Cathedral in Manchester, UK led a rare fellowship. During the month of Ramadan, an Iftar gathering was organized at the cathedral. Manchester Cathedral, a Christian church with 600 years of tradition, was also called for the first time in its history. Hundreds of people participated in Iftar.
Iftar meeting was held on Wednesday. Iftar was organized at Manchester Cathedral Church by the Open Iftar Foundation of Britain. The video of Churchill Maghrib Bank calling was shared by the Open Iftar Foundation on social media.
Immigrants from different countries to the UK and natives of England flocked to the cathedral in Manchester. And then they heard the sound of the bells echoing off the massive walls of the church’s Gothic architecture. Everyone sat on the floor with food and drink in front of them. The Anglican Church had removed the pews inside the church to make room for guests, food and drink.
Dean of Manchester Rogers Govender, in-charge of the cathedral, presided over the gathering. He said that he is very happy to organize such a program. He said that giving and receiving between different faiths will lead us to a better world. Manchester City Councilor Bev Craig also participated in the Iftar.
Videos and pictures of the event went viral on social media platforms. Everyone praised the church for organizing such a program as a sign of tolerance and co-existence in society. Manchester Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester. The church was built in 1421 by King Henty V. About 3.9 million, or 6.5 percent, of England’s population are Muslims.
The British Islamic Foundation organizes Iftars every year during Ramadan at different locations. Various Muslim and Christian personalities spoke at the Iftar organized by the Foundation. Foundation representatives said it represents a celebration of Britain’s diverse communities and is a platform for all communities.
Last Sunday, English club Chelsea also organized Iftar. This is the first time in the history of the English Premier League that such an Iftar is being organized. At Stamford Bridge Stadium, Maghrib Bank was called and Namaz was organized there.