The “Walking Together” Conference, held at Mary MacKillop Place in Sydney on 30 and 31 May 2025, was more than a gathering—it was a call to discipleship through unity.
Organised by the Bishops Commission for Christian Unity and Inter-religious Dialogue of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the event brought together clergy, religious and lay people from across the country to reflect on and renew their commitment to the path of ecumenism and interfaith engagement.
Grounded in shared prayer, theological insight and lived experience, the conference invited participants to explore the possibilities and responsibilities that come with walking together in faith across traditions.
Proceedings commenced with a liturgy in the chapel, co-led by participants and Bathurst Bishop Michael McKenna. This shared time of worship reminded those present that dialogue begins in prayerful humility, not in ideas or strategies. As participants stood side by side, they embodied the conference’s central invitation: to be people of encounter, peace and shared mission.
The opening night dinner featured a keynote reflection from Bishop Philip Huggins, a respected Anglican bishop and ecumenical leader. Drawing on decades of pastoral ministry and interchurch cooperation, he explored the enduring value of dialogue and the challenges that accompany it. His address encouraged participants to see dialogue not as a strategy but as a vocation rooted in Christ’s love.
On the second day, Rev Professor Dan Madigan SJ offered a compelling plenary presentation on interreligious dialogue, highlighting the significance of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s document on the church’s relationship with other faith traditions.
He noted that when the document was promulgated in 1965, the global landscape was vastly different—the Six-Day War had not yet occurred, African nations were still on the cusp of independence, and the Vietnam War was only beginning. The church’s call to unity, made in that moment, was an act of hope amid uncertainty—and remains vital in today’s divided world.
Fr Dan emphasised that dialogue is not simply a theological exercise but a lived Christian commitment—an expression of fraternity and a mutual search for truth. Locally, the challenge and opportunity remain the same: to witness Christ’s love by entering wholeheartedly into relationships with those of other faiths.
Breakout sessions allowed participants to engage more deeply. Dr Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean and Associate Professor at St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College, led a theological reflection on the Council of Nicaea, exploring the continuing relevance of its teachings on unity and belief, particularly as the church marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council this year.
A multifaith panel—featuring representatives from Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities—offered rich and respectful conversation on the enduring impact of Nostra Aetate.
Each speaker contributed lived perspectives on the possibilities and challenges of dialogue, reinforcing the dignity of all people of faith and the shared desire for peace.
Facilitated small-group discussions followed, where participants reflected on how to respond to the call to dialogue in their local contexts. Many named the importance of ongoing formation, accompaniment and a willingness to step beyond the familiar. The need for practical and pastoral support was clear, but so too was the deep desire to continue this work in a spirit of openness and generosity.
In the final moments of the conference, participants were reminded that Christian unity is not about sameness, nor is it a tactical project—it is an expression of divine grace. The work of unity and dialogue is a living testimony to the love of God made known in Jesus Christ. Such love is never closed in on itself. It opens paths, especially in places marked by division or despair.
The “Walking Together” Conference will be remembered not only for its theological richness and meaningful dialogue, but for the spirit in which it was held. It was a witness to the Church’s mission to be a sign of unity and an instrument of peace—a mission that continues in every parish, school and community that responds to the call.
Originally published in the Catholic Observer, official publication of the Diocese of Bathurst, used with permission.