28 November 2024
We, the undersigned multifaith and multicultural leaders, including people of faith in Victoria, stand in solidarity with the Sikh community amid the rise of racism.
Diversity is Victoria’s greatest strength. We come from over 200 backgrounds, speak more than 290 languages, and follow over 200 different faiths.
From the values of service to the sense of generosity shown to all, Sikh Victorians embody the very best of this diversity.
Today, we come together as leaders from different faiths to say this: we stand with you in solidarity and harmony. This is not just about one name, or one place. It’s how we honour the contribution of diverse communities in the story of our state. Here in Victoria, we don’t just tolerate diversity, we celebrate it.
To the Sikh community: you are not alone. Your hurt is our hurt, and your strength is our strength. We appreciate the universal values of Guru Nanak of serving humanity selflessly – no matter their caste, creed, or background – and nurturing our natural environment to promote equality and togetherness.
We’ll keep standing together – shoulder to shoulder, now and always. Because this is what it means to be Victorian: united, proud, and stronger together.
• Makarand Bhagwat – Hindu Council of Australia
• Usha Rani Gulapalli – Hindu Society of Victoria
• Victorian Council of Churches
• Jewish Community Council of Victoria
• Rabbi Daniel Rabin – Rabbinical Council of Victoria
• Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann – Ark Centre
• Viv Nguyen – Chairperson Victorian Multicultural Commission
• Bishop Phillip Huggins – Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
• Board of Imams Victoria
• CO.AS.IT. Italian Assistance Association
• Federation of the Italian Migrant Workers and Families
• Asian Business Association of Whitehorse
• Australian Multicultural Foundation
• Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria
• Victorian Sikh Gurduaras Council
• Gurduara Council of Victoria
• Islamic Council of Victoria
• Greek Community of Melbourne
• Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society
• Ethnic Council of Shepparton & District Inc.
• Cultrua
• Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council Inc.
• Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council
• Gippsland Multicultural Services
• Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council Inc.
• Casey Interfaith Network
• Reverend James Winderlich – St Johns Southgate
• AMAFHH Federation
• The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne
• Xuyen T. (Samuel) Pho – Salvation Army
• Reverend David Fotheringham – Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
• The Right Reverend Dr Paul Barker – Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, Jumbunna Episcopate
• Australian Intercultural Society
• Reverend Dr. Margaret Mayman – St Michael’s Uniting Church, Melbourne
• Sikh Volunteers Australia