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Council for Australian Catholic Women

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Greetings from the OPW

Dear Friends,

I have recently returned to the office after participating in a study tour of Turkey organized by the Affinity Intercultural Foundation and supported by PASIAD (Asia-Pacific Social & Economic Solidarity Foundation).cappadocia2.jpg
 
Affinity Intercultural Foundation was established by a group of  young Australian Muslims in early 2001 in order to meet the needs of the Muslim community to interact with the greater society and the needs of the general public to increase its awareness of the Muslim community, its religion and culture.
In line with its mission, Affinity Intercultural Foundation is creating and sustaining enduring relationships with people through inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue and understanding.
In a short space of time since its inception in 2001, Affinity Intercultural Foundation has embarked on a number of significant projects to foster dialogue between Muslims and various Christian groups (Catholic, Anglican and Protestant) to begin with.  More information about Affinity can be found at http://www.affinity.org.au/

Seven people from Australia made the journey to Turkey.  Ahmet Keskin, our extraordinary tour guide and Vice-President of Affinity, ensured thatthe blue mosque.jpg everything ran smoothly during the two weeks of the tour.  His efforts in translating as well as liaising with locals in each location were nothing short of remarkable.  Ahmet’s generosity and concern that everyone was considered at all times was appreciated by everyone.

Wilma Viswanathan, Ian Pearson, Helen Pearson and Glenda Blakefield from the Uniting Church along with Makiz Ansari, director, Affinity Intercultural Foundation made up the tour group.  The conversation, vigorous discussion and genuine dialogue within the group was a highlight of this experience.  It was certainly an intensive experience of both ecumenical and interfaith dialogue!
The tour took in Istanbul, Kayseri, Nevsihir including Cappadocia, Niğde, Gaziantep, Urfa, Harran, Mardin, and Diyarbakir.  The places we visited were extraordinary; delving into the history of civilization, learning more about the Islamic faith and walking in the footsteps of early Christians was, at times, mind-boggling. 

For me, the people we met throughout the journey continue to hold a special place in the overall experience.  The people who invited us into their homes, shared their stories, their hopes and dreams for the future, and prepared amazing meals were most certainly memorable. The hospitality was generous but more importantly genuine.  Our hosts gave us the impression that they were honoured to be inviting strangers into their homes.  For them it was an opportunity to hear about Australia, about other lives and about Christianity.

friends in turkey.jpgThroughout this tour I was privileged to visit some very impressive organizations and educational facilities providing world class programs.  Meeting women and men committed to making a difference in their communities by supporting young people and whole families was a most remarkable part of the tour. 

I hope over the next few weeks to bring you further snapshots from the tour. 

The national Council for Australian Catholic Women meets in Rockhampton next week.  The meeting will begin with the launch of the photographic exhibition.  Details of where the exhibition can be seen can be found in Upcoming Events.

Best wishes,
Kim Davis