Latter-day Saints Join Ramadan Gatherings Across Australia, Promoting Harmony in Faith 

During the holy month of Ramadan, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across Australia joined Muslim communities at Iftar gatherings to build understanding and strengthen interfaith relationships. 
 
Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, is a time for community, gratitude and spiritual renewal. It also provides an opportunity to build bridges across faith traditions. 
 
Seyfullah Erdogan, who served as master of ceremonies for one of the Sydney events, reflected the spirit of these gatherings, saying, “We gather for more than a meal. We gather as neighbours, as people of faith, and as members of one shared community.” 
 
This spirit of unity was evident at recent interfaith Iftar gatherings held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, where community members and faith leaders came together to strengthen relationships and celebrate shared values. 
 
Building Harmony in Sydney 

In Sydney, members of the Church co-hosted interfaith Iftar dinners in Campbelltown and Baulkham Hills in partnership with the Affinity Intercultural Foundation. Held under the theme Harmony in Faith, the dinners brought together Muslim and Christian leaders, community representatives and guests in a shared commitment to service, respect and understanding. 
 
The dinners included a Welcome to Country, interfaith prayers and scriptural reflections, and a recitation from the Qur’an emphasizing the spiritual purpose of fasting. The evenings featured remarks on the significance of Ramadan, along with opportunities for meaningful conversation. Speakers highlighted themes of unity, compassion and service, encouraging attendees to build bridges across cultures and strengthen their communities through kindness. 

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As the fast was broken at sunset, guests shared a meal and conversation, reinforcing a spirit of friendship and mutual respect. At the Baulkham Hills gathering, The Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said, “If each person simply chose to do one good thing each day, the difference it would make would be enormous.”

In addition to participating in Iftar gatherings, Latter-day Saints in Sydney also opened a meetinghouse in Campbelltown for an Eid-al-Fitr prayer gathering on Saturday, March 21, 2026, providing space for members of the Muslim community to worship at the conclusion of Ramadan. Ibrahim Khan, a leader in the Campbelltown Muslim community, expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that it reflected “compassion, friendship, and the spirit of unity” between the two communities.

Strengthening Relationships Across Australia 

In addition to the Sydney events, Latter-day Saints also participated in Iftar gatherings in other parts of Australia, including Melbourne and Brisbane. 

In Melbourne’s west, Latter-day Saints attended the “Big Iftar” hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the Melton Community Hall. More than 160 people gathered, including local residents, civic leaders and representatives of different faiths. The program highlighted the role of fasting not only in Islam but across many religious traditions, including the Church. 

In Brisbane, Latter-day Saints attended an Iftar gathering at the Mubarak Mosque in Camp Hill, where representatives of different faiths shared perspectives on fasting before the meal. The event reflected ongoing interfaith engagement, with Latter-day Saints having participated in previous years and continuing to foster connection and build mutual respect. 
 
A Shared Commitment to Fasting and Faith 

Macarthur Stake President, Lawrence Sasulu of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, “There is something powerful about a community fasting together. When individuals are transformed, communities are strengthened, and when families are strengthened, nations are lifted.” 

The shared emphasis on fasting provides a meaningful point of connection between faith traditions. Latter-day Saints also practice regular fasting by voluntarily going without food and drink for two consecutive meals at least once a month. Members are encouraged to donate the value of those meals as a fast offering to care for those in need.

Leaders noted that gatherings like these continue to strengthen interfaith ties across Australia, creating space for greater cooperation and mutual respect, while highlighting shared values of devotion, compassion and care for those in need.