Harmonies & Songs of Faith Bus Tour

Harmonies and Songs of Faith Bus Tour

Sunday 7 February 2016

I’ve always wanted to experience the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir live, but so far the closest I’ve come is the choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or simply Latter Day Saints, or LDS) in Blackburn today, as part of the experience of the Manningham Interfaith Network’s very successful “Harmonies and Songs of Faith Bus Tour”. Two bus loads of MIN members and friends this afternoon very enjoyably and informatively visited an LDS Church, an Ashram and  a Bahai community.

In anticipation the contrast between these faith Communities might appear significant, however the visits proved otherwise. In different ways and at a high level they demonstrated harmony and a great deal shared in common. One of the strong connections, though in different form, is through music .

The visit started at the Latter Day Saints Church in Blackburn. A warm welcome and introduction by the Bishop outlined a Mission that includes proclaiming the gospel and progressively perfecting members (latter day Saints). This was followed by a short selection of hymns from their very fine choir.  Much smaller of course than the famous US choir but I wasn’t disappointed as it also powerfully reflected the spirit of the famous Salt Lake City choir which is “dedicated to the universal language of music that has the power to bring joy, peace, and healing to its listeners”. The themes were healing, family and community. In the short time available we then moved through various parts of the building, and in response to brief presentations there on various aspects of  LDS faith briefly engaged in helpful open conversation.

The group then moved on to two other Faith Communities.   In different ways ‘music’ turned out to be one of the strong common themes of our three visits today, not to mention on the bus journey in between. In particular a very young Baha’i members poignantly sung on one bus in memory of her father who died in December. It was beautiful and I must say uplifting. The 2nd stop was at the Chinmaya Mission Ashram in Templestowe. Just walking into this building evoked a strong sense of  peace, tranquility and joy. Visibly reflecting that spirit the monk Gautamji (LHS photo background centre)  welcomed everyone and introduced the Ashram, also explaining its difference from their temple. We were fortunate to experience a brief but very effective meditation. The Mission provides to individuals from any background “the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling (people) to become positive contributors to society.”  Music is very much the language of Sanskrit prayer itself, and may also be used in meditations.

The Bus tour concluded at a convivial Baha’i gathering especially arranged for us in a Manningham City Council (MC2) function room. It began and concluded with fine music reflecting Baha’i values, before refreshments were offered. The Bahá’í Movement derives from a series of prophets including Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad and is akin to the spiritual purpose of Christianity.  As such it is open to all faiths and  has no priests or bishops. It recognises that the purpose of the religion of God is the education of humanity and the unity and fellowship of mankind. Again the young member sang, and many of those present were visibly affected. As a  bonus today’s event nicely coincided with some happy Chinese New Year celebrations just outside the Baha’i room, for this Year of the Monkey.

A wonderful day all round. Warm thanks to all those from each of the three faith communities who went to much trouble to make today a great, informative and and harmonious event for us all. Thanks to Cr Dot Haynes, MIN member and Deputy Mayor of Manningham Council, together with Pauline and Frank SMIT  for organising & supporting yet another highly successful MIN event today.

 (Photos: Blackburn LDS CHURCH, Doncaster Chinmaya Mission Ashram, Doncaster Baha’i Community )