As a sign of goodwill, friendship and annual tradition of visiting our Christian friends in their sacred space during Christmas, Affinity and members of the general Muslim community visited a number of Churches across the Sydney metropolitan area during 24th 25th December.
From the Diocese of Broken Bay in Waitara, to the Diocese of Parramatta, Pitt St Uniting Church to St John’s Anglican Parish in Dee Why, were all joined to share the service programs of Christmas.
Diocese of Broken Bay in Waitara held midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Twelve members from the Muslim community attended the Mass with over a thousand participants. Bishop Walker mentioned the presence of Muslims in the congregation, which was received with applause. On Thursday, 25th.
December, eight members from the Muslim community attended St John’s Anglican Dee Why Christmas Day Service. Rev Steven Salmon acknowledged the presence of Muslims to his congregation.
On Thursday 25th December, Pitt St Uniting Church had a great number of Affinity members and members of the Muslim community present for the Christmas Day service. The Uniting Church Minister, Rev Ian Pearson, welcomed Affinity and Muslim community presence also reading a few verses from Chapter Maryam from the Quran.
Also on Thursday 25th December, Diocese of Parramatta's Bishop Kevin Manning welcomed Muslim members from the community. After the Christmas Day Mass, a private morning tea session with the Bishop was organised.
On Friday, Mehmet Saral was contacted by Sr Giovanni Farquer, the Interfaith Adviser to Cardinal George Pell, and advised him that during Christmas Mass, Cardinal Pell conveyed the well wishes of Affinity Intercultural Foundation and members from the Muslim community to his congregation. The congregation received the well wishes Sr Farquer mentioned ‘with a standing ovation’.
