On 12 March 2025, the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations and Diocese of Parramatta co-hosted a Multi-Faith Community Iftar Dinner in Parramatta, Sydney. This annual event brought together more than 150 representatives from diverse religious backgrounds, including Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh communities, in a spirit of unity.
Taking place each evening during the holy month of Ramadan, Iftar is when Muslims break their day-long fast at sunset and share a meal with family and friends. This Iftar was an opportunity for people of various faiths to share in the Muslim tradition, learn from one another, and reflect on the importance of compassion and solidarity. Guests also joined their Muslim sisters and brothers in prayer, according to their own religious practices.
The night’s proceedings included a series of speeches from key leaders and interfaith dialogue participants. One of the highlights was the keynote address delivered by the director of the Columban Centre, Rev Dr Patrick McInerney. He shared a fable about a fox and a lion and its message of faith and reaching out to others, especially the poor and hungry. He called on leaders in the audience to consider which of the characters they identified. Lastly, he called the audience to stand up and mingle, to meet someone new and introduce themselves in a spirit of encounter.
The bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta, Most Rev Vincent Long Van Nguyen, extended a warm welcome to all the attendees, emphasising that interfaith events are vital in strengthening the social fabric of our increasingly diverse society. “Western Sydney is the epicentre of an ethnically diverse, multicultural and multifaith Australia,” he said.
“Yet we also know too well that there are tensions that threaten to undermine the very foundations of our society. […] The rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents is causing great anxiety. But despite these challenges or because of these challenges, we are even more committed to a culture of encounter, dialogue and solidarity. […] This annual Iftar dinner is a sign of such commitment on the part of the Diocese of Parramatta.”
Drawing on the Message for Ramadan by Pope Francis through the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Bishop Vincent continued, “as our two spiritual traditions converge in celebrating Ramadan and Lent, we have a unique opportunity to show the world that faith transforms people and societies, and that it is a force for unity and reconciliation”.
Keynote speakers were Alpha Cheng and Associate Professor Derya Iner. Alpha reflected on the murder of his father Curtis, who, when leaving work at Parramatta Police station, was shot and killed by a 15-year-old boy claiming to act for Islamic State. Alpha spoke out in protest when politicians used his father’s death to attack Muslim migration. His compassionate plea was to not take the easy way out and lay blame at the feet of an entire group of people because of a single act of one person. He also shared about being supported by a friend who was Muslim during his early days of grief.
Derya reflected on connecting with the Divine through humility. “Fasting plays a pivotal role in gaining humility in this divine connection,” she shared. “By abstaining from food, drink and physical desires, Muslims enter an angelic state opening their senses to the blessings of the revelation. Fasting fosters humility, shattering arrogance and reminding us of our dependence on the Divine.”
The evening concluded with performances by a Christian Filipino choir, singing the prayer of St Francis of Assisi, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace, the Our Father, sung in Tagalog.
As Australia continues to embrace its diverse and multicultural identity, events like the Multi-Faith Iftar Dinner offer a message of hope and unity. They remind us that despite our differences, there is much that we share – compassion, kindness, and the desire for peace. In a world where divisions often dominate headlines, such gatherings show that dialogue, respect, and understanding can overcome barriers and foster lasting relationships.
Kim Chong is the Media & Community Liaison at the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations in Sydney.
