A LOCAL evangelical group distributing leaflets emblazoned with demons and warnings about hell has been accused of "scaremongering" by a Clayton resident.

"When I see something like that in the letterbox I just throw it away because I know it's going to mislead people," said the man, who did not wish to be named.

The flyers, distributed by the Potter's House Christian Fellowship, promoted a talk at the group's Clayton headquarters, on the corner of Mary and Francis streets.

It came not long before a freedom of religion lecture in Monash

organised by the Monash Interfaith Gathering.

The lecture discussed issues of religious tolerance and understanding, the focus of a recent report by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

More than 100 people attended the lecture, which examined topics ranging from schooling to a charter of rights and concerns over the vilification of religious groups.

The lecture was conducted by Reverend Dr Gary Bouma from Monash University, who co-authored the commission's report.

Monash councillor Charlotte Baines, a member of the Interfaith Gathering, said it was important to discuss religious differences as a way of addressing issues that might arise from them.

She said the freedom of religion lecture focused on breaking down the barriers between religions.

"What we want to do is seek to understand where the tensions are rising and how we can seek to work through any tensions that we have as a Monash community."

Cr Baines said religious groups had the right to proselytise "but you've got to do it in moderation".

"Our primary focus is not on evangelism and it's not on proselytising.

"Our focus is really on seeking to have a conversation between religions and it's really about trying to understand, not to convert."