Statement by the VMC Multifaith Advisory Group on the vandalism at the Hindu Temple Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj, Boronia

There is a Hindu Prayer with universal yearnings: ‘May all realise what is good. May all be motivated by noble thoughts. May all rejoice everywhere. May all be happy.’

As members of the MAG, we identify with these prayerful yearnings.

The history of the Hindu Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia conveys the spiritual inspiration and generous, sacrificial labours of those who have built the Temple over recent years. What has been established is remarkable and will endure.

In the migratory story of the human family, members of this Temple may have different countries of origin – including from India, Kenya and the UK – but this Temple is now their spiritual home in this land.

Their feeling of safety has, this week, been troubled by cruel vandalism. This is appalling. The mind that conceived this disgraceful vandalism seems intent on causing misery.

Acts of vandalism, like this one, are relatively few. But each time there is one, we will stand together – until there are none and the yearning of our prayers is fulfilled.

We strongly condemn this act of vandalism and offer our heartfelt sympathy and complete support to the congregation of the Shree Swaminarayan Temple. We stand in solidarity with the Hindu community in Victoria and the Hindu Council of Australia/(Vic).

And we offer the International Prayer for Peace:

Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth
Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust
Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace
Let peace fill out hearts, our world, our universe