The AGE argues that only by working together, Christian and Muslim, believer and non-believer, we can identify those in the community who wish to do us harm.
Over the past year we have watched on as a series of devastating acts of terrorism have rocked the world.
The majority have been crimes against humanity in the name of Islam, perpetrated by people whose beliefs and actions are rejected and reviled by the vast majority of Muslims.
That fear and anxiety hit home on Friday, the last working day before the Christmas weekend, with the arrest of a group of young men within our own community who are accused of planning a string of terrorist attacks on Melbourne.
The alleged targets were Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and St Paul's Cathedral, three of our city's most famous landmarks.
Over the decades, terrorism has shown itself to be a crime of almost limitless cruelty and imagination.
There is no doubt the events of Friday will cast a pall over Christmas for many. But is important to remember that this is the time for peace on earth, and goodwill to all. Attacks, such as the one planned for Melbourne, are designed to create hate and division within our community. We must not give in to that hate.
Only by working together, Christian and Muslim, believer and non-believer, we can identify those in the community who wish to do us harm.
