RMIT MULTI FAITH RELIGIOUS CENTRE.

There is quite a struggle going on at present between the RMIT management and one element of the student body.

The Management have been establishing a 'MULTI' faith facility which will be open to all traditions and denominations and faiths.. but it appears there is one group who are opposed to the open, non discriminatory, tolerant nature of this facility and demand that it be for their group alone.

Monash seems to have the right idea
http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/community-services/chaplaincy/clayton/religious-centre/

The Religious Centre is a multi-faith centre that symbolises the centrality of the spiritual dimension to university life. In an effort to encompass all religious affiliations and denominations, while maintaining an arena conducive to the liturgy of the main traditions practised at the Centre, the architect chose a circular design free of overtly religious imagery. In the Main Chapel, for instance, there are no Christian statues and symbols, except for a large removable cross. The stained glass windows evoke a church atmosphere, but are abstract in design and without religious embellishment.

Sounds good to me.... who could find fault with this?

Who's the one group BD?
Dont like even the original concept from the 60's.
Its a soup of everything and too many cooks spoil the broth.
Im narrow (loving its protection) and say born again christians shouldnt mix it with others... not full-time.
Its like my pastor.
Goes to a foreign country, preaches Jesus to the people, then gets out.
Doesnt pick up other ways.
Keeps the Christ in him pure and untainted by other false beliefs.
Like preaching at Kings Cross, Sydney.
Get in, preach to the girls, get out.
Dont go to their rooms.

interesting concept ,multifaith implies a comming together [beyond any particular prophet [messenger] to join as one for god

Yet i note the pictures have a cross behind the alter, when jesus isnt god ,despite what some would believe he didnt die for us either, he died [and reserected for his people , who believe we die and sleep till some reserection day [wrongly]

Jesus died and was 'born again' as we all are [into heaven [or hell] according as the deeds we do [love to do] acording to our fruits

That being said the concept of the one unifying god [and all of us joining as one for god is a great concept] ,but im not sure about the use of the benches ,or where is the alter facing [would islamists [mohanidians [peace be upon them] have prayer rugs facing meckka ,would they be bowing towards the cross of crucifiction?[or worse have other bits facing the alter when they bow to god.

It seems the link is more an advert [indicating it has little use] it seems to have been built in 68?] yet no photo's are shown of it being used by different religions.

Is there a calling to prayer call box, is there dedication prayers [i didnt notice the windows but seenm to recall images in them,[not sure the children of mahamoud would feel comfortable there

It also seems very grey in one picture.
but enough

It is easy to critisize , the concept of one faith cant work[god sent many messengers for good reason ,[we tend to fixate on the messengfer and the ritual , thus seem to constantly be missing the living god, jesus didnt need churches [or perhaps more the early christians didnt]

but still its fine to finally have a topic i feel i want to respond to, you are a good man boaz david ,

you know the good voice of the life giver [god] the living loving logus ,logic , life and light

so may gods peace be upon you

GIBO.. do a google on 'RMIT prayer centre'.. you might like to add 'green left' to that search and see what crops up.

The point I'm seeking to advance here.. is that public educational facilities are rather duty bound to emphasize non sectarianism in the way they allocate facilities.

I think it would be quite improper for a University to fund (or even to allow on it's land) a facility which was for the exclusive use of say Protestants or Catholics or Buddhists.

The wiser and fair approach to facilitating a place of spiritual reflection is just to do what Monash did (pending further information) and what RMIT has now decided.. that the one facility provided for spiritual focus be open to all and any.

Unfortunately, it appears that one group gained the impression that this was being built specifically 'for them and them alone'.. and now that the RMIT management has suddenly realized this would produce an outcry that they are being sectarian, intolerant and discriminatory, they have firmed up the 'purpose' of the building as 'general use' spiritual centre.

Christians don't need anything other than a roof over our heads, just a place to gather is all we need.. a bit of shelter.
I don't see why any special provision should be made other than that..for any group.

OUG.. the thing is, any group, no matter which faith, can use these facilities.

If they want to use a prayer rug and stand on their heads while praying it matters not.. all they have to do is book it for a certain time and all is well.

It is totally unnaceptable for any group to try to monopolise facilities for their sect only at Government/Tax payer funded educational institutions. Which is what one group is seeking to do.

I don't agree with your theology about the Lord Jesus :) but that's for another topic.
-blessings

Oh dear, and so is goes on again.....

Boazy, don't follow this link

http://www.monash.edu/international/studentservices/salaam.pdf

It may be disturbing to you. What you especially shouldn't read is page 5.

Apparently the Monash "Religious Centre" has a dedicated room for this certain element, oh dear. In fact, most universities have them. I find it interesting that you think you know what is proper for universities, do you work in one?
Is this what has been promised to RMIT students? After a bit of reading it appears not. In fact, it seems they will be losing their dedicated facilities. And you wonder why they seem a bit upset.

Why don't you go down to their next meeting and and tell them all they need is a bit of space and a bathroom, just like your group, and after morning prayers, you can cook them all some bacon and eggs, free for the whole month of September this year.