As Baptists, we believe deeply in the freedom of all people to practise their faith without fear. So, imagine passing security guards at the door of your place of worship every week, and every week asking yourself, “am I going to be safe today?” This was, and is, reality for our Jewish brothers and sisters.
“The Bondi Attack has led to a moment of reckoning for us as a society,” says Steve Bartlett, Director of Ministries at NSW & ACT Baptists. “In the midst of complex politics, a central question is: How do we maintain liberty for people to live and practise their faith, and to participate in society, without fear?”
Since 14 December, Steve has had opportunities on behalf of NSW & ACT Baptists to sit with faith and government leaders and wrestle with these questions. He recalls “the first of these was organised with a few hours’ notice the morning after the Bondi attack. It was a raw and emotional conversation, listening to Jewish leaders who had lost loved ones, encouraging our political leaders in the daunting task ahead of them, and mapping out how to respond as a faith leadership group.”
Another such opportunity came on Monday 19 January, when Her Excellency the Governor-General, Ms Sam Mostyn AC, hosted faith leaders at Admiralty House in Sydney. Steve’s invitation came out of NSW & ACT Baptists seat on the NSW Faith Affairs Council. The gathering brought leaders together around a shared meal, engaging in deep conversation focused on unity, religious freedom and social cohesion. As leaders ate together, mutual respect and a strong sense of common purpose were evident.
The Governor-General described the dinner as a place of peace – free from politics, policies or funding decisions. A space dedicated to conversation and deep listening. She affirmed the vital role faith communities play in Australian society, highlighting the freedom to practise faith, the responsibility to contribute positively to civic life, and the central role of education in fostering understanding and social cohesion.
Faith leaders shared reflections on how their communities live out their beliefs within a diverse society and promote respect and peace while maintaining their distinct identities and traditions. Together, all faith leaders stood in solidarity with the Jewish community.
One outworking of the dinner was the invitation from the Jewish community to participate in One Mitzvah, encouraging Australians to commit to one of 15 good deeds, each honouring one of the 15 people murdered at Bondi. Developed by Rabbinical leaders, the initiative has the unanimous support of the Faith Affairs Council. Steve says, “I encourage Baptist churches to promote this as a natural part of the rhythm of church life, over the year or for a particular period of reflection, to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters as they continue to process the trauma of what has happened.”
Another key takeaway from the discussion was the focus on education, shaping young Australians who are confident in their identity, respectful of difference, speak with kindness and are committed to a kind and cohesive society. The gathering reaffirmed a shared conviction: Australia’s strength lies in unity alongside difference and in faith communities working together, with respect and understanding, for the good of the nation.
As Baptists, we stand firmly against racism and intolerance and deeply value the freedom to practise and express faith. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. May we continue to embody the teachings of Jesus: loving our neighbours, being peacemakers in a fractured world, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel with grace and courage.
