Youth PoWR – Unity in Diversity
Youth PoWR – or ‘Parliament of the World’s Religions’ was hosted last Sunday at the SGI Centre in Sydney. Youth PoWR is a project of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations and serves as the largest youth interfaith event in Sydney. This year’s theme was ‘Harmony for Humanity – Unity in Diversity’.
Paul Khodor, Benjamin Adler, Joshua Weinberger, Joshua Moses
The aim of the day is to empower youths between the ages 18-35 and to provide them with a platform to engage in interfaith dialogue, network and build connections with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and faiths. Youth PoWR is a unique experience, filled with vibrancy and life. Those who attended the conference were provided with the opportunity to build a collective action and vote for a commitment to create change.
The day consisted of various perfumers and speakers from different backgrounds including Aboriginal, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Baha’i and Jewish. From the Jewish community, Rev Joshua Weinberger performed as cantor, Benjamin Alder as the violinist and Paul Khodor as the pianist.
Joshua Moses, a deputy of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and part of the Youth PoWR coordinating committee said: “In order to bridge the gaps that divide us, rather than focus on our differences we should be striving to focus on our similarities”
“It is my belief that as a Jew, and as people, we need to continuously engage in cross-cultural, inter-faith dialogue, learning & collective action. Creating lasting relationships and partnerships, not only for the betterment of ourselves but for the betterment of our entire community.”
“Youth PoWR 2018 was the best one yet, thanks to a marvellous organising committee, and outstanding performances/speakers on the day. Bringing us one step closer to our goal of promoting future social cohesion by breaking down the barriers of ignorance and division.”
