Sarah Oliver Announcements, Peace

International Day of Prayer – 14 May

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CTII has responded to a call from The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF), urging religious leaders and the faithful around the world to observe a day of fasting, prayers and supplications for the good of all humanity on Thursday, May 14 for an end to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Endorsed by Pope Francis and Shaykh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, religious leaders and groups around the world will be honouring this day.

CTII, SAFCEI and Turquoise Harmony Institute invite you to join us as we heed the call via Zoom. Featuring Christian, Earth, Hindu, Jewish, Brahma Kumaris and other Sacred Expressions. We will be opening the mic for participation by all – prayers, poetry, healing thoughts are welcome.
Sarah Oliver Interfaith

Faith Leaders Respond to COVID-19 and the Lockdown

We asked faith leaders what they have been doing to keep themselves spiritually strong during the lockdown, which has changed the face of ministry and forced faith leaders to think deeply about finding creative ways to reach their communities. Here are some of the videos that were submitted. It’s not too late – please send a short 2 – 5 minute clip of your lockdown thrival tips if you would like to participate. We’d love to hear from you!

Sarah Oliver Announcements

CTII statement on Covid-19

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.