On 9 September 2026, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) and the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations hosted an Interfaith Human Library. The Centre’s expertise in interfaith dialogue was sought to help organise the event’s three “Human Books”, representatives of the Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim faiths. The event, themed “In Dialogue”, sought to move beyond religious labels to foster genuine human encounters between Catholic school educators throughout the Diocese of Parramatta and the living representatives of the three different faiths.
The “Human Books” who shared their life stories during the event represented a rich tapestry of faith and service within the Western Sydney community. Among them was devoted Sikh, Harinder Kaur OAM, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Harman Foundation, who has dedicated 13 years to uplifting individuals in crisis by providing refuge for survivors of domestic violence and advocating for social justice and senior empowerment.
Representing the Hindu faith was Pravrajika Gayatriprana, the president and a senior monastic of the Vedanta Society of NSW, and a senior nun of Sri Sarada Math, the women’s wing of the Ramakrishna Order established in Sydney in 1982.
Finally, Muslim representative, Calisha Bennett, Education Program Coordinator, Together for Humanity, shared her journey as a sixth-generation Australian Muslim woman and Islamic educator. With a professional background in youth work and Quranic sciences, she has spent more than two decades educating diverse communities on the themes of identity, resilience, and the Islamic faith.
The initiative comes at a time when the religious landscape of Western Sydney is rapidly evolving. With more than 70 per cent of residents following a faith across 165 different denominations, the region is one of the most diverse in Australia. Within CSPD schools, teachers are seeing a rising number of students from different faith backgrounds entering the Catholic system. In this context, interreligious dialogue is viewed not merely as an academic exercise but as an essential tool for maintaining a respectful and harmonious community.
The day was structured into two distinct sessions. The first session was attended by CSPD office staff, while the second was dedicated to teachers, including some who travelled from Lawson in the Blue Mountains to participate. These educators gathered to explore how to better live out their Catholic mission through respectful dialogue with students and their families of all faiths.
Participants rotated through small groups, adhering to three principles:
- Listen to the story before forming conclusions;
- Wonder by asking genuine, curious questions; and
- Dialogue to find common ground while respecting differences.
For the teachers in attendance, the event offered a vital opportunity to encounter the devotion of people of other faiths and see how their values translate into impactful action within Western Sydney. By hearing how these leaders live their faith, whether through social work, monastic life, or education, teachers gained greater confidence in fostering inclusive environments where every student feels respected.
Participants left with a renewed commitment to ensuring that Catholic schools remain places of harmony and welcome for the diverse families they serve.
The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations congratulates Catholic Schools Diocese of Parramatta on initiating and hosting this impactful interfaith encounter. We are willing and able to help organise similar interfaith events for schools, parishes, and other community organisations.
Kim Chong is the Media & Community Liaison at the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations in Sydney.
