Parliament of Worlds Religion 2009 Melbourne Australia

Author(s): Parliament of the World’s Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

Page 4

LETTERS OF WELCOME Welcome from the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister of Australia
MESSAGE: PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS
One of Australia's great strengths is its robust and cohesive society which embraces a wide range of cultural and religious traditions. We are proud of our rich heritage and democratic traditions.
When the writers of Australia's Constitution envisioned the sort of Australia that they would like to live in, they decided that no one religious belief should have precedence over another, that religion and state should be separate. They wrote into the Constitution that "the Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion".
Today this decision is realised in Australians' support and respect for the rights of citizens to maintain and develop their cultural and religious beliefs. The aims of the Parliament of the World's Religions complement these Australian ideals of diversity, inclusion and mutual action.
The Australian Government proudly supports Melbourne in hosting this event. I hope that every participant will come to Melbourne recognising the unique and precious character of each religion, open to learning and genuine dialogue, and with a strong desire to cultivate harmony.
I welcome you to Australia for the Parliament of the World's Religions and hope that for each of you, it will be a catalyst for your own efforts to promote peace through shared meaning and collaboration.
The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP Prime Minister of Australia
4 PWR - Parliament of the World's Religions