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Multiculturalism, Multifaith Initiatives and Countering Violent Extremism in Victoria

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The Multifaith Movement: Global Risks and Cosmopolitan Solutions

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Abstract

Following a cosmopolitan methodology, having established an overview of the multifaith movement in Chaps. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, this chapter presents a local case study of multifaith initiatives in the Australian State of Victoria. In particular, it examines how multifaith initiatives were successfully implemented as strategies to counter violent extremism in response to the events of September 11. At the same time, several problematic elements regarding multifaith engagement in Victoria emerged from viewing the local context from a global perspective, particularly those arising from the growing proximity between state and religious actors in Victoria and also the lack of inclusive religions and ethics education in Victoria’s Government schools. This chapter therefore cites the Victorian approach to multifaith engagement as a best practice model, yet also seeks to aid the refinement of Victorian multifaith practices and policies based on insights gained from international contexts, particularly the UK and the USA.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This study was undertaken well before the spate of attacks against Indian students occurred in Victoria. In recent years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Indian international students enrolled in Victorian universities. Victoria is not immune to difficulties, yet in the past, as racism has shifted from community to community, Victorian’s CRALD communities and state actors have effectively addressed tensions quickly and cooperatively. However the persistence of racism in Australian society is yet to be sufficiently acknowledged or remedied by state actors. In a city such as Melbourne, that prides itself on intercultural and interreligious harmony, perhaps it is our pride that has gotten in the way of an honest appraisal of these issues.

  2. 2.

    It is of particular interest to note that following his election in 2008, President Obama’s administration established the Centre for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, which brings diverse religious groups in much closer proximity with state actors than previously in the USA. While a detailed discussion of this new development is beyond the scope of this book, the findings of this study could serve to inform the Obama administration, and faith-based and community groups, of the potential benefits and challenges that may arise from deepening religious-state collaboration.

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  1. Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia

    Anna Halafoff

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Halafoff, A. (2013). Multiculturalism, Multifaith Initiatives and Countering Violent Extremism in Victoria. In: The Multifaith Movement: Global Risks and Cosmopolitan Solutions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5210-8_8

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