Interreligious Dialogue on Prayer and a Talk for Peace at Toorak Jame Masjid

The interfaith program began with a moment of silence to remember the victims of the wildfires that had devasted the islands of Maui in Hawaii and the people suffering from religious desecration in India. This event, which took place at the Toorak Jame Masjid mosque, brought together religious leaders, faith representatives, and some trainee teachers here in Suva.

Fr Patrick McInerney, the Guest Speaker, spoke about God as the source of peace for all religions, our common task to make peace between religions, the need to work together for peace in society, and the responsibility of all people to care for all creatures.

The different faith groups from the Shri Sanatan Dharm, the Muslim community, the Focolare movement group, Arya Samaj, and the Methodist, Anglican, and Catholic churches shared a prayer for peace and a brief reflection on the ways we can work together to create harmony. About 50 people attended.

The Shri Sanatan faith group shares and prays for the poor, the sick and the neglected. - Photo: Pescila Magdalin

At the event, a member of the Catholic Church shared her joy at entering a mosque for the first time. She said she had lived only a street away for more than 70 years and felt blessed when she received an invitation from the interfaith prayer group to attend. She told us that we needed to get to know our neighbours too.

The event concluded with everyone enjoying the hospitality of the host faith and getting to know one another over refreshments provided by the Fiji Muslim League. It was a successful interfaith event, and I am very grateful to the host faith for the great hospitality provided to all the religions attending.

Pescila Magdalin is the Inter-Religious Dialogue (IRD) Coordinator in Fiji.