Photo of Most Rev Kevin Manning DD: ACBC
I joined the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations in 2002, shortly after the terrorist attacks in the United States of America on 11 September 2001. It was a time of intense interfaith activity for the Centre. There was a lot of ignorance about Islam and deep animosity against Muslims. People were curious to learn about Islam to understand what was going on in the world. We were busy responding to enquiries involving Muslims whenever possible, especially the members of Affinity Intercultural Foundation, with whom we enjoy a lasting friendship. They presented a positive image of Islam to counter the negative stereotypes.
Bishop Kevin Manning felt sorry for the Muslims who were suffering unjustly from the widespread misinformation and prejudice. He invited them to meet with him, hosted them on special occasions at Masses in the Parramatta Cathedral, and participated in and supported their interfaith encounter events.
For Bishop Kevin, it was a matter of justice and respect for our equal human dignity. The tribute in the funeral booklet states:
The concept of unity was the forefront of Bishop Manning’s plans, and he spoke widely about the importance of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. He was the first bishop to reach out to the Muslim community in Western Sydney during a time of heightened racial tensions.
In his own words: The fact is that we are all created by God, no matter what religion we are, or faith we are, and one day we are coming back to God.
At one such interfaith event organised jointly by the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations and Affinity Intercultural Foundation, Fr Noel Connolly congratulated Bishop Kevin on his pioneering outreach to the Muslim community. He replied, “I am only continuing what you Columbans started in the Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations”.
The Muslims of Affinity Intercultural Foundation were forever grateful for Bishop Kevin’s outreach, welcome, and hospitality during those difficult times. In later years when we met at interfaith events, they often reminisced fondly about him and asked after him. I was able to keep them up to date.
When Bishop Kevin died, I informed them immediately. They offered sincere condolences and expressed a desire to attend his funeral. I contacted the Diocese of Parramatta who reserved places for them in the Cathedral. Bishop Vincent Long acknowledged their presence in his welcome address at the Solemn Pontifical Mass of Christan Burial:
Bishop Kevin was one of the first Christian leaders in this country to reach out to members of the Muslim community and we thank representatives of that community for honouring him here today.
Bishop Kevin has gone home to God. His contributions are gratefully remembered and acknowledged by Catholics and Muslims alike. May many more Christians follow Bishop Kevin’s example of reaching out and creating lasting friendships with our Muslim sisters and brothers, until we are all happily re-united in God’s presence in heaven.
Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Director, Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban Interfaith eBulletin
