It was agreed that a working group and a reference group would be established to guide the development of work in this area. Council meetings opened with interfaith prayers Hamilton City Council sent a message of inclusion in 2013 by deciding to begin each Council meeting with an interfaith prayer led by faith leaders from Jewish, Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities. The council introduced the interfaith prayers following suggestions by former councillor Daphne Bell, with support from the Waikato Interfaith Council. The prayers were led by various Waikato faith leaders, reflecting the city's diverse demographics. The new start to council meetings was praised by members of Hamilton’s religious communities who felt that interfaith prayers offered a chance to promote social cohesion and to guide and encourage the mayor and councillors in fulfilling the obligations for which they had been elected. Religion in schools debate continues Public debate over religious instruction in schools surfaced again this year at a symposium hosted by the University of Auckland. The Education Act 1964 allows for state primary and intermediate schools to close for up to an hour a week for the purposes of religious instruction given by outside volunteers. Approximately one in three New Zealand primary schools exercise this opportunity, with parents being able to withdraw their children from participating. The vast majority of teachings are based on the Christian faith. At the symposium, the Secular Education Network which opposes religious instruction in schools, argued that practices such as the Christian ‘Bible in Schools’ programme is inconsistent with a secular education system. Paul Rishworth, Professor at the University of Auckland, explored the lawfulness of the Education Act. He suggested that the Act could be interpreted as embracing all religions and appeared to be lawful and consistent with the right to freedom of religion. A Commission resource based on frequently asked questions and concerns about religion in schools is available at: http://www.hrc.co.nz/religionschools. 42 Faith communities say no to family violence Several workshops and community events took place during the year to discuss what actions faith communities were taking, or could take, to prevent family violence. These activities followed on from the signing of a national statement in 2012 when over 40 faith communities agreed to take a stand against family violence recognising it as one of the most significant moral, spiritual and social challenges faced by Aotearoa New Zealand. The statement was facilitated by the Children’s Commissioner and committed faith communities to take action to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Muslim World Forum strengthens connections The first Muslim World Forum took place in Auckland in November, providing an opportunity to discuss contemporary issues relating to Aotearoa New Zealand’s relationship with the Muslim world. The event was a collaboration between the Office of Ethnic Affairs and the New Zealand Muslim community. It aimed to create better connections between Muslims and the wider community while also promoting respect, understanding and inclusion of Muslims in all aspects of New Zealand life. Other significant activities in 2013 1. Dame Susan Devoy was welcomed into her new role as Race Relations Commissioner at a multi-faith dinner at the Wellington Jewish Community Centre, where she received support from members of Wellington’s Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish and Christian communities. 2. The Law Commission conducted public meetings throughout the year seeking views from Aotearoa New Zealand’s religious and ethnic communities on potential changes to the laws around burials and cremations. 3. Representatives from diverse religious backgrounds provided advice on new achievement standards for Religious Studies in secondary schools. A review of the Levels 1−3 standards, led by the Ministry of Education and NZQA, sought to align the standards with the school curriculum and assessment framework. New standards are likely to be implemented from 2014.