By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY Council will write to the State Government and Opposition regarding the prospect of the Casey Multi-faith making a presentation to the United Nations in New York.
This notice of motion, from Casey mayor Geoff Ablett at Tuesday’s council meeting, was supported by all but one councillor, and recommended the council write to the State Government and Opposition to discuss the viability of the Casey Multi-faith Network travelling to UN headquarters to explain its community involvement and mission objectives.
Cr Rosalie Crestani opposed the motion and said it would be a “wasted exercise” which favoured one group in Casey over dozens of others.
Cr Crestani also said she felt ratepayer money would inevitably be used on the project.
“I don’t think people who pay rates will like to see their money invested globally,” she said.
“We will be scoffed at for bringing an idea for world peace.
“We have a great country built on democracy and common understanding between people. That’s because of a strong faith built over the top of it – and that’s Christianity which allows people to practice their own beliefs.”
Cr Ablett insisted the UN venture, which could include interfaith representatives from throughout Victoria, would not come at a cost to the ratepayer.
“If State or Federal governments can’t pay for it, then there won’t be a trip,” he said.
Cr Sam Aziz seconded the mayor’s motion and said he was confident funding for the project would come from elsewhere rather than from council resources.
“Everybody on the table knows I was born in the Christian faith and have raised many times about religious doctrine,” he said.
“I am positive having interfaith dialogue is the way to go forward.
“There are commonalities between all religious groups … we should continue to buttress and support these common intersections all religious groups have.”
The development comes after Cr Ablett spoke of the virtues of the Casey Multi-faith at a dinner last month to celebrate his appointment as mayor, calling for the group to meet with delegates at the UN.
