Sydney, Australia, Oct 23, 2007 / 08:47 am
World Youth Day 2008 organizers have hosted an information evening for more 15 Australian Jewish leaders. Bishop Anthony Fisher said that he sees World Youth Day as “an opportunity like no other for the renewal of every aspect of faith life in Australia.”
Coordinated through Stepan Kerkyasharian AM Chairperson of the Community Relations Commission, the meeting followed the briefing sessions held for Australian Muslim leaders and those of other Christian faiths.
WYD08 Coordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher OP said the meeting was also a chance to consider ways that the Jewish community might collaborate with the Catholic Church sponsored event, to be held in Sydney from 15-20 July 2008.
“World Youth Day is an opportunity like no other for the renewal of every aspect of faith life in Australia,” Bishop Fisher said.
“Although a Catholic initiative, World Youth Days have historically had a positive impact on all faiths in the countries where they have been held. This was one of the key messages we wanted to convey to the leaders.”
Bishop Fisher said 15 people attended the briefing including several Rabbis and representatives from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish schools and services.