In Melbourne, Australia, people from different faith communities gathered recently to pay tribute to and recognize the contributions of Anthony Harry Truman, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Harry, shown here at a Monash Interfaith Gathering (MIG) (above in middle back row), was involved in interfaith outreach until his death in January, at age 83. Since his passing, there has been an outpouring of tributes from the interfaith community, with which Harry was involved for over a decade, including as the Chair and President of the Interfaith Networks of Whitehorse, Manningham and Monash councils.
During this time, he helped to build up the interfaith movement, forge strong relationships between faith leaders, and host many tours of places of worship and interfaith events.
“Harry always supported our many different festivals, ready to don a turban or a shawl, say ‘namaste’ or ‘ni hao’, and join in songs and music,” said Anissa Gracie, Community Development Officer, Manningham Council and member of the Monash Interfaith Gathering. “He was truly a global citizen, always open-hearted and generous with praise.”
A memorial event for Harry, organised by the MIG, included many tributes and a photo slideshow of Harry’s involvement in the community over the years.
Shashi Kochhar, MIG President, said, “Harry was a mentor, and passionate about promoting harmony between people of different beliefs to strengthen communities.”
To Harry he said, “Although you will no longer be in my life to share your lessons, your guidance, and your simple message on how to care and unite humanity will always be with me to brighten my paths.”
David Cray, who worked with Harry in community outreach for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Melbourne, said, “Harry was a true disciple of Jesus Christ.”
“It was a privilege to witness the respect and love he engendered among such a diverse range of people. He enlarged my vision of what true Christ-like service and ministering looks like.”
Harry’s legacy of service and inclusiveness will live on not only through the lives of his family but in the many diverse people he worked with in faith communities across Melbourne.