Sarah Oliver Cape Town activities, Environment, Interfaith

Interfaith is Earth-hearted

Published in the Spring edition of Link-Up, Berry Behr, CTII Chairperson, reflects on the importance of working together to protect our planet. Read about the Beach Clean-Up in partnership with the UN Environmental Programme, that stood out as an example of interfaith collaboration in cleaning our environment.

Click here to read the full article.

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Photograph (Left to Right): Erik Solheim (UN Environment Executive Director), Berry Behr (CTII Chairperson), Karen Barensche (URI Southern African Regional Coordinator) & Yara da Costa (URI Southern African Region CC Liaison)

Sarah Oliver Charter for Compassion, Interfaith

Inter/ Intra Faith Iftar at Ahlul Bait Mosque

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The Inter/ Intra Faith Iftar was held in the recently completed Ahlul Bait Mosque complex. The fully carpeted mosque  complete with chandeliers and beautiful tiling is a sight to behold. It was a privilege to be present at this event. Over 300 people are fed here every night during Ramadan, in the dining space near the well equipped kitchen. The centre offers a library and numerous classrooms where lecturers teach free of charge on Saturdays to any pupils needing extra tuition, especially physics and maths. Doctors from the community offer free medical advice in the clinic availed to them. The centre offers ongoing activities and courses for young and old. The Charter for Compassion adorns the main  entrance also beautifully tiled. This complex is really worth a visit, and the community are so welcoming. – Mary Frost, CTII
Sarah Oliver Cape Town activities, Interfaith

Iftar with families from the Turquoise Harmony Institute

Each year the Turquoise Harmony Institute sends out an invitation during the holy month of Ramadan, inviting those of other faiths to come and enjoy an iftar meal (breaking the fast) with a family from their community. Mary and Francis from CTII enjoyed this wonderful opportunity:

It was such a privilege to be invited to an Iftar with two Turkish families this week during the sacred month of Ramadan. To  gather around the table sharing delicious food, different cultures learning from each other in a relaxed home environment. A much appreciated gift. Thank you Turquoise Harmony and our beautiful hosts. – Mary
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Sarah Oliver Cape Town activities, Heritage Day, Interfaith

Heritage Day Interfaith Bus Tour 2017

IMG_4358 copyOn a drizzly September morning a bus full of “pilgrims” set off on the annual interfaith bus tour. The rain soon stopped and St Michael’s Catholic Church Rondebosch was a beautiful start to the day. We then visited a Kramat in Constantia and back to the Soka Gakkai International Buddist centre in Eco village. At each location we were given a brief informative talk. We then proceeded to the Ahmadiyya Jama’at  in Rondebosch East where we were treated to a delicious lunch. Lastly we visited the Ananda Kutir Ashram in Rondebosch East. All our hosts were so welcoming and hospitable happy to open their doors to us.

IMG_4450 copy Judging from the comments and some appreciative emails our fellow travellers enjoyed the day and were most grateful for the opportunity.

Mary Frost

September 2017.

Sarah Oliver Cape Town activities, Interfaith, Peace

World Day of Prayer for Creation

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On the 1st September, the Cape Town Interfaith initiative participated in a wonderful event held to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for creation as we start the Season of Creation.

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CTII Director James Ellman assists in planting the tree to honour the day.

The service started with words from the Laudato Si
“The poor and the Earth are crying out. Help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future” read by Rev Natalie- Simons Arendse, Deputy Chair of CTII.

The event was organised by the Green Anglicans, SAFCEI and CTII to bring together different faith communities to offer prayers of blessing for creation, and to call us to action in commitment to protecting and saving our precious Earth.

The service ended with a planting and blessing of a tree.

See what else happened for this special day all around the world: https://medium.com/@CathClimateMvmt/season-of-creation-begins-f885ecc4645f