On 5th August 2015, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the opportunity to make the Cardiff Chapel available to the Interfaith council of Wales for an event honouring Eid Al-fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
Julie Jones, a member of the Merthyr Tydfil congregation and the Church's representative on the Interfaith Council of Wales conducted the meeting, doing so as part of her Interfaith role.
- Church hosts Interfaith Council of Wales Eid Al-fitr event
- Church hosts Interfaith Council of Wales Eid Al-fitr event
- Church hosts Interfaith Council of Wales Eid Al-fitr event
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Addressing those present were Stanley Soffa, Jewish representative on the Interfaith Council, Saleem Kidwai OBE, General Secretary of the Muslim Council of Wales, and Ali Hammuda. Mr Hammuda talked of the meaning of Ramadan and the importance of fasting to the Islam faith. He pointed out that while it’s popular to talk about the physical benefits of fasting, the purpose of fasting is really spiritual. He said it is a time when we focus on generosity and humility, and put aside CVs, biographies and wealth.
Also attending was Mohammad Ashgar AM, member of the Welsh Assembly. Mr Ashgar called for unity between faiths, within faiths, and to treat each other as brothers and sisters.
Following the meeting a dinner was held for those in attendance. At 9pm, the Muslims in attendance excused themselves from the main dinner and were able to use the foyer area of the chapel to conduct their prayers.
This was the first time such an event had been organised, and represented a growing involvement of the Church with the Wales Interfaith Council. After the event Julie Jones commented, "In an increasing secular world we need to rejoice and bond as religions, sharing good practice whilst rejoicing and working together. It is good to recognise the positive influence that all religions have. Ramadan truly is about sacrifice, going without yourself and giving to the poor around you. We can all learn from this month of kindness".
President Jason Spragg of the Cardiff area presidency added, “This was a unique evening of the celebration of EID where we saw many wonderful people of different faiths gathered under our roof coming together as friends and brothers and sisters.”
ITV Wales also ran a report on the 6pm news which can be found here:-
http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2015-08-06/eid-celebrations-brings-the-religions-together-in-cardiff/