Interfaith Iftar Brings Together 70 in Claremont
An Interfaith Iftar event held at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Claremont, California, brought together around 70 people from different faith backgrounds. The gathering, organized by Rev. Jessie Turnier, aimed to foster unity and understanding among Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
The evening began with a traditional Islamic practice of eating dates, followed by a multicultural potluck meal. Rev. Paul Colbert, who has served in Sudan and Yemen, shared his experiences and emphasized the joy of seeking the divine together with others. Atilla Kahveci, vice president of Pacifica Institute, highlighted the significance of iftar during Ramadan, stressing community and shared blessings. The event was appreciated by attendees like Moli Torres from St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Upland, who valued the multicultural experience, and Zaw Lin Soe, a newcomer from Myanmar, who attended to learn about other religions and build relationships. Tamara, a member of St. Ambrose, felt the gathering promoted blessings and unity, offsetting global fear. Marianne Cordova, associate minister at Claremont Center for Spiritual Living, found strength in the event, emphasizing unity and understanding.
The Interfaith Iftar event at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church demonstrated the power of unity and understanding among different faiths. Through shared meals and conversations, attendees fostered connections and celebrated their common humanity.