Anthony Mundine wants to change the conversation around Islam in Australia

Anthony Mundine is calling for politicians and media to take more responsibility when discussing Islam and believes education is the only way to stop religious-motivated violence.

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Anthony Mundine sat numb for hours after watching the video of the Christchurch terror attack, and then burst into tears.

One of Australia’s highest profile Muslims, Mundine is calling for politicians and media to take more responsibility when discussing Islam and believes education is the only way to stop religious-motivated violence.

“I did watch the video, most of it, I couldn’t finish it, and it took a few hours for it to really sink in,” Mundine told The Daily Telegraph.

“After it sat and resonated with me, I just welled up with tears. It is just so sad. I am still yet to come to terms with it.

Anthony Mundine says the division in Australian society has to resolved. Picture: AAP/Image Sarah Marshall

“This is an atrocity, a terrorist attack. It is a little insight into the life of Muslims and what’s being happening to people, because just like how this guy doesn’t reflect most of white society, the Islamic community is not represented by a few bad eggs - unfortunately that’s not what you read in the media.

“Islam is not us versus them. The media and our political leaders have divided everybody, as far as race and faith, for their own benefit.

“In Islam, taking one human life is like taking all of humanity.

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“These right wing extremists are reading and hearing false ideas about the Muslim religion, and they take it as the truth, they become radicalised and they want to commit these evil atrocities.”

Mundine said he would love to be involved in any plans for uniting rallies in Sydney, like the one held in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.

“These false beliefs and hatred of Islam are learned, we don’t inherit this hate from birth, so education is the key,” Mundine said.

“I don’t think we can fix these issues, it will take time, and a lot of education. We need to educate the next generation about the truth of Islam.

“If we can come together as a society and try to understand each other better, we will start to see change.”