Sarah Oliver Announcements, Cape Town activities

7 Sacred Days in Cape Town for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2020

WIHW-website-logo-minIn celebration of UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 01 – 07 February 2020, we are presenting a first ever Interfaith, Intercultural pilgrimage, inviting our friends in interfaith from all over the world to join us. Here is the provisional itinerary.

Day Zero: Friday 31 January 2020

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport:

Welcome to Cape Town, a proud City of Compassion known the world over and with good reason as “The Mother City”. After a warm welcome at Cape Town International Airport (rendezvous 12 noon at the Mugg and Bean coffee shop) we will transfer to a comfortable local guesthouse where you can refresh, relax and settle in. We’ll introduce ourselves over dinner, setting our intentions for the week ahead, then enjoy an early evening in preparation for our deep dive into Cape Town’s faith life.

Day 1: Saturday 1 February 2020

A gentle start to your Interfaith experience! After a leisurely breakfast, we join a group of interfaith leaders from notorious Cape Flats for a visit to Ananda Kutir Ashram. There, the practitioners of Integral Yoga will be hosting us to lunch and an afternoon of gentle wisdoms about Life and Peace with Swami Vidyananda and Mother Yogeshwari. Ananda Kutir Ashram is affiliated to the Divine Life Society of Rishikesh, India.

A sunset beach walk will conclude our day before we head back to our accommodation for a lovingly prepared, vegetarian Cape meal and an evening of gentle discussion.

Day 2: Sunday 2 February 2020

It’s our day of celebration! The first Sunday in February is the date of Prayers for the City, the event which was awarded the HM King Abdullah II Prize for the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2019 and which inspired this tour. This year, we return to our 2019 venue – a vacant plot in a battle-weary and economically challenged area called Elsie’s River. As we did in 2019, we unite with Elsie’s River NGO Faith Hope Love Communities to support the community’s commitment to taking back their suburb from the gang and criminal activity that threatens them every day. Our visitors will have the opportunity to engage with honoured guests including the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Dan Plato, as well as a host of community members.

Day 3: Monday 3 February

A weather-dependent trip to Robben Island, the famous island prison that housed the political leadership of the anti apartheid movement. This is an important context for our work because Nelson Mandela was a firm believer in the power and importance of interfaith harmony. His deep connection with various faiths is legendary and a model for leaders everywhere.

Day 4: Tuesday 4 February

Islamic day. First stop is the famous District Six museum where we learn the history of forced removals and family tragedies endured by a multifaith, multicultural community in bygone years. Our route takes us to the nearby Al-Azhar Mosque where we enjoy the hospitality of Sheikh Ismail Keraan before moving on to the Tana Baru Cemetry in Bo-Kaap – the first Muslim burial ground acknowledged by the SA government back in 1805. With master-historian and struggle veteran Mohammad Groenewald, we explore the issues of exploitation, crime and gentrification jostling for power in the local struggle to preserve this precious heritage.

We lunch in the Bo-Kaap and experience Cape Town’s unique heritage flavours, savouring the opportunity for an afternoon of in-depth conversation with local wisdom keepers of the Interfaith community.

Day 5: Wednesday 5 February

We join a group of Interfaith Leaders for a visit to the historic Catholic Cathedral, St Mary’s, more formally known as the Cathedral of our Lady of the Flight into Egypt. We will be welcomed to St Mary’s by none other than His Grace the Archbishop of Cape Town himself – a highlight in a week of highlights.

As we continue our pilgrimage, we’ll enjoy a light lunch and reflection on our morning’s experience before our appointment at Groote Kerk, the home of the Dutch Reformed Church. Historically, this is the church that provided theological justification for the apartheid system… and is now working hard under dynamic leadership to heal the wounds of the past and make restitution. Open Hearts Open Minds internet café within the sanctity of this Church will be our sacred dialogue in search of healing through interfaith harmony.

After dinner, we will join the Jewish Community for an Interfaith Concert in celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2020.

Day 6: Thursday 6 February

A gentle day, and the opportunity to explore some of the Cape’s most beautiful, unique scenery before the evening session. Knowing that Interfaith Harmony is an emerging superpower in the healing of the world, we will be joining the Brahma Kumaris for an evening conversation “Celebrating Dialogue towards Harmony”. This is how we tell our own story, in Cape Town, and we are looking forward to sharing it with you.

Day 7: Friday 7 February

We are invited by the historic Claremont Mosque to join them for midday prayers. Tour leader Rev Berry Behr is honoured to deliver the sermon at this service, in honour of World Interfaith Harmony Week’s 10th Anniversary.

Our week concludes with a celebration hosted by the Progressive Jewish community at Temple Israel, Green Point, for a special musical Shabbat Rina service. We break bread together after the service, in gratitude for our community anchored in Cape Town and for you, our honoured guest who is family now.

7 Sacred Days in Cape TownDeparture Day: Saturday 8 February

We recommend a day of rest before you travel, but here’s a thought…

You are in Cape Town, a gateway into the deeper mysteries of Africa, so speak to us about options for an onward tour. Visit the Sacred White Lions of the Timbavati or the extraordinary Inzawo ye langa – Birthplace of the Sun, an ancient circle of stones on a mountain top in the province of Mpumalanga. You could visit the only dedicated Tiger sanctuary in Africa, explore Namibia, take in the Garden Route, the Karoo, the Kruger National Park – or simply stay in Cape Town to experience more of our city’s many rich offerings.

It’s been a week, we’ve loved having you. We hope you will be leaving us with an uplifted sense that there is so much good in the world, and it lives everywhere in the hearts and minds of all those who embrace inclusiveness, kindness, compassion and peace.

We hope you’ll take something of our spirit of interfaith harmony home with you… and may it bless your path, and all those you meet along the way.

Tour cost: US $ 1800 / R25 000

Includes Accommodation, Meals, local transport and all entertainment and entry fees in Cape Town – so all you have to do is get to Cape Town and we look after you from there.

Exclusions: Personal purchases, gratuities, alcoholic drinks, between meal snacks.

Please note this itinerary is subject to change without notice but we do have back up plans in case of poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have physical concerns, don’t let them exclude you! Please discuss your needs with us so that we can make sure to accommodate them wherever possible. Bookings: Berry Behr ctii.capetown@gmail.com – Limited to 12 places. 50% non refundable deposit secures your spot, balance due 15 January 2020.

  • Special South African student rate R600 per day excludes accommodation (6 spots available)
  • Special South African day rate available for Capetonians R750 excludes Accommodation (6 spots available)
Sarah Oliver Cape Town activities, CTII Schools Programme, News Article

Meeting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

During their visit to Cape Town, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex went to the Auwal Mosque where they interacted with six learners who have participated in the Interfaith Intercultural Youth Programme. Marlene Silbert gave a short overview of the programme and thereafter, the young people shared their experiences, spoke about the impact the programme has had on their lives, and their commitment to create a unified society in which we can all live together in peace and harmony.

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(Photo above: Bashiera Parker, Channel24)

The Duchess said she was so emotionally moved to hear what the young people had said, and Prince Harry stated, ‘There are so many problems and hardships across the world, and it is truly heartening to listen to the voices of these young people who will become the leaders of tomorrow, and make this world a better place.’ While shaking our hands before departure, he said ‘I hope you will continue with this wonderful programme.’

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(Photo above: Tim Rooke) 

One of the learners, Banzi Bottoman, from Gardens Commercial High School had the following reflections to share from the experience:

Having met the royal dukedoms has been a very monumental moment in my life!  As they entered the Mosque, my eyes grew ablaze to their graceful presence and humble appearance. For royals, they seemed rather welcoming, kind and very friendly. When it was my chance to speak, I spoke about how the interfaith programme has left an indelible mark in my life and how it managed to transform me from a ‘typical stereotypical’ individual to a non-judgemental and loving person, regardless of one’s religion, gender, race etc. And my focus was how stereotypes have been prevalent trait in society. I also referred to the dangers of conventional practices that are the predominant causes of fallacy in society. If I remember correctly, Prince Harry subsequently sang my praises and said that I spoke with passion, confidence and in a thought-provoking and intriguing manner.

I must say that it was a wonderful experience and all of us in the conversation successfully swept them of their feet with our thoughtfulness.

048e067f-75ae-4a86-8d30-9adce9a2fdc9We were so incredibly proud of the learners for speaking from their hearts and sharing the important message of interfaith with the Duke and Duchess. Following this exciting event, Banzi, Imaad and Zaafierah were interviewed by Berry on Open Studio, on Cape Town TV. Watch what they had to say below!

 

 

Sarah Oliver Cape Town activities, Peace

International Day of Peace – DANCE!

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain!”

This quote epitomised our celebrations for International Day of Peace, as we joined Soul Circus and Faith Hope Love Communities in a joyful dance of Peace, despite the rainy weather! This event was the launch of Soul Circus’ Caravan journey of inspiring action from the Cape to Cairo. You can follow their incredible journey here.

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It was also our chance to celebrate International Day of Peace. As CTII we support the ideal of Peace by 2030 as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and we feel that Goal No 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by 2030) is particularly close to our hearts. We will be doing all we can to implement this vision, along with our partner organisations at home and abroad!

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Sarah Oliver News Article, Peace

Someone Else’s Neighbour, someone else’s child – A Call to Action

3 September 2019

Someone Else’s Neighbour, someone else’s child. 

Rev Berry Behr

None of us is unaffected by the horrific killings of Uyinene Mrwetyana, Jesse Hess, Janika Mallo, Leighandre Jegels and so many others. Women are scared, there is pain in our hearts, and too much fear. Amahle Tabethe aged 8 is still missing. It’s been 4 months. We cry for the pain of people we have never met. Our men cry with us; they too feel the desperate trauma and the need for transformative change.  We are at war and if the war is to end, it is going to take effort from all of us.

This is a call not to wallow in the fear and the horror, but to uplift each other and to unite. We are still an immensely geographically fragmented society and it is easy for me living in Table View to think of Manenberg residents as someone else’s neighbours. Gangsters and their victims are someone else’s children. Lavender Hills is far, and what happens in Elsie’s River doesn’t really affect our lives. It’s easy, yes, but it’s not that simple. This is our city, and the word “our” is by definition inclusive. The horror is in the air that we breathe and there is no escape. We all feel the emotional turmoil, vulnerability and suspicion. Life will go on, but it is never the same. We are never the same, although we think the only people affected are those who are there, wherever “there” is. Until suddenly one day “there” is here in a quiet post office in suburbia and “they” are us.

What is our best response?

This is an invitation to take meaningful action, no matter how small. I believe in friendship as a superpower, because I believe that when we make friends we start to understand each other, and we see humanity in each other. At Cape Town Interfaith Initiative our job is helping Christians to understand Muslims, Muslims to understand Jews, Jews to understand Hindus, Hindus to understand Wiccans. When we make friends with each other, we protect each other from violence and harm. We stand up for each other. We have compassion, and we care. But how do we go about making friends in a fearful world?

Some ideas:

  • Show up. Commit to showing up at marches for peace, especially in unfamiliar areas. I marched in Athlone and felt the pain and shared the hope. I went again for a prayer vigil for Nene, Jesse, Meghan, Lynette and so many others. Cape Town, we need to support each other.
  • Make the effort to learn about Others. Get on the Bus! On Heritage Day, CTII’s bus will take an interfaith group on an interfaith tour. All ages and religions will be on board as we go from Shul to Temple to Church to Mosque, learning about each other’s religions and asking the questions you never dared to ask. We will be learning, making friends and having fun.
  • Participate and support – even if it means getting up early on a Saturday. On International Day of Peace (21 September) we meet at 07.30 at the African Brothers Football Academy in Scott Street. United in Peace we shall Dance a resounding send off to the SOUL Circus as it leaves on the road to Cairo. Imagine 21 day camp-outs in a series of communities where they will present upliftment and upskilling programmes. The ultimate vision is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goal number 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by 2030.
  • Be an active citizen. Add your voice, sign the Charter for Compassion. Join any of the many organisations working so tirelessly to hold back the wave. You have a skill, a brain, willing hands. Join us!
  • Watch your words. What you say is as important as what you don’t say. Don’t make gender jokes, don’t tolerate them. Don’t joke about rape, or sex, or body shame friends. An associate wrote: “The world has enough hate, and people have enough self esteem issues.” The problem with jokes about gender and race is that someone always loses and the system of otherising wins. That makes you complicit in broader social consequences.
  • Ask yourself, what will happen if I don’t speak up? I have two daughters. How will I ever look them in the eyes if I stay silent? I also have a son. I want him to be able to look fear in the eyes, and make the women around him feel safe. I want him to be safe.
  • Look for opportunities to celebrate. Share the joys of this world, they are a god-given tool for healing and they exist even in the midst of sadness – like the unity emerging from the tragedies. Treasure your loved ones.
  • Men are not the enemy. Perpetrators are men who must face the consequences of their actions, but these men are the pawns of the enemy. The enemy is an institutionalised social and political system in which injustices are so entrenched that often we don’t even recognise them. The enemy is an archaic and inhumane system of domination. Let’s adopt an attitude of curiosity towards our unconscious biases, and be grateful when we become conscious of them. Recognising the problem empowers us to solve it.

If you do not want to be involved in creating the peace we say we all want, then please don’t complain about the crisis of compassion we are facing. The least you can do is think and speak kindly about those who are doing their best to help. Your thoughts will create a field of positivity that will not only make you feel better, but will serve to encourage the rest of us.

Berry

 

Rev Berry Behr is the Chairperson of the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative and the Coordinator of the Charter for Compassion in South Africa. www.capeinterfaith.org.za

 

 

Sarah Oliver Charter for Compassion, News Article, Peace

Article – Time for City of Cape Town to own its position as a City of Compassion

CTII Chairperson, Rev. Berry Behr, recently spoke at a Critical Dialogue panel discussion convened by Cornerstone Institute, on Religion, Spirituality and Social Justice – considerations towards ethical leadership. Berry spoke in her role as SA Coordinator for the Charter for Compassion, highlighting the need for compassion in our society.

Her contribution to the panel was captured in an article in the Cape Argus. You can read the full article here: https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/opinion/time-for-city-of-cape-town-to-own-its-position-as-a-city-of-compassion-30062055

Speaking to the emergence of a new kind of spiritual leadership, Berry shared…

We are recognising leaders who refuse to separate their politics from their spiritual beliefs because to do so would compromise their integrity, authenticity and intention. These three facets of leadership are critical in our response to a call for deepening leadership skills at every level. Young leaders need to be coached in a new style of leadership that allows heart and mind to work together – dictatorial, top-down, old- style leadership is not the way of the future so why are we still teaching it?

What we say and what we do should be informed at the deepest level by intention aligned with the greater good, inclusive of diversity in all its forms. For humans that means gender, race, age, economic and educational status, politics and of course, religion. We need to celebrate our diversity and recognise it as our superpower. In our differences, we are a beautiful, creative garden, different flowers blossoming abundantly under the courageous and unprejudiced sun, sharing the same soil, drinking the same rain.