WYD 2008 - World Youth Day and Interreligious dialogue

"The Sydney organisers of WYD have actively embraced the opportunity the occasion presents to reach out to a series of other denominations and faiths.

Coordinator of the Event, Bishop Anthony Fisher says he hopes it will build bridges among all groups through both Papal and Youth Festival engagements:"

"It gives us the opportunity to say to the world that religion is not a thing, or should not be a thing, that divides people and makes them angry and makes them fight with each other. But it has a potential like nothing else does to bring people together".

"The very fact that we can be welcomed into such a celebration is something which shows a forward thinking continuation of the legacy of certainly John Paul II but also stemming over from Nostra Aetate. And the very fact that Pope Benedict is carrying on in that tradition and is bringing us into World Youth Day is something that we should see as a very positive step."

"We've said consitently that this is a Catholic Celebration which is open to all and that's very much in the mind of those young people who are coming."

"The Christian Churches in Australia are unique because they have a covenant to pray together and a covenant to pray for one another. So this is a brilliant opportunity for the Churches and the Church leaders to come together to pray for peace, justice and different aspects for the pilgrims, our community and our world. It's also a brilliant opportunity to pray with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, on this his first visit to Australia."

"As a Muslim and as a fellow believer in God as well, I was really happy to be here and see the youth being passionate about faith and I see the cross and icon as an opportunity for a spiritual injection, as I said, into our nation. So I think it's really good that people are thinking about faith and religion in this day and age."

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