Faith Leaders Condemn Vandalism Targeting Melbourne Mosque, Other Religious Sites

IQNA – A series of vandalism and abuse incidents at a Melbourne mosque has sparked condemnation from faith leaders amid broader concerns over attacks on places of worship.

An inner-city mosque has reported multiple break-ins in recent weeks, including two alleged incidents where male intruders entered and urinated on the stairs. One man reportedly accessed the women-only prayer area and verbally harassed worshippers.

The Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) described at least one of the incidents as appearing to be motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment. “We just want to be able to practice our faith,” ICV president Mohamed Mohideen said, the Melbourne Anglican reported on Friday. 

On July 18, Friday prayers at the same mosque were disrupted after a suspicious white substance was discovered in the donations box.

These alleged attacks came shortly after a Hindu temple in Boronia was graffitied with a racial slur and an image of Adolf Hitler. Four hooded individuals are believed to be responsible for the July 21 vandalism of the Shree Swaminarayan Temple.

Religious communities have voiced concern about the growing pattern of such incidents.

Bishop Paul Barker of the Anglican Church said the church stood with affected communities and would continue working through the Multifaith Advisory Group to promote social harmony.

The Victorian Council of Churches warned that such acts erode community cohesion and increase fears among worshippers across Melbourne.

ICV’s Mohideen said members of the Islamic community are feeling anxious but remain engaged with authorities to improve safety and prevent further incidents.

Hindu Council national president Sai Paravastu called the graffiti on the temple both hateful and intentional. “This is not only an attack on a sacred place of worship, but a direct assault on the principles of mutual respect, cultural harmony, and religious freedom,” he said.

Although the Victorian government has not released an official statement, Premier Jacinta Allan addressed the temple attack in a letter later shared by the Council of Churches. She condemned the act as a “deliberate act of hate” aimed at spreading fear and division.

“No community should ever have to endure something like this,” she said. “But in speaking out, you’ve shown an enormous amount of strength and dignity.”

Source: Agencies