On the 6th of June, 2010 Affinity Wollongong Team hosted a Panel titled “Peaceful Coexistence from a Spiritual Perspective”, which was held at the Wollongong University. Mrs Semanur Kombeci and her young and motivated team at Affinity Wollongong planned, coordinated and executed the event with experience gained from similar events conducted by Affinity in Sydney.
All guests were welcomed by the MC Mr Ahmet Ozturk, who is also an Affinity Executive Member. Afterwards, the Christian speaker, Mr Peter Presdee (Chair, Justice, Ecology and Pecae Diocesan Committee) and the Muslim speaker Dr Salih Yucel (Lecturer - Studies in Religion and Theology, Monash University), emphasised the point that if the Abrahamic faiths are to coexist and live peacefully with each other and people from other faith groups, that Christians and Muslims alike had to apply the basic tenets of their respective faiths. Until this occurs, the despair, pain, suffering and hatred will continue to be rampant in Australia and around the world. Whether it be treating people with love or even smiling at complete strangers – kind acts go a long way in forming a natural affinity amongst human beings. Reverend Miao You, Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, was also kind enough to offer kind words and a reflection on methods of achieving peace between one another by following the way of life prescribed by Buddha.
Both speakers, Mr Presdee and Dr Yucel, as well as the respondent, Rev Miao You, admitted that Peaceful coexistence can only occur amongst people who have a sense of spirituality in their lives.
At the end of the program, Affinity President Mr Mehmet Saral, gave a Vote of Thanks and as a token of appreciation presented each speaker with a gift.
In summation, the event was a great effort from the Wollongong team at Affinity which hopes to run more panels in the future.
