Call to support Bendigo's Muslims after attack
"Violence begets more violence" and has never resolved differences of opinion and never will.
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The Bendigo InterFaith Council works to increase the basic knowledge of all the various Faiths here in Bendigo. Our firm belief is that dialogue is the way forward . Hence we express our outrage at the horrific behaviour of a human being to other human beings and such behaviour is further defined as hate filled and despicable. Attacking innocent people at prayer is surely calling out for changes of heart and of attitudes .
The Bendigo InterFaith Council calls upon all Bendigo residents to offer support and prayer for our fellow Muslim Bendigonians. Make them feel welcome. Offer them friendship. Invite them to share a cuppa. This New Zealand massacre is a wake up call to us all. Whatever the past, the future is in our hands. Let not violence and guns define us as a people Our deepest sympathy and promised support to the Bendigo Islamic community. The Bendigo Interfaith Council stands with you.
Mons Frank Marriott, Bendigo Interfaith Council
Colour disappears as you get to know each other
Saturday 7:30am. "Are we going to Pilates?" "Yes. You first," she says. After dragging myself out of our cosy bed, through the shower, and into shorts and polo top, I realized it was a lovely day; blue skies, warm sunshine. Stretches, gentle twists, balances, breathing and movements occasionally using weights, elastics and other aids, my wife and I worked through the hour with our dark-skinned instructor.
Back home there was no bread to underpin our bacon and eggs so off to the supermarket. I asked the dark-skinned, be-turbanned young man stacking the bread shelves, "Where's another loaf of soy and linseed?" "I'm not working here. Just delivering our bread," he hesitantly replied, eyes wide open. "No worries, mate," but he'd already found a loaf at the back of a lower shelf and handed it to me with a beautiful smile. I thankfully patted his shoulder and returned his smile, 'Thanks, mate."
I'm not sure but his first hesitant remarks have been washed away by the friendly interaction with the pale-skinned, hatless, sixty-five year old me.
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After breakfast I went to the White Hills Post Office in search of a new phone sent to me. I'd collected my wife's but think I've missed the second one. The dark skinned clerk is very polite and helpful. Together we work it out and find the second parcel. We're both happy, smiling.
Next stop is the pharmacist to collect a prescription. Once again there is a polite, normal, friendly interaction with a "person of colour." As I leave, a young Asian couple with two delightful children less than four years old thank me for holding the door open. "What lovely manners," I smile and they respond with huge, uplifting smiles.
What a lovely morning in Bendigo after such a terrible day in Christchurch. I feel a little uncomfortable using the words "dark skinned" but the words are used to provide an image not to judge or rank these people. I have lived in South Africa for a year and have taught in Darwin for another year. I have learned that the colour disappears once you get to know each other. On Saturday morning we had expressed our common human dignity in our interactions, and I am the happier for it. Thanks, folks.
Chris Coughlan, Bendigo
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