It reflected their shallow understanding of the issues that the communities are facing. |
The effect is dangerous in the sense that it creates a dichotomy between us and them, and this us and them mentality is dangerous in a multicultural society. It can shatter the fabric of any pluralistic society. So imams who come here should undergo a certain course or program that allows them to understand the mentality, the culture, the politics and social life of Australia. |
We agreed to condemn terrorism a long, long time ago, the community has already done that, by and large, and is still doing that. Muslims are already loyal citizens of Australia. The fact that they have lived for the past 100 years or so in peaceful coexistence here, well integrated and with tolerance, is testament to that. |