London’s iconic church hosts first-ever Iftar

Jun 13, 2019

LONDON: One of the world’s most iconic places of worship, St Paul’s Cathedral (Anglican) hosted its first-ever Iftar for Muslims and also invited members of other faiths to break fast with the Muslims. The Naz Legacy Foundation, together with St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London Corporation, had organised the interfaith Iftar.

The Bishop of London, Rt Rev Sarah Mullally welcomed the guests. The Mayor of London said when he was young and fasting, his friends used to ask him how he could survive without drinking water but now greater awareness exists about Ramadan. He said, “We should redouble our efforts in Ramadan to make sure we end inequalities. It’s important we remain optimistic.”

He added, “There is no place like London in this world. It’s the city that got a Muslim elected as its mayor. It brings together everyone irrespective of their creed, colour and ideology. The Iftari at this iconic place is demonstration of London’s togetherness and greatness. I am proud that we are celebrating our diversity.”

For the past four years, Harris Bokhari, co-founder of the Naz Legacy Foundation, has used his close friendships with some of the UK’s leading faith leaders, including the Church of England, to organise ground breaking iftars in some of the most important places of worship in London, including Lambeth Palace, Archbishop’s House and St John Wood’s Synagogue.

The Bishop of London said, “What this has demonstrated is that everyone is welcome – people of all faiths and no faith – because that’s London. There is no more important time than now for people of all backgrounds to come together to rejoice at what we have in common, but also to celebrate our differences. It is the powerful combination of diversity and unity that helps us thrive and benefit from one another.”

The Bishop of London and the Mayor of London both gave speeches at the event and afterwards met young people to hear the challenges they are facing in London and how they think their political and faith leaders can tackle these problems. After opening the fast with dates and water under the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the young people, together with members of the City of London Corporation, shared a meal together at the Guildhall. -- thenews.com