Sydney Elected Leaders Stand Behind Faith Group in Peaceful Advocacy
Political leaders have commended the peaceful nature of the meditation practice Falun Dafa on its 32nd anniversary of dissemination.
Councillors and political leaders from various regions in Sydney have shown support for the annual celebrations honoring the spread of Falun Dafa, a spiritual discipline that has benefited millions in over 100 countries.
The councillors, including those from Blacktown City Council in western Sydney, praised World Falun Dafa Day, an annual event on May 13 that commemorates the teachings of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
A letter addressed to the Falun Dafa Association of Australia on May 4 stated, “Your teaching of gentle exercise and meditation provides people with more ways to improve their physical and mental well-being. Your devotion to practising your cultural traditions contributes to our diversity, and is one of our Blacktown City’s greatest strengths.”
Mr. Diaz, the first Filipino lawyer admitted as a barrister in Australia, values the freedom and opportunities offered by the country to people.
He believes that the principles of Falun Dafa, exemplified in the steadfast faith of its followers despite persecution, help to strengthen the community.
“I have no doubt that Falun Dafa’s approach, in contrast to loud protests and chants, effectively promotes peace to the world and contributes to unity and prosperity in Australia,” Mr. Diaz stated.
Federal MP Backs ‘Peaceful Advocacy’
Federal Labor MP for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton, acknowledged the “principle of peaceful advocacy, especially by those observing World Falun Dafa Day.”
“The Australian values of freedom and tolerance have contributed to our nation’s multicultural success. I reaffirm my commitment to these values as thousands of practitioners observe this year’s World Falun Dafa Day.”
He extended his wishes for adherents to have a day of “peace and reflection.”
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, was a popular spiritual discipline in mainland China in the 1990s, known for its health benefits and principles of “Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
May 13 marks the 32nd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction by founder Mr. Li Hongzhi, with millions of adherents globally by 1999.
Despite facing persecution in China, practitioners continue to promote peace and harmony in communities worldwide.
Promoting Peace, Harmony in the Community
Councillors Sameer Pandey and Phil Bradley from the City of Parramatta celebrated the peace and harmony that Falun Dafa’s principles bring to the community.
Mr. Bradley called on the medical community to raise awareness of forced organ harvesting reports, while other councillors thanked adherents for their contributions to local communities.
Despite persecution, practitioners continue to seek harmony and display resilience in the face of adversity.
At a Sydney rally, Cumberland City Councillors Helen Hughes and Paul Garrard praised the principles of Falun Dafa and condemned the persecution in China.
