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On Sunday 21 June 2015, the Winter Solstice was celebrated with a special interfaith gathering in the beautiful sacred space of St John’s Uniting Church, Essendon.

Guests were welcomed into the church with the beautiful sounds of the Celtic Harp, performed by renowned harpist, Cath Connelly.

The Winter Solstice was a perfect time to share insights into the meaning of Darkness and Light, Suffering and Happiness, from the sacred teachings of Christianity and Chan Buddhism.  Venerable Chang Ji’s Remarks on the Four Noble Truths were read by Gerald Lim, Chair, Buddhist Council of Victoria, while Dr Alexander Shaia spoke on the universal human experience through the Four Gospel Journey of radical transformation.

A Conversation between Dr Alexander Shaia and Wee Keat Ng, drew on similarities between the Four Gospel Journey and the Four Noble Truths.

Beautiful chants from the Buddhist and Christian traditions were performed by Venerable Guo Chan and Cath Connelly.  At the end of the Gathering, in the semi-darkness of the church, Candle Lighting took place. Guests came forward to light their candle and to offer a silent prayer for themselves and the world. Rev Mark Dunn, of St John’s Uniting Church gave a most powerful and all-embracing Benediction.

The Interfaith Gathering was organized by The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne, with Dharma Drum Mountain Melbourne Chapter, and Quadratos.

Rev Helen Summers
Founder and Director | The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne