This year’s Ramadan was unlike any other. Due to the Israel-Hamas war, there was a sombre, reflective mood, rather than the usual celebratory atmosphere. Some organisations cancelled their iftar dinners because they felt it was inappropriate to have big meals when the people of Gaza were facing famine. Politicians also cancelled due to threats of boycott by Muslim organisations aggrieved at state and federal support for Israel.
However, the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations and the Diocese of Parramatta co-hosted their annual Multifaith Community Iftar. It brought together about 100 people from the Baha’i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths. In his welcome address, Fr Patrick McInerney galvanised the audience by quoting a 17th century Punjabi Sufi poet, whose verse initially sounds iconoclastic, but then soars into an affirmation of universal human dignity. The text of his speech is available here on the Columban website. Bishop Vincent Long spoke of the need for encounter and dialogue, especially in times of conflict. Dr Mahsheed Ansari spoke personally of the impact and challenge that the war in the Middle East poses for us all. The evening concluded with a moving performance of Christian hymns by The Good Shepherd Parish Tongan Choir. A detailed report of the event is available here.
Fr Patrick attended various other iftar dinners hosted by Muslims and Christian organisations. In this video, he shares his reflections on the importance of Christians and Muslims coming together for iftar to show human solidarity during this time of conflict in the Middle East.
Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Director, Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban Interfaith eBulletin
