On Sunday 15 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an unprecedented statement taking South Africa into a proactive, focused and committed effort to contain the Corona virus (Covid-19).
Cape Town Interfaith Initiative urges people of all faiths and none to fully enter into the spirit of the measures which are designed to minimise the effect of the virus, not out of fear but out of loving consideration for each other.
Helping means washing our hands and doing this:
Greet with gestures such as the hand on the heart, or hands together in the “Namaste” greeting.
CTII will hold meetings via zoom wherever possible, and will not host, attend or promote gatherings. To be reveiwed on 14 April 2020.
Many places of worship are closing their doors during this time. CTII endorses the move to a different kind of pastoral care. For instance, there will be many children at home whose parents have to continue working. Where we can, let us reach out to help keep them safe, and all those who are vulnerable.
If you can buy one extra sanitiser for someone who can’t afford it, please do. Such small gestures of kindness will profoundly affect the way we co-create our new world.
Social distancing has proven the most effective method for limiting the spread of viruses. Although we are a small organisation, we know that many small gestures of sincere effort create a culture of mindfulness and an environment of care.
We celebrate the gifts we still enjoy: the sun, the soil which supports our feet and produces food, water and the kindness, compassion and courage of the human spirit.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:…a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing…” Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 5
For Christians, Covid-19 has arrived in South Africa during the time of Lent, a sacred time of prayer and fasting.
Muslims are observing the holy month of Rajab, a time of deep respect for life and preparation for Ramadan.
The Baha’i community is observing their month of Fasting, an opportunity to align with the Will of God.
The Jewish community just celebrated Purim, a festival of deliverance.
Mid April this year, Christians will celebrate Easter and Jews will celebrate Pesach. This is a time of redemption, salvation, renewed life and renewed commitment to personal responsibility for how we choose to engage with life going forward.
CTII encourages a deepening of spiritual practice, with voluntary withdrawal into meditation, deep contemplation and thoughtfulness about our changing world and how we can support our planet and each other.
May peace prevail on Earth, and may it begin with us.
We were so excited to greet our very special guests, Dr Bhadra Shah, Vice Chair of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and Dr Jayana Clerk, a distinguished author and lecturer in comparative religion, when they arrived at Cape Town International Airport shortly after 5pm. They were transferred directly to their accommodation in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch. Little Scotia Urban Hotel was comfortable – but our guests learned on their first night about load-shedding, a curious South African phenomena that involves our electricity being switched off by the service provider for about 2.5 hours per day. We set our intention for an enriching, enlightening and spiritually nurturing week of community building across the geographic divides that are still so entrenched in our city.
Day 1: Saturday 1 February 2020
About 30 of us went to meet the Swamis at Ananda Kutir Ashrama. Our group included Baha’i, Christians, Muslims, Unitarians, Hindus, Jews and Buddhists. We shared a delicious vegetarian meal lovingly prepared by the Ashram community, then settled to learn from Swami Vidyananda about the Integral Yoga practiced at the Ashram. We also heard about the Children of Light School which was started by Ashram members to assist the children of a traumatised informal settlement nearby. Mother Yogeshwari, who is 93, led us in meditation, then sang us some of the songs she has written.
Comment on 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town:
I am most grateful to the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative for organising the 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town, World Interfaith Harmony Week. Not only South Africa, but globally, we are facing a moral crisis where money has become more important than God. Jesus tells us we cannot serve God and wealth (mammon).
The faith communities of the world need to reaffirm and uphold moral principles and ethical values which are held by all faiths. It was excellent that the CTII could bring faith communities together, and that the Parliament of the World’s Religions is giving a global lead.”
– Bishop Geoff Davies, Green Anglicans
Day 2: Sunday 2 February 2020
Elsie’s River is an impoverished community in the heart of the Cape Flats, an area that was born out of the trauma of forced removals and the pain of South Africa’s infamous apartheid era. Crime, violence and gangsterism are the legacy of the unhealed wounds of the past, but many citizens are fighting back and working hard to build a safer community. As we did in 2019, we joined grassroots organisation Faith Hope Love Communities to take our Prayers for our City to the people of Elsie’s River. Again, our sharing of prayers and hope was profound and inclusive, starting off with the Muslim Call to Prayer at the Siddique Mosque. Prayers, song, dance, poetry – all Sacred Expressions presented by Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Unitarian, African Traditional, Muslim, and other faiths.
Our Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson, honoured us with his presence and an encouraging address detailing projects by the City of Cape Town to support and uplift the economically challenged residents of Cape Town. The Chair of the Western Cape Religious Leaders’ Forum, Rev Mark Long and the founder of the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute, Bishop Geoff Davies brought equally encouraging messages. In her address, Dr Bhadra Shah of PoWR acknowledged the deep daily trauma of the people of Elsie’s River and other Cape Flats areas. She spoke about how interfaith action can help to bring healing to people, and said she would be looking for opportunities to collaborate with local organisations to encourage the work of building peace in communities.Comment on 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town:
“It was wonderful to participate in Prayers for our City and experience the diversity of the interfaith space and the ability to focus that diversity on the needs of our city. For me personally, it was a great opportunity to make new friends and to extend my participation in the interfaith community.
– Rev Mark Long, Chairperson, Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum
Day 3: Monday 3 February
Over the sea we went, to Robben Island, the famous island prison home of the political leadership of the anti apartheid movement. This is an important context for our work because Nelson Mandela believed in the power and importance of interfaith harmony which he first understood during his prison years. It was profound to visit Robben Island in the company of two local activists who had never before had the opportunity to experience first hand this important part of their history because the cost of the boat ride to the island is prohibitive for most locals. Our guides on the island were former prisoners, whose harrowing account of their experiences always ended with an inspiring message of forgiveness. This message went to our hearts as our theme for WIHW, The Healing Power of Interfaith, was being experienced in ways we never imagined.
Comment on 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town:
“The opportunity to share our common humanity with members of faith communities happens all too rarely in our frenetic and fractured society. The marking of 7 Sacred Days during World Interfaith Harmony Week in Cape Town, was one such affirming encounter. Our shared worship, reflections and celebrations were a reminder of our rich but often painful history, our collective presence and our common future. As we face climate disruption, ecosystem collapse and worsening poverty in an increasingly unequal world, we must nurture this human and earth community of reconciliation and hope. Thank you to the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative team for organising and marking this inspiring week.”
– Kate Davies, Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute
Day 4: Tuesday 4 February
A history of slavery, separation and suffering was revisited at the District Six Museum where Noor Ebrahim, who experienced forced removals first hand, was our guide. Again, his message of forgiveness is the healing balm which touched all our hearts. Some other visitors to the District 6 Museum spontaneously joined our group for the trip up to the Bo Kaap, where we visited the historic Auwal Mosque and then Tana Baru – the first Muslim burial site officially acknowledged in 1804 after religious freedom was granted to Cape Muslims. Master historian and struggle veteran Mohammad Groenewald was our learned guide.
Comment on 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town:
“Well done, Cape Town Interfaith Initiative. You are showing up, doing interfaith, and by facilitating such glorious diversity, taking Initiative in the deepest sense of the word.”
– Nic Paton. Please read Nic’s full report on his blog at this link.
Day 5: Wednesday 5 February
A highlight in a week of highlights! There was no mistaking the reverence as we were greeted at St Mary’s Cathedral (The Church of Our Lady of the Flight into Egypt) by His Grace Archbishop Stephen Brislin, who spoke of the importance of including those who are often forgotten such as refugees and other marginilised groups. Very Reverend Father Rohan Smuts told us how Catholicism was initially banned in the Cape, and visiting priests had to revert to the ships to celebrate mass.
(Left to right): Pastor Daniel Swartz (Cape Flats Interfaith Group), Archbishop Stephen Brislin and Dr. Bhadra Shah in prayer at St. Mary’s Cathedral (Officially “The Church of our Lady of the Flight into Egypt”) on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
We processed the morning’s events during a picnic in the nearby Company’s Gardens, then wondered over to the equally historic Groote Kerk for Open Hearts Open Minds, “an interfaith café” engagement on The Healing Power of Interfaith. It was moving to have this discussion in the church that is associated with upholding and justifying the apartheid system, and to acknowledge the work of the Church’s current leadership in striving to heal the deep wounding left behind in previously excluded communities. Our speakers brought personal experience into the conversation, and we were moved and inspired.
The afternoon of deep conversation was over too soon, and our next stop was Temple Israel Green Point. The Interfaith concert for WIHW was hosted by the Progressive Jewish Community and organised by the SA Cape Jewish Board of Deputies. Dr Bhadra Shah presented a Hindu prayer, the 25 member Herzlia School choir conducted by Ivor Joffe thrilled the audience and we loved the exotic element introduced by the refugee community.
Comment on 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town:
“It provided a lovely opportunity to reflect and become more aware of the potential that faith organisations hold, individually and collectively, in providing hope and bringing in positivity and unity. It reflected unlimited possibilities in practical ways.”
– Sr Nita Makanjee, Brahma Kumaris Cape Town
Day 6: Thursday 6 February
As a Ramakrishna devotee, Dr Shah was delighted with a surprise visit to the recently opened Ramakrishna Centre on the other side of town. We shared beautiful moments as we participated in the morning devotional prayer.
Later, we managed a visit to the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where we enjoyed a fresh vegetarian lunch featuring specialities of many countries! It was a day to appreciate the wonders of nature, and after a walk around the Gardens we took a drive over Chapman’s Peak giving thanks all the time for the transcendent creation that is our world.
The day ended with a thought provoking dialogue on creating harmony hosted by the Brahma Kumaris.
Dr Shah addressed us on the role of the Parliament in creating harmony and spoke about the importance of recognising that although we express ourselves differently, we are in fact all One and all part of the Whole Creation. Dr Shah said the PoWR was eager to work supportively with organisations such as CTII, and she would like to speak with us about Partner City Initiatives which would be collaborative interfaith activities. Cape Town, she said, was an important place for these initiatives because it was the first city outside of Chicago to host the PoWR. Cape Town’s interfaith community had also shown the power of interfaith as a force for healing between the divides of the past and also the divisions between people of diverse economic, geographic and educational backgrounds. She encouraged us to consider deepening our connections to PoWR through official membership, which would give us access to more possibilities of enhancing our network and working together. The power of unity and right action cannot be underestimated.
Comment on 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town:
“Thank you for everything you did to make the week such a wonderful experience. Our country and our world need more of this. Let us proclaim the joy of interfaith as far and wide as possible.” – Cecil Plaatjies, Buddhist
Day 7: Friday 7 February
We could not believe that the last day had arrived already, as we set out to meet a gathering of grandmothers and grandfathers who believe that although their bodies are old, their minds are young, and so they call themselves the Yelders. We prayed with them and heard their stories, the small joys and sadnesses that make up our lives and that bring community in their sharing.
Our day took us next to the Claremont Main Road Mosque, yet another historical place of worship which, in days past, was controversial because it served a non-white community in the midst of a proclaimed “white” haven. It’s a progressive Mosque and Rev Berry had been invited to present the Friday sermon, speaking about World Interfaith Harmony Week, and all it means to us in Cape Town.
It seemed that our engagement at the Mosque had no sooner started than it was all over, and we had time to refresh our minds and bodies with light refreshment in one of Cape Town’s many charming garden cafés.
Our 7 Sacred Days was a blessed and beautiful experience. We made many friends, we got to know others better, we built community and we emerged even more committed to the Sacred Activism that springs from a mind and heart aligned with all that is Good and Holy and True. Our work is holy work, our work is ordinary work. Our work is about hope for a better world for everyone.
It seemed perfect and fitting to close our beautiful 7 Sacred Days with Friday night Shabbat with the Progressive Jewish Community at Temple Israel Wynberg. As the celebratory music of the joyful service filled our hearts, we were overwhelmed with love of our neighbours. Our week ended as it began, with an intentional power cut – “load shedding”. But we were not in darkness. We lit candles, and we shared a meal.
Comment on 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town:
“I was so delighted by the whole event. Well done!”
– Rev Nima Taylor, Unitarian Church of Cape Town
Comment on 7 Sacred Days in Cape Town:
“I was very impressed by the participation of a cross-section of faith communities; Baha’i, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic and Protestant Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, Khoisan and African Tradition. For dignitaries such as the Deputy Mayor, the Vice Chairperson of the Parliament of the World’s Religions and others to join and feel the “often much ignored” soil of the Township, and equally enjoy the sun and fresh air from our Host from Above, was heart-warming to say the least. The conversations were indeed inspiring and filled me with hope of a much better future for all. Thank you for inviting me and allowing me to say a few words.”
– Ebrahim Mohamed, President: Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam
The Annual Interfaith Pilgrimage on Reconciliation Day took place in District Six. Organised by Faith leaders in District Six, Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, the Jewish Board of Deputies, the Groote Kerk and The Restitution Foundation.
The walk acknowledged the injustices, pain, and deprivation in the area and hoped to bring light and healing to the communities, uniting them with respect and dignity.
Sheikh Moerat warmly welcomed the 2-300 pilgrims of all cultures, faiths, ages in the Muir Street Mosque, giving a brief history of his community and the mosque celebrating its centenary this year.
Walking on to the New Apostolic Church next, Minister Mike Van Hagt was thrilled to welcome us and give the story of his changing congregants in the area, and the development of the church. Like Sheikh Moerat he also prayed for the group and the Day and peace for the future in this area.
To the wonderful singing of the choir we moved on our way up the hill to Zonnebloem Estate. John Ramsdale gave a fascinating and amusing history of the College, celebrating 160 years of existence. He highlighted some of the outstanding past pupils, and judging from the ovation this was so appreciated.
Back down Hanover Street we headed for the Moravian Hill, we made new friends, listening to stories and reflecting on what we had heard. Sitting under the shade on the lawns outside the Moravian Church we enjoyed some refreshment and Bishop Augustus Joemath concluded the morning.
Pilgrims were impressed visiting the different Houses of worship and learning more history they were not aware of in their own City.
In 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.
Departure 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)
