‘Peaceful Advocacy’: Sydney Elected Leaders Throw Support Behind Faith Group

Various councillors and political leaders from Sydney have shown their support for the annual celebrations that mark the spread of Falun Dafa, a spiritual discipline that has positively impacted millions across more than 100 countries and regions.

The councillors, including those from Blacktown City Council in western Sydney, have praised World Falun Dafa Day, an event held on May 13 each year to honor the practice that promotes truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

“Your teachings on gentle exercise and meditation offer people additional ways to enhance their physical and mental well-being,” read a letter addressed to the Falun Dafa Association of Australia on May 4.

“Your dedication to upholding your cultural traditions adds to our diversity and is a significant strength of Blacktown City,” the letter continued.

As the first Filipino lawyer admitted as a barrister in Australia, Mr. Diaz values the freedom and opportunities provided by the country.

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He believes that the principles of Falun Dafa, demonstrated through the steadfast faith of its followers in the face of adversity, help strengthen community cohesion and well-being.

“I am confident that the approach of Falun Dafa, in stark contrast to loud and disorderly protests and chants, effectively promotes a message of peace globally and fosters unity and prosperity in Australia, a nation that many of us have sought refuge in.”

Federal MP Supports ‘Peaceful Advocacy’

Federal Labor MP for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton, acknowledged the importance of “peaceful advocacy, especially by those observing World Falun Dafa Day.”

“The Australian values of freedom and tolerance for others have played a role in our nation’s multicultural success,” he stated.

“I reiterate my commitment to these values as thousands of practitioners mark this year’s World Falun Dafa Day.”

He extended his well wishes to adherents for a day of “peace and contemplation.”

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, gained popularity as a spiritual discipline in mainland China during the 1990s, renowned for its health benefits from gentle exercises and moral principles centered on “Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance.”

May 13 marks the 32nd anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa by its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi.

According to official estimates, the number of adherents in China had reached 70-100 million by 1999.

However, in the same year, the Chinese Communist Party, viewing its rising popularity as a threat, initiated a brutal campaign of extermination that persists to this day, involving illegal detentions, torture, and organ harvesting.

Promoting Peace and Harmony in the Community

Councillors Sameer Pandey and Phil Bradley from the City of Parramatta praised the peace and harmony that the principles of Falun Dafa bring to the community.

Mr. Bradley, a member of the Greens, urged the Australian medical community to raise awareness about reports of forced organ harvesting.

Similarly, Councillors Sarkis Yedelian from Ryde, Kevin Crameri from Penrith, and Sreeni Pillamarri from Hornsby Shire thanked adherents for their contributions to the local communities.

“By enhancing mental, moral, and physical well-being through the principles of truth, compassion, and tolerance,” they stated.

Mr. Crameri noted, “The world owes a lot to Mr. Li Hongzhi.”

They also highlighted the resilience of practitioners in the face of a brutal persecution campaign, with Mr. Yedelian expressing his opposition to the persecution of Falun Dafa since 1999.

Mr. Pillamarri added, “Their dedication to seeking harmony and their strength in the face of adversity are widely respected by our communities.”

Moreover, at a Sydney rally commemorating World Falun Dafa Day on May 6, Cumberland City Councillors Helen Hughes and Paul Garrard lauded the principles of the faith group and denounced the persecution occurring in China.