The Newington College Religion and Ethics Day brought together distinguished philosophers, theologians and religious leaders for a wide-ranging discussion of religious and moral issues. Students from Newington, Santa Sabina College and Pymble Ladies College were joined by Religious Studies teachers from all over Australia and New Zealand, as well as Newington parents and guests. One of the highlights was a panel discussion chaired by ABC broadcaster John Cleary. HSC students provided the questions, with topics that were challenging and provocative, including the relationship between morality and religion, Islamophobia, religion and politics, environmental issues and same-sex marriage. The panelists included Amna Karra-Hassan (Australian Federal Police), Rabbi Zalman Kastel (National Director of the Together for Humanity Foundation), Fr Aloysious Mowe SJ (International Director of Advocacy and Communications, Jesuit Refugee Service), The Reverend Dr Gordon Preece (Director of the Centre for Christianity and Society, Melbourne) and Venerable Tencho (former Director of Kunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre in the Blue Mountains). All the speakers showed a willingness to tackle difficult and controversial issues in an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect. The large audience was left in no doubt about the about the importance of inter-faith dialogue and the ethical insights of the world’s great religions.

In the afternoon, Professor Peter Singer, Australia’s best-known philosopher, gave a fascinating lecture on ‘Ethics and the Meaning of Life, explaining the importance of Philosophy in the Australian curriculum and the need to address pressing global issues, particularly world hunger and poverty. The day concluded with a debate on Euthanasia and Medical Ethics: ‘Victoria’s legalisation of voluntary assisted dying sets an example that other Australian states would do well to follow.’ There were, not surprisingly, strong feelings on this issue but the participants helped to clarify the issues and there was a high level of debate and discussion.

I am grateful to all the colleagues and students who helped to make this such a successful event.

Dr Jeremy Hall
Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies