Canon Fr. Michael Wallace has written to us on behalf of the Tikanga Pākehā Ecumenical Group about offering hospitality during Ramadan (April 13-May 12), the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Ascension May 13- Pentecost May 23) and ecumenical/interfaith formation

Ramadan hospitality

Ramadan this year starts on April 13 and continues until May 12. As you know during the month of Ramadan observant Muslims fast during daylight hours. The fast is broken at sunset each night with a large meal called an Iftar. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them. The Iftar is an opportunity for non-Muslims to get to know their Muslim neighbours. In many countries Christians host their Muslim neighbours for Iftar meals. The simple gesture of sharing a meal builds solidarity and understanding between people of different faiths.

The Tikanga Pākehā Ecumenical Group encourages Anglicans throughout Aotearoa New Zealand to consider building bridges with their Muslim neighbours by hosting an Iftar meal at parish facilities. The hope of Anglicans hosting an Iftar meal is to facilitate deeper mutual understanding, reconciliation and cooperation with our Muslim neighbours for the common good. In recent years several parishes throughout the country have held successful and enjoyable Iftar meals.

We suggest this resource on how to host an Iftar meal, please adapt this to your contextf

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

This takes place from Ascension to Pentecost (May 13 - May 23). This important global ecumenical event has been celebrated by Christians of many traditions since 1908. Promoted by the Vatican and the World Council of Churches, this year’s resources have been prepared by an ecumenical monastic community in Switzerland. Please take the opportunity to join with our sisters and brothers from other Christian traditions to celebrate our unity. Have a look at resources to celebrate the week.  

Ecumenical/Interfaith Formation

The Tikanga Pākehā Ecumenical Group affirms the increasing importance of ecumenical and interfaith relations in our country. Acknowledging that currently formation processes can be diocese-specific or individually tailored, TPEG affirms the importance of including Anglican ecclesiology, ecumenical agreements Anglicans have made, ecumenical and interfaith matters in all formation programmes. We ask dioceses to include these areas in formation programmes in order to equip and empower Anglican leaders to participate effectively in ecumenical and interfaith dialogues.