The Abraham Conference is held in Sydney, Australia, and brings together Jews, Christians and Muslims. Our three religions each acknowledge the Prophet Abraham as a foundational figure in our tradition. Our respective scriptures recount his story and significance. Sharing a common ancestor in faith creates a unique bond between these three religions, which are rightly called “Abrahamic”. However,
each of the religions treats him in distinctive ways, which account for some of our differences. The Abraham Conference has been gathering in Sydney almost every year since 2002. We come together to discuss issues of contemporary concern to the members of the three religions. We have speakers representing the three religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, who address the chosen theme. There is Q & A with the speakers and the audience. Most importantly, the participants from the different religions meet and discuss with each other, which carries over into conversations over light refreshments. In a time when attacks on innocent worshippers in synagogue, mosque and church try to divide us, the Abraham Conference plays an important role in promoting interfaith cohesion between the members of the three religions and cooperation for the common good. This year’s Abraham Conference is again organised and hosted by a Coordinating Committee made up of official representatives from Affinity Intercultural Foundation; the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations; the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies; the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW & ACT; AMUST; the Diocese of Parramatta; the NSW Ecumenical Council; the Australian Egyptian Forum Council; and the Indian Crescent Society of Australia.
