Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network: MPIN

Listening to the Land and listening to indigenous elders has, since the founding of the Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network in 2008, been an integral part of the vision of the network. Four times a year, in conjunctions with the seasons, we walk sacred places on the Peninsula.

Uncle Lionel Lauch, Aboriginal Elder visited Balcombe Grammar Wednesday 2nd March to speak to the Year 10’s as part of their VCE Religion and Society.

Lionel spend 2 hours with the students telling them about Aboriginal spirituality and culture. He told them about his personal journey and how his mother was part of the stolen generation and he showed them some artefacts and played the didgeridoo.

The land inspired us all on this glorious day, Saturday 17th of July 2010. Uncle Lionel and his nephew Billy led us on a breath-taking walk. Whilst it was a bit cold at the start, within a few minutes we began to warm up. Uncle Lionel asked us to keep our eyes open, to see things we would otherwise miss.  He encouraged us to allow the bush to soak into our souls. He pointed out buds and grasses and delicious bush tucker sitting around us in abundance, like bush spinach and wild parsley. Uncle Lionel reminded us that the land does not need us, we need the land. We listened in silence.

On November 22nd 2009, faith traditions came together in the spirit of peace to celebrate at the Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Festival. The festival, held at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington, allowed individuals and groups to learn more about each others beliefs and practices. In particular, traditions demonstrated different aspects of their faith through music, dance, art, food, workshops and talks.

On Sunday 22nd of November 2009, the Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network put together an Art Exhibition on the theme of 'Spirituality: What It Means to Me'. The exhibition aimed at increasing awareness of the diverse ways individuals express the theme of ‘Spirituality’.

On Sunday 18th October 2009, Rabbi Jonathon Keren-Black shared his valuable time to speak on the topic of “Environment & Spirituality”.   The function was attended by approximately 65 people who shared the evening with a warm soup at The Rye Hotel in Rye. 

On Saturday 17th of October 2009, our very own Reverend Hans Christiansen, gave a talk on “The Mystic Heart of Christianity” at the Shiva School of Meditation & Yoga. This talk was part of a series of talks conducted by Shiva Yoga in preparation of the Parliament of World Religions (3-9 December 2009 in Melbourne). It was hosted by the spiritual director of Shiva Yoga Swami Shankarananda.

On Sunday 16th August 2009, 70 people gathered at the Continental Hotel in Sorrento to hear Nick Allen, a clinical phychologist, give a talk on 'Understanding Depression: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment'.

On Tuesday the 19th of May, Year 6 students from Toorak College and the Mornington Peninsula Interfaith Network hosted an evening where stories of 'Women and Spirituality' were shared.

The Spirituality Talk with Venerable Robina Courtin (Tibetan Buddhist nun) was held in partnership with the Anglican Parish of Sorrento and Rye who hosted Robina’s weekend visit from Sydney. The topic of Robina’s talk was 'Freeing the Mind from Depression & Fear'. The evening held at the Continental Hotel in Sorrento on the 3rd May was a tremendous success.

On Tuesday March 20th, Year 6 students from Toorak College along with teachers and chaplain visited four places of worship within the local area and beyond.