Archbishop Stephen Cottrell joined Muslim neighbours and civic leaders to mark the breaking of the Ramadan fast. The evening was a shared community meal marking the breaking of the fast during Ramadan. It was not a service of worship, but an expression of hospitality and an opportunity to build friendship and understanding across communities.
Contributions were offered by Sadik Cinar, Executive Director of the Dialogue Society; Jim Dick, Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire; Cllr Cheryl Payne, Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull; and Michael Rice, High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire.
In his opening address, Archbishop Stephen shared: “We live in a world where there is so much polarisation and fear, where we do not trust each other, where there is fear of the stranger and fear of the other. I only know one way in which we can change these things. It is by choosing to trust one another, seeking out opportunities for friendship and dialogue, and building peace across difference.”
Canon Dominic Black, Vicar of Hull Minster, said: “We’ve been asked why Hull Minster is hosting a Ramadan Iftar meal. The answer is simple: how can there be peace in the world if we don’t know one another? When conversation stops, misunderstanding grows.
“We may hold very different views about God and the world, yet we can still live well together. In the UK, many Muslim communities feel threatened and misunderstood. In other parts of the world, Christian communities face persecution in some Muslim-majority nations. These realities make it even more important to build relationships rather than barriers.
“In challenging and fractious times, we believe in stretching out the hand of Christian hospitality – welcoming our neighbours who, through difference and suspicion, may feel like strangers – and choosing to sit at the same table. Because peace begins with knowing one another.”
As part of Living Christ’s Story, Hull Minster continues to offer welcome, build relationships, and seek peace in and for the communities it serves.
On Thursday 5 March, Archbishop Stephen also visited York Mosque for the breaking of the fast along with Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner at York Minster.
