Interfaith Iftar at St. Ambrose Unites Christians, Muslims, and Jews
St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Claremont, California, hosted an interfaith iftar on March 23, bringing together around 70 Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The event, organized by Atilla Kahveci of Pacifica Institute, aimed to foster unity and understanding among different religions.
The evening began with the Islamic tradition of eating dates, followed by a potluck meal featuring dishes from various cultures. The Rev. Jessie Turnier, St. Ambrose's rector, welcomed guests, describing the gathering as 'a beautiful way of loving one another'.
Kahveci, the vice president of Pacifica Institute, explained the significance of Ramadan fasting and the communal iftar meal. Tamara, a member of St. Ambrose, felt the event offset global fears and promoted unity.
Marianne Cordova, an associate minister, drew strength from the gathering, emphasizing unity and understanding. The Rev. Paul Colbert, reminded of his experiences in Sudan and Yemen, highlighted the shared path of seeking the divine among different religions. Zaw Lin Soe, a newcomer from Myanmar, attended to build relationships and learn about other religions.
Messiah, a 12-year-old from Hesperia, traveled 45 miles to participate, emphasizing the importance of loving God and people. Moli Torres, a parishioner at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, appreciated the multicultural experience, highlighting the diversity in God's creation.
The interfaith iftar at St. Ambrose brought together people from different backgrounds, promoting unity and understanding. Pacifica Institute, which organized the event, aims to foster social justice, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. The gathering served as a reminder of the common humanity and shared values among different religions.
