criticism.

In Australia, in contrast to many other countries, people with diverse cultures live in relative harmony and diversity and multiculturalism have enriched a universal pluralism. Yet there are still challenges presented to us by the multi-faith and multi-cultural nature of our societies. This conference seeks to explore how to work towards a socially cohesive society in the context of contemporary realities and challenges.

Abdul Celil Gelim, Executive Director of Bluestar Intercultural Centre gave a welcoming speech. In his speech he said, Social cohesion is very important for a peaceful society and we must continuously strive to maintain the tolerant, acceptance and vibrant society that we live in. This conference is not only important in creating awareness of our challenges in Australia but also to propose ways to create a socially inclusive society and enrich the multicultural splendour we have in Australia.

The topic for the conference is “Enrichment of a socially inclusive society: challenges and solutions”. I would like thank our partners the Australian National University, the Australian Catholic University and the Australian Centre for Christianity & Culture (ACCC) / Charles Sturt University. Also I would like to thank the speakers who are attending with many high profile national and international academics (put a link for my speech)

Bluestar Intercultural Centre (BIC) promotes interreligious and cross-cultural relations, harmony and social inclusion in the diverse multi-faith, multicultural communities in Australia, acting as a catalyst for social and policy change. The main avenue for this is through educational awareness, development of social policy and social interaction.

Keynote Speaker Professor Zeki Saritoprak from John Carroll University in USA talked about “An Islamic Ethical Approach to Hospitality in a Pluralistic Society”

 In his presentation, he elaborated on the concept of hospitality in light of certain sayings of the Prophet. He illustrated how the holy text of Islam influenced the community. It also attempted to lay the foundation for discussion of these questions through exploring an Islamic understanding of hospitality and neighbourliness.  Another goal was to show the institutional creativity that is found in the saying of the Prophet with regard to the relationship between neighbours. The primary focus was on the Qur'an and the importance of hospitality for a social cohesion. 

Professor Ismail Albayrak, Fethullah Gullen Chair in the Study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic Relations was the Chairperson of the first session in the conference. The introduced all the speakers to the audiences.

First speakers of the conference Professor Neal Robinson, Deputy Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University talked about Religions and Social Cohesion: Retrospect and Prospect. In summary he said; mainstream religious leaders frequently claim that religion plays a fundamental role in maintaining social cohesion. Moreover, in multicultural societies, the more ecumenical among them make this plea not merely on behalf of their own religions but with respect to all the major faiths. Their detractors, on the other hand, insist that religion is a major cause of war and civil strife and has been throughout history. I shall argue that both views are substantially correct. The explanation of this apparent paradox lies in the recognition that religions invariably strengthen the cohesion of the in group but that this is usually to the detriment of outsiders. After a brief wide-ranging historical survey, I shall focus on Christianity and Islam. In the light of this, I shall argue that it is not sufficient merely to highlight texts that can be used to promote pluralism and tolerance, important though this is. In addition, it is necessary to safeguard individual religious freedom and to tackle the interpretation of biblical and Qur'anic passages that sometimes fuel anti-Semitism and the deep distrust of unbelievers. 

Second speaker, Rev. Professor James Haire, Executive Director of Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture did a presentation about “The Challenges of Christian Existence in a Multi-Religious World.” 

In his paper, he dealt with the theological dilemma facing Christianity in a multi-religious society.  A strong tradition within Christianity calls for the evangelisation of the world and in monolithic cultures this has apparently been relatively straightforward.  However, Christianity faces the theological difficulty of how to be faithful to itself and radically tolerant in multi-religious communities.

Mr. Mehmet Ozalp, Executive Director of Islamic Science and Research Academy (ISRA) gave a speech about “Cultural Ecosystems: Convergence of Social Inclusion, Multiculturalism and Pluralism”.

He said; in the last decade, Australia has shifted from multiculturalism to cultural integration and soon after to social inclusion policy. While it is natural for change and development of social theory and policy over time, relatively quick shifts in policy are indicative of the lack of clarity and direction of the social theory in Western world in general and Australia in it. In his paper, he argued that a convergence of multiculturalism, social inclusion and pluralism is necessary to remove ambiguity and deduce a single social theory of cultural ecosystem. In doing so, I examined three angles that are important for any social theory. These are fundamental unifying agent of society; manner of dealing with difference; and criteria for honour and stratification of society. Examining the strengths and weaknesses of multiculturalism, social inclusion and pluralism will provide a framework for a paradigm of cultural ecosystems. 

During Q&A, many questions were asked by the audience, to which the three speakers gave some interesting answers. First session was finalized by given a traditional Turkish handmade plate gift to the speakers on behalf of BIC. After refreshment second session opened by Ms Zuleyha  Keskin, Deputy President of ISRA. She introduced the three speakers.  

First speaker of second session Professor Ross Chambers, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in the Charles Sturt University gave a speech about “Universities, Citizenship and Social Inclusion”. he considered the contribution of universities in Australia to strengthening of a socially inclusive society. It examined the role of student experience: preparation for citizenship in a post secular society; and, the place of theological and related studies in modern universities.

 Professor Raymond Canning, Co-Director of Australian Catholic University’s Asia-Pacific Centre for Interreligious Dialogue (APCID) in the Australian Catholic University presented a speech about “Social Inclusion and Australian Catholics” In his summary he mentioned to Waleed Ali notes, “Australia in particular is a compelling example of the fluidity of culture and identity … he said: Human societies are inescapably responsive to their changing surroundings.” Catholics in Australia strove for well over a century and a half to gain recognition within the wider Australian society. Overlapping the later stages of this process, however, were significant shifts within that culture and identity itself, and new challenges to Catholics to use their own resources to enrich the very diverse and multicultural society of which they are part.

In his presentation, Professor focused on four potential contributions from Catholic tradition and practice that can promote acceptance and friendship in Australian society. These are based on Catholic theological understanding of (1) the inviolable dignity of the human person, including the very least, (2) the vast potential of human reason, and the commitment to cultivate it for the good, (3) the practice of hospitality, and (4) commitment to the common good of all.  

Dr. Salih Yucel; Lecturer of School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies, the Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology in Monash University talked about “Do Muslims see Australia as their home? The notion of watan al-sukna (a country where you live) in Islam”

He said the concept of ‘country’ or homeland in Islam was defined by Muslim jurists in the eighth century. They set three categories: watan al-asli, the country of birth, watan al-sukni, the country of residence and employment, and  watan al-safari, the country that’s travelled to. Early Muslims arrived on Australian shores  before Europeans, but they did not settle. Next the Afghan camel drivers came in the 1860s. Smalls groups of Muslims after both world wars. It was in the last 1960s when Muslims came in mass immigration. According to the 2006 Census, there are around 340,392 Muslims living in Australia. The loyalty of Muslims to Australia is being debated, researched and discussed by intellectuals, politicians, media and other Australians. Since the Gulf War and the September 11 terrorist attacks, this issue gained prominence. In this presentation, I will explore how Muslims in Australia view the country by relying on Islamic jurisprudence and results from a small survey.  I will also discuss the issue of Muslim immigrants’ faith: Is their faith part of the problem or part of the solution when it comes to social cohesion?

During Q&A, many questions were asked by the audience, to which the three speakers gave some interesting answers.

Second session was finalized by given a traditional Turkish handmade plate gift to the speakers on behalf of BIC. 

Evening session was very rich and colourful session with Academicians and Politicians.

After dinner Professor James Haire introduced the speakers.  

Minister Joy Burch, Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Children and Young People, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Women gave a welcoming speech. Minister gave information about ACT Multicultural policy and how many different cultural background people live in ACT peacefully. She thanked the Bluestar Intercultural Centre and the speakers.  

Senator Gary Humphries, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Attorney General and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Material gave a meaningful speech about how much Australia Multicultural and what is the benefit of the Australian citizenship from multicultural policy. He gave some example from his experience and talked about Multiculturalism in the Liberal party policy. He said we need some foundation such as Bluestar Intercultural Centre; they encourage Australian Multiculturalism and help to integrate their community to wider community in the Australian society. I would like to thank Bluestar to bring high quality speakers together about one of the most important Australian issue.

Dr. Andrew Leigh, Federal Member for Fraser was representing the Honorable Senator Kate Lundy: Parliamentary Secretary for Prime Minister Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Citizenship. 

Message from the Honourable Senator Kate Lundy 

I would like to congratulate Bluestar Intercultural Centre for hosting the National Social Cohesion Conference. Your conference will provide an opportunity to help build bridges of understanding and mutual respect.

The Gillard Government is dedicated to supporting policy and programs that promote social cohesion and unite all Australians. The Australian community has been enhanced by our diversity and we should be proud of our record of successfully leveraging the benefits of migration. While we are only a relatively small country, we speak more than 260 languages and identify with more than 270 ancestries. Among the countries in the world we are recognised as unique in our breadth and balance of cultures.

As a Government we recognise that the multicultural character of our country is central to our nation’s story and to our shared future. Our new national multicultural policy, The People of Australia, builds on our strong commitment to multiculturalism in Australia. 

I note that part of Bluestar’s mission is to bring people together through dialogue, social interactions and education. Initiatives in our multicultural policy also provide opportunities to bring people together through sport, the arts and festivals; as well as through the development of educational resources and public awareness programs as part our new National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy.

Positive action and respect, two of Bluestar’s core principles, are also echoed in Australia’s new multicultural policy principles. These principles include celebrating and valuing our diversity; a commitment to a just, inclusive and socially cohesive society; communicating the benefits of Australia's diversity; and promoting acceptance and understanding while strongly responding to intolerance and discrimination.

I trust that the conference will generate very fruitful discussions about the importance promoting and fostering social cohesion. The Government understands that the continued success of our nation is tied to continuing policy and programs that promote social cohesion and I welcome the focus of the conference.

In the evening session Keynote Speaker Professor Greg Barton, The Herb Feith Research Professor for the Study of Indonesia, Politics program, School of Social and Political Inquiry, Acting Director of the Centre for Islam and the Modern World (CIMOW), Deputy UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations in the Faculty of Arts at Monash University talked about” Why are we afraid of Islam?  The challenge of rising Islamophobia”.

He said Islamophobia is a provocative term. Some would question whether there is indeed such a thing as Islamophobia and others, whilst not doubting the existence of the phenomenon, would question the wisdom of using such a term. Islamophobia, like xenophobia, suggests an irrational and exaggerated fear of the other. It is an imperfect term, in part because it is not infrequently misused and often misunderstood, but no better term is available to describe a very real problem in contemporary society. There can be no avoiding the fact that many feel a degree of anxiety about both Islam and Muslims. In extreme cases this anxiety manifests as a hateful prejudice but for the most part is reflected in the spectrum of unwarranted fear that begins with discomfort and extends through to genuine phobia. 

Anxiety about Islam and Muslims is fuelled by a multiplicity of factors that interact and overlap but seldom stand in isolation. Xenophobia, or fear of strangers, is certainly one factor. Ignorance can cause us to see the unfamiliar as other and contribute to a fear of the outsider not because of what we know about them but rather because of what we imagine to be true. General anxiety about the state of the economy and unemployment also contributes to unease about migration with the more recent and less integrated communities inevitably bearing the brunt of societies fears. The West's ancient discourse about Islam's alien nature and its opposition to Western post-Enlightenment, values means that Muslim migrants face an extra layer of suspicion and resentment. Persistent fear of terrorism and constant news of war and violence sustain unease. Occasionally, these anxieties are compounded by overt expressions of Islamophobia as the Muslim community becomes a lightning rod for society’s fears. Populist politics manipulates these fears and calls to ban burqas or minarets are exploited to wedge opponents and boost profiles.

Like the rest of the world Australia has experienced disturbing outbursts of anti-Muslim and anti-Islamic sentiment and has occasionally seen anti-Muslim rhetoric embraced by politicians and community leaders pursuing a populist agenda. Fortunately, however, the situation in Australia is considerably less dire than it is in Europe. In terms of the social economic status of Muslim migrants Australia looks much more like North America than it does like Europe.  At the same time it continues to look to the United Kingdom for guidance on approaches to social pluralism and multiculturalism and yet is largely free of the pressing economic challenges that confront British policymakers. Some Australian writers have made a habit of attacking Islam but Australia knows nothing of the scale of the Islamophobic publishing industry that figures so prominently in America. Like the rest of the western hemisphere, concerns about migration, including Muslim asylum-seekers, is a persistent feature of social discourse. But in Australia the absolute numbers are small and social polling suggests that refugees are genuinely welcome even though many continue to feel unease about people arriving by boat. 

Australia's experience so far with multiculturalism and migration has been largely positive but the rapidity with which anti-Muslim sentiment and outlandish notions such as ‘banning the burqa’ have flared up in Australian society points to the fact that even ‘the lucky country’ needs more than good luck if it is to successfully manage the challenge of combating prejudice in an era of rising Islamophobia.