Addressing Islamophobia – Resources

Prejudice towards Muslims is often the result of ignorance, therefore resources that provide sound information about Islam and interreligious relations are an important aspect of dismantling prejudicial stereotypes and countering misinformation.

This webpage lists such resources, as well as providing links to documents and initiatives that specifically track and address Islamophobia in Australia.

ISLAMOPHOBIA IN AUSTRALIA - REPORT

In 2015, the Islamophobia Register Australia was launched, in order to help track and address Islamophobia. On 13 March 2025 its fifth report was released, presented by Dr Susan Carland.

“Disturbingly, Islamophobia in Australia is escalating at an alarming rate. It is also highly gendered – 75% of people verbally abused and assaulted for being Muslim are women and girls. It documents the daily verbal abuse, physical assaults, and discrimination faced by Muslims in Australia, painting a concerning picture of the current social climate. The report urges communities, policymakers, and individuals to address and combat this escalating issue. It underscores the importance of solidarity and proactive measures to foster inclusivity and counter hate-driven attitudes in Australian society. For a sobering view of the attacks and discrimination many of our Muslim sisters and brothers experience daily, read the Islamophobia In Australia report at bit.ly/4iNmaBi.” [Source: Bridges, No. 107, June 2025, p.8]

BRIDGES

Bridges is a quarterly summary of news, resources and other items of interest that are relevant to Catholic-Muslim relations in the context of the wider landscape of interreligious dialogue. It is published by the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, edited by Columban Father Dr Patrick McInerney SSC. Bridges is helpful for better informed conversations in parishes, schools and community groups.

The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations also offers the Columban Interfaith eBulletin.

INTERFAITH ENCOUNTERS

Catholic Mission’s Interfaith Encounters program has successfully brought together Catholic and Muslim students for a period of learning and exchange between their respective schools. This program “provides a practical component to the study of religion, enhancing understanding of cultural and religious diversity and building confidence in standing against discrimination. The program provides the platform for students and staff to develop new friendships, celebrate difference, deepen faith, and promote peace and social cohesion.” (Source: Catholic Mission webpage)

Learn more at: https://www.catholicmission.org.au/get-involved/interfaith

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION PROGRAM — ISLAMOPHOBIA

The Bystander Intervention Program – Islamophobia is a free initiative funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. It aims to equip participants with the confidence and practical tools to effectively respond in defusing religious vilification scenarios when they witness Islamophobia in any setting.

JESUITICAL PODCAST

What Catholics can do to fight Islamophobia

In 2021, The Jesuit media agency America shared this conversation as part of its Jesuitical Podcast about what we can do to combat anti-Muslim bias in ourselves and in our communities, with Jordan Denari Duffner. Jordan is a scholar of Muslim-Christian relations

MORE RESOURCES SUPPORTING SOCIAL COHESION

Other organisations that offer resources to help to combat Islamophobia and to support better interreligious and intercultural understanding within Australian society, include:

Together For Humanity: Resources and programs designed to dismantle stereotypes and promote intercultural cohesion. Popular amongst schools and agencies engaged in the formation of young people.

The Abraham Conference: A Sydney-based initiative, normally annual, that brings together members of the Abrahamic traditions for a gathering of input or prayer. In 2025 it will consist of an online prayer service for peace, held 12 June 2025, 12.30-1.00pm – register at Humanitix

The work of Sion. An e-Newsletter of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in Australia for those engaged in its ministries. A sample can be found here.

CANADIAN GUIDE

The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia for a more inclusive Canada

(Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, 2024)

“Islamophobia challenges safety and well-being, undermines social cohesion and threatens our democratic values. It spans a broad spectrum of behaviours—from bias and discrimination to racism and hate—and can be experienced in workplaces, schools, public settings and throughout all facets of society. . . . This new Guide is meant for everyone: educators, employers, administrators, decision makers, journalists, lawyers, judges, law enforcement, students and community leaders. In short, it is for all Canadians who seek to combat Islamophobia. . . . The Guide is organized around three overarching themes. First, it presents a conceptual understanding of Islamophobia, offering a detailed definition, key drivers, and examples of its manifestations. Second, the Guide examines the impacts of Islamophobia on diverse communities. The last chapter presents practical strategies for individuals and organizations to prevent and combat Islamophobia to actively contribute to an inclusive society.” (Source: see the Canadian Guide, pp. 6,9]