FABC News
On the occasion of the electoral victory of the Liberal Party, FABC President Kim Hollow has written the following letter of congratulations and good wishes to Mr Tony Abbott the Prime Minister Elect:
On behalf of our Management Committee, I congratulate you and your team on achieving the majority of seats in the Lower House, to facilate formation of our next Australian Federal Government.
We greatly appreciated the letter of greetings you sent to the 575,000 Australian Buddhist practitioners, for our May 2013 celebrations of Vesak.
I extend an open invitation to you to visit one of our many Buddhist Temples, following your confirmation as our next Prime Minister of Australia.
This gesture would mean a great deal to our diverse community, as no Australian Prime Minister has ever officially visited a Buddhist Temple or Monastery within Australia.
In conclusion, we sincerely wish you and your Ministers strength, compassion and wisdom, to deal with the many challenges facing your team in the years ahead.
Yours faithfully,
Kim Hollow.
President,
Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils Inc.
10 Sep 2013
The Australian Buddhist community has been saddened and alarmed to hear of the bombing on 7th July 2013 at the Mahabodhi temple in Bihar, India. We hope those injured by the blasts are receiving the best medical care and support and will recover soon.
We hope the Indian governments will catch the perpetrators to reduce the risk of similar acts in future and also take action to ensure these significant Buddhist sites which are India’s national treasures are suitably protected. These sites are also places of veneration to Buddhists all over the world and must be preserved for posterity. Buddhist pilgrims should be able to continue visiting these sites safely and without fear.
At this time we also wish to express our support for handing the management of the temple back to the Buddhist community of India. This will be a major step towards re-establishing India as a genuine centre of Buddhism in the world.
- Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
(Copies of this statement has been emailed to PM and FM of India, Chief Minister and Governor of Bihar)
Message from the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR
FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIAN BUDDHIST COUNCILS
Vesak
I am pleased to offer my best wishes to the Australian Buddhist community as you celebrate Vesak this year.
Vesak is an important celebration for Buddhists around the world, commemorating the birth, life and enlightenment of Buddha Sakyamuni. In Australia, it is also a chance for the broader community to learn more about Buddhism and to celebrate the contribution Australian Buddhists have made to our country.
Religious faith is an important element in our society. For many, it provides meaning, purpose and inspiration to their daily lives. Our democracy rests on an understanding that every individual counts; and our social solidarity on the understanding that we should treat others as we would have them treat us.
I hope all members of the Australian Buddhist community enjoy the Vesak celebrations this year.
Yours sincerely
TONY ABBOTT
24 May 2013