Governor-General attends the Affinity Intercultural Foundation signing of landmark Islamic Studies agreements with Charles Sturt University
On 24th of November 2009, the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, today (Tuesday, November 24) attended an historic signing of an agreement, which will increase exposure to Islamic issues among Charles Sturt University (CSU) students and staff.
The agreement, between the University and the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, took place at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture (ACC&C), in Canberra, which is operated by Charles Sturt University.
The Governor-General attended in her role as Patron of the ACC&C.
CSU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Goulter said that under the agreement the Foundation will make available suitably qualified academic staff to teach subjects in Islamic Studies as part of CSU’s courses, in particular its professional degrees.
“The agreement demonstrates the University contributing to important national priorities, especially diversity and social inclusion. It will help equip CSU students in professions such as teaching, nursing, social work and policing to work in our diverse society. We believe this is the first development of an Islamic Studies program in Australia specifically for professional education,” Professor Goulter said.
The agreement will allow the Foundation to work with CSU’s Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre and the ACC&C to promote research and engagement in interfaith education and dialogue.
The Reverend Professor James Haire AM, the Executive Director of the ACC&C within Charles Sturt University, said: “The ACC&C is the national Christian Centre in Australia. It is a centre for Christianity. As part of its Christian calling, it offers hospitality to other faiths, especially in Australia."
Affinity Intercultural President, Mehmet Saral said: “This agreement is a significant fruit of ongoing dialogue between Affinity and CSU. We believe the agreement marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation that will enrich social cohesion and community harmony in Australia.” 
The Islamic studies subjects will initially focus on understanding Islamic thought and values and on Islam in Australia and our region.
Professor Goulter said: “We hope to eventually see more specialised subjects, including Islam and bioethics and Islam and interfaith education and dialogue.”
The agreements were signed by CSU Chancellor Mr Lawrence Willet AO and Affinity Intercultural Foundation President Mr Mehmet Saral.
The event also launched the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRAA), which the Foundation has established.
Photos from the event:
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