Fundamental to a successful democratic society is working together for the common good. This public symposium brings together scholars, education leaders, legal thinkers, faith and community representatives to explore how we can work together through dialogue across sectors and communities to help sustain a cohesive plural society. At a time when disagreement and conflict is visible in classrooms, workplaces and public life, the event asks how we can ensure respect and make space for differences while strengthening the relationships and institutions that hold communities together.

Hosted by Australian Catholic University, the symposium reflects ACU’s commitment to human dignity and the common good. Inspired by Nostra Aetate (1965), which calls for greater understanding and collaboration across religious and cultural differences, the event creates a space for thoughtful public conversation about one of the defining challenges of our time: how people with different beliefs, values and worldviews can share public life with respect and care.

The opening dialogue between Prof John Inazu (Professor of Law and Religion, Washington University), Dr Mahtab Janfada (University of Melbourne) and Dr Anh Nguyen Austen (ACU) will explore what meaningful dialogue looks like when disagreement is real and the stakes are high. Their conversation will consider how trust is built, how listening is practised, and how schools, universities and communities can help people engage across differences without assuming that agreement is always possible.

The panel will then ask what education and law can contribute to the work of peacebuilding in a plural society, featuring Prof John Inazu with Anthea Hancocks (CEO, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute), Rabbi Zalman Kastel (Dean and Founder, Together for Humanity), Brother David Hall (Dean, La Salle Academy, ACU) and Prof Lidia Xynas (Dean of Law, ACU), chaired by Prof Larissa McLean Davies (Executive Dean, Faculty of Education & Arts, ACU). The discussion will explore how public institutions can protect freedoms, support social cohesion, respond to disagreement, and help communities navigate conflict without losing sight of our shared responsibilities. It will consider how schools, universities, legal frameworks and community organisations can each help build the conditions for mutual understanding and a generous vision of the common good.

Whether you are an educator, legal practitioner, community leader, student or interested member of the public, we invite you to join this conversation about how people with different beliefs, values and worldviews can share public life with respect and care.

Program
5.00pm - Welcome: Prof Larissa McLean Davies (Executive Dean, Education and Arts, ACU)
5.05pm - Dialogue & Disagreement: Prof John Inazu (Professor of Law and Religion, Washington University) in conversation with Dr Mahtab Janfada (University of Melbourne) and Dr Anh Nguyen Austen (ACU)
6.00pm - Education, Law & the Work of Peacebuilding: a panel discussion with Anthea Hancocks (CEO, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute); Rabbi Zalman Kastel (Dean and Founder, Together for Humanity), Brother David Hall (Dean, La Salle Academy, ACU); Prof Lidia Xynas (Dean of Law, ACU) and Prof John Inazu. Chaired by Prof Larissa McLean Davies
7.15pm - Audience Q&A
7.25pm - Concluding notes
7.30pm - Refreshments