16 December 2020

Principal Lila McInerney of Mercy College, Coburg, was delighted to host UAE Consul-General Dr Nariman Al Mulla and special guests for an open and affirming discussion around interfaith dialogue and tolerance.

‘This was a special moment for the Mercy College community’, said Mrs McInerney. ‘At Mercy, we demonstrate a belief in tolerance and acceptance, learning about other faiths and working together as faith communities to bring about change in our community. It is easy to say that we are tolerant and accepting, but this event allowed us to put words into actions.’

‘This provided an opportunity for our college community to do as Pope Francis has asked of us – to go and to encounter everyone, in the shape of our common image.’

Dr Al Mulla spoke of the call to ‘listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying’ and shared that ‘each one of us in this room has unique gifts from God. This year in particular we should listen to what the Holy Spirit is calling us to do, so that we do not waste our gifts, but become the best version of ourselves’.

Mrs McInerney expressed that the occasion was emblematic of the mission of Mercy College. ‘Our underlying mission at Mercy is to offer any girl a high-quality, Catholic-based education – and we extend this mission to students across our community, no matter their background. We welcome, with open arms, students of all cultural, social and faith backgrounds.’

‘The most basic reason for dialogue among human beings is our common humanity. We all share a common human nature, and opportunities such as what we will experience today seek to strengthen the ties that bind us and break down barriers.’

‘I am grateful that our senior students were able to join us for these important conversations. As the leaders of tomorrow, it is they who will determine the future of this crucial dialogue and carry it forward.’