Australian Latter-day Saints Build Bridges During Ramadan 

Australian members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently gathered in their various states to minister to their Islamic brothers and sisters during Ramadan. 

In Adelaide, on 17 March, President John Orth of the Adelaide Firle stake was among other distinguished guests invited to speak at an Interfaith Symposium on “Fasting in my Religion” that was hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and held at the Mahmood Mosque in Beverly. 

President Orth shared how The Church of Jesus Christ observes fasting, how it is tied to the scriptures, and how it is most beneficial when dedicated to the needs of others as well as personal needs.  

He said, “We are unique in that we donate the money saved from the abstinence of the meals to the charitable funds of the Church. We sacrifice many times more than two meals to assist those in need both locally and globally.” 

Atia Tul Malik, a 10-year-old speaker at the event, said, “Imagine a world where every growling stomach, every thirsty person, and every moment of hunger and thirst isn't just a reminder of our own needs.  But a pathway to empathy, compassion, and spiritual growth.  That's the world of Ramadan, and that's what it means to me.  In a world where we're always told to get what we want right away, Ramadan is like a lighthouse showing us how to control ourselves.” 

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In Melbourne, The Casey Multi-Faith Network (CMFN) and the Lebanese Women’s Organization (LWO) hosted an Iftar dinner at the Doveton Community Centre.  

Pam Mamouney, founder of the CMFN, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ, has worked closely with both organizations over the years, including and hosting a White Ribbon Day with CMFN leader, Hayat Dugan, and organizing a Tour of Worship for the public to visit the Islamic Museum in Melbourne. 

The Inaugural Ramadan Iftar Dinner, “Harmony in Faith”, held in the Wattle Grove area of Sydney on 23 March, was hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ in conjunction with Affinity Intercultural Foundation. As both groups invited guests, many friendships formed, enabling exposure to wider community groups and greater dialogue regarding joint service projects and interfaith networks. 

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Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Director of the Columban Mission Institute, said, “We’re living through very difficult times. Interfaith relations are particularly important at this time—that we bring people together, … listen to one another, … and ultimately build relations and … community for the sake of peace and harmony and justice in our world.”    

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Government and faith   leaders were introduced to the Church, its Christian principles and support of religious freedom. The event also strengthened existing relationships with the Mongolian embassy and other ethnic communities. 

Mrs. Tina Ayyad MP, Member for Holsworthy, Parliament of NSW, said, “Because this is a show of tolerance, understanding and respect…it’s also a beautiful example of the love we share for Jesus Christ Himself. I’m now fasting and observing the holy month of Ramadan and here I am at a church in my electorate breaking fast. It’s absolutely wonderful. It’s an extremely warm community and it’s wonderful that everyone here is showing such understanding.” 

Fatin Al-Rawi, of the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre, shared, “I was deeply moved by witnessing the genuine respect between Muslims and Christians present at the event… The organization of the Iftar in the church was particularly meaningful and contributed significantly to the sense of unity and fellowship experienced during Harmony Day. It meant a lot to me to witness such a beautiful gesture of inclusivity… and the values of harmony and togetherness that your church embodies.” 

Another Iftar dinner was held the same night at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Marsden Park New South Wales following an interfaith seminar on “Fasting in my Religion”. The symposium was held to bring together people from different faiths and backgrounds to discuss commonalities and shared customs. 

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In his remarks, President Sipili Sialeipata, leader in the Sydney Australia Hebersham area, of the Church of Jesus Christ, said, “Fasting for us, like you, is a test of our faith and is a very important part of our religion. When we fast, we go without food or drink for a period of 24 hours and set aside every first Sunday of the month as our fast and testimony meetings”.  

He went on to explain how “we can also fast whenever we need that extra help from God for direction and for comfort as well as when we are faced with hard decisions in life… Fasting coupled with mighty prayer is powerful. It can fill our minds with the revelation of the Spirit, it can strengthen us against times of temptation, it will help us draw closer to our Heavenly Father and strengthen our faith and at the same time ease the burdens of others.” 

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Imam Kauser spoke of his meeting in the US with President Gordon B. Hinckley of the Church, and Mirza Sharif, National Public Relations Director for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He also recalled meeting with President Russell M. Nelson in Sydney, how he gifted President Nelson a copy of the Quran, and how President Nelson kept it with him and deeply appreciated the gift.