by BEATE MATTHIES
On June 30, the Auckland Interfaith Council (AIFC) invited members, guests and friends to an evening of sharing, reflecting and connecting with people of faith.
The Avondale Islamic Centre hosted the event.
Seven AIFC members reflected on our environment — each from their own faith perspective.
Many at the event noted that it was amazing to see how diverse the presentations were, while many referred to our “Mother Earth”.
The host, Imam Muhammed Shaakir, who grew up in South Africa, reminded those present to be grateful to the Creator for our safety in Aotearoa New
Zealand, while South Africa had just been put back into lockdown level four.
Several of the speakers referred to their sources and their religious leaders and authorities.
Speakers came from Islamic, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Interspiritual/Interfaith, Jewish and Sikh traditions and communities. Catholic speaker Beate Matthies referred to Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical
Laudato Si’ — On Care for Our Common Home.
Examples were given of what communities were doing to care for the earth, including cleaning up beaches, providing food and reaching out to others, using eco-friendly plates to serve food, and keeping waters clean.
In his closing remarks on behalf of the hosting community, Aadil Basha suggested taking on a project of cleaning up areas in Auckland.
The key words of the evening were: Mother Earth, care, and connectedness.
Bridge-building initiatives foster union of hearts and minds.