Over 100 young Londoners of different faiths and none gathered in St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate an interfaith iftar, together with the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn. Following the initial celebration in St Paul’s, the group moved to join the Chief Rabbi and enjoyed an iftar meal in the nearby Guildhall.
The event, organised annually by the Naz Legacy Foundation, is held in a new religious setting in London each year. Traditionally, an iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan. This year’s visit to St Paul’s marks the first time such an interfaith event has been held in the Cathedral, highlighting ever-strengthening interfaith unity in London.
During the event, the young attendees discussed ways to celebrate diversity and bring communities together. They spoke of the importance of understanding other people’s traditions, and the sense of empowerment brought about by attending such a gathering in St Paul’s.
Speaking at the event, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, the Bishop of London, said:
“What this has demonstrated is that everyone is welcome – people of all faiths and no faith – because that’s London. There is no more important time than now for people of all backgrounds to come together to rejoice at what we have in common, but also celebrate our differences. It is the powerful combination of diversity and unity that helps us thrive and benefit one another.
“I’d like to thank the Naz Legacy Foundation for bringing this event to St Paul’s, and all the young people who attended, whose genuine interest in and enjoyment of each other’s cultures is inspiring.”
