A world-first, multi-faith institute for public theology proposed for Canberra has received overwhelming support from major Australian religious leaders, politicians and at least five federal government departments.
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A $400,000 feasibility study says the institute, to be built as the next stage of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Barton, would facilitate research and international engagement to promote religious tolerance and understanding.
Charles Sturt University has committed $10 million to the $35 million project. All that is needed is a commitment from the Federal Government for the other $25 million to make the institute a reality.
The feasibility study also found overwhelming support for a $75million great space, to be built on the same site, for major national celebrations and commemorations.
Executive director of the centre, James Haire, said yesterday the proposed great space would accommodate at least 1500 people for events such as state funerals, major national celebrations and worship by people of all faiths.
First, the focus was on establishing the National Institute for Public Theology for Socially Inclusive Societies.
With $10 million already committed by Charles Sturt University, a signal from the Government that it would financially support the project was needed.
Given the present financial position, that support was not expected immediately. However, relatively small contributions from departments spread over about five years could see the project begin.
Professor Haire said that initially the institute would have a professor and two assistant professors from each of the three Abrahamic faiths; Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
There would also be a professor of indigenous studies and an assistant. After these positions had been established, places for professors of other faiths would be created.
The feasibility study, conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, had questioned politicians, senior public servants, all major religious leaders and journalists to assess support.
''We were overwhelmed at the overwhelming support for this,'' Professor Haire said.
If established, the institute would be the premier place for interfaith dialogue clear of politics.
''This is the place the government, opposition and media would go for advice.''
The proposed institute would also conduct public education around Australia.
The aim was to take advantage of Australia's relatively harmonious relationships between people of different faiths which should not be taken for granted.
''We are the white tribe of Asia,'' Professor Haire said.
Australia could go down a similar path to the United States, Britain and western Europe with tensions between people of different faiths.
Australia had been largely free of social dislocation and it was worth investing in prevention. The cost of the proposed institute would be small compared to the money spent on ASIO and the federal police.
''It is worth creating an atmosphere of harmony.''
Charles Sturt University's deputy vice-chancellor Sue Thomas said Australia was recognised around the world for its successful social inclusion of a diverse range of religious traditions.
''As religious tensions around the world continue to grow, there is an important role for Australia to show international leadership to advance our understanding of how different religious traditions can co-exist and prosper in democratic and inclusive societies.''
