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The Service of Remembrance was held in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, on the afternoon of Sunday September 11, attended by about two hundred people, in the presence of the US Consul-General in Melbourne, Mr Frank C. Urbancic Jr. People of all faiths were welcomed by Bishop Philip Huggins, North-West Regional Bishop, followed by Opening Prayers by the Hon. Simon Crean, MP representing Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Hon. Sophie Mirabella,  MP representing the Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott.

A poignant moment for me was when I read out the names of the ten Australians who died in the Twin Towers.  I was in New York at that time and experienced the horror and the devastation that followed and knew one of the Australians who died in the North Tower. Rev Stuart Stuart, Victorian Emergency Chaplaincy Director, remembered  the rescue workers who gave their lives and those who risked their lives at Ground Zero.

The world’s innocent victims  since 9/11 were also remembered and those who are suffering today. We committed ourselves to bring healing and transformation to the world  and to foster a common vision for peace.

Reflective music was provided by young musicians from Two Bright Lakes and harpist Imelda Pagliaro.  Muslim scholar Professor Ismail Albayrak and Bishop Philip Huggins gave brief personal reflections, which were followed by a silent time for prayer.  A resource of peace prayers from the major faith traditions was provided by Bishop Huggins, for individual silent prayer.

The people came forward at the conclusion of the Service to light a candle and receive a Spring flower from Buddhist, Hindu and Christian volunteers from The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne. As people were leaving the Cathedral, many expressed their appreciation and said how moved they felt during the Service.

Since 9/11, one of the great benefits has been the drawing together of people of different faiths and people of good will to understand each other’s faith or philosophy and to work together for the common good.  In the words of Bishop Huggins, may we uphold our commitment to be “better peacemakers’ during the years to come.

Reverend Helen Summers
Founder and Director, The Interfaith Centre of Melbourne