The event, on November 12, will focus on domestic violence and religious freedom in contemporary society. 

Despite a number of faiths voicing their opinion on the ongoing same-sex marriage plebiscite, it will not be a formal topic of discussion at the event, Faith Communities Council of Victoria chairperson Murray Davies said.

“Different churches hold different views (on same-sex marriage) and there are different views within a religion,” he said.

The Catholic Church was against the idea of same-sex marriage, while the Uniting Church was in favour and the Anglican Church was split, he said. 

Mr Davies said the FCCV had discussed the issue of same-sex marriage internally, and decided to not have a public stance on the issue. 

“The vote is a personal issue – I don’t think political parties should have a stance,” he said.

“It’s not an issue for us (FCCV) to have an opinion on. We’ll see if it goes to a free vote – and that’s what it should be.”

Bendigo Interfaith Council secretary Judy Causon said it was important to bring an event of this size to a regional area.

Geographically, Bendigo was considered a central point between strong interfaith council networks like Shepparton and Ballarat, she said.

In Bendigo, the amount of faiths had changed dramatically over the past 10 years, Ms Causon said, suggesting one of the catalysts for creating the BIC was issues surrounding the Bendigo Mosque. 

“We felt it important that people of all faiths had opportunity to practice their religion,” she said.

“If you can find ways of living together in harmony it’s far better than the negativity.”

The event, which will be at Ulumbarra Theatre from 12 – 4.30pm, includes a number of workshops, one of which provides bystander training to prevent violence against women.

Other workshops will focus on understanding religious diversity and religious freedom and social cohesion.