Iftar in the Cathedral
In the spirit of facilitating deeper mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims, Holy Trinity 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, 5 June, around sunset (5.30 pm) in Holy Trinity Cathedral, cnr Parnell
Rd and St Stephen’s Ave, Parnell Auckland.
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 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 message of peace and good-will to all people.
ends