In the spirit of facilitating deeper mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims, Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral in Auckland is hosting “Iftar in the Cathedral”. The event is organised jointly by the Cathedral and Shia Muslim – Christian Council and will take place on Monday, June 5 around sunset, (5:30 p.m.) in Holy Trinity Cathedral, corner of Parnell Road and St Stephen’s Ave, Parnell, Auckland. Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland and Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner will be attending this historic occasion.
In the month of Ramadan observant Muslims fast during daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset each night with a large meal called an Iftar. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them. The Iftar is an opportunity for non-Muslims to get to know their Muslim neighbours.
In many countries Christians host their Muslim neighbours for Iftar meals. The simple gesture of sharing a meal builds solidarity and understanding between people of different faiths.
Noting that ‘Christian witness in a pluralistic world includes engaging in dialogue with people of different religions and cultures (cf. Acts 17 22-28)’ the Inter Diocesan Ecumenical Group encourages Anglicans throughout New Zealand to consider building bridges with their Muslim neighbours by hosting an Iftar meal at Parish facilities.
In the spirit of Christian Witness in a Multi-religious World, the hope of hosting an Iftar meal is to ‘build relationships of respect and trust with people of different religions, so as to facilitate deeper mutual understanding, reconciliation and co-operation for the common good.'
In the sea of bad events, which often offer distorted versions of the religion, both Muslims and Christians gathering at this event wish to convey the message of peace and goodwill to all people.