Sydney: In a powerful appeal for peace and solidarity, Anthony Fisher urged leaders of diverse religious traditions to stand united in faith, hope, and love during a time marked by global unrest and social uncertainty. His remarks came during the 15th Annual Iftar Dinner held at Cathedral House, an event dedicated to honouring the Muslim community while fostering deeper interfaith engagement.
The gathering brought together around 70 participants representing a wide spectrum of religious traditions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and the Baha’i faith. The event, held during the holy month of Ramadan, served as a symbolic platform for dialogue and cooperation at a time when both international conflicts and domestic tensions have raised concerns about social harmony.
Addressing the audience, Archbishop Fisher acknowledged that recent years have placed significant strain on social cohesion, both within Australia and globally. He referred to major incidents that have shaped public sentiment, including the October 7 attacks in Israel and subsequent violence, the Bondi massacre, and escalating military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. These developments, he noted, have not only affected geopolitical stability but also influenced relationships within multicultural societies.
Despite these challenges, the Archbishop expressed optimism, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue among faith communities. He described the act of breaking the Ramadan fast together as a meaningful gesture that transcends divisions and rejects both historical animosities and modern prejudices. Emphasizing shared spiritual values, he encouraged those present to work collectively in building a more compassionate and peaceful world grounded in trust and mutual respect.
The Archbishop’s message was warmly received by attendees. Shafiq Khan, founder and managing director of Al Faisal Colleges, praised the emphasis on common ground among religions. He noted that while traditions may differ in practice, they are united by fundamental principles such as belief in God, commitment to moral responsibility, compassion, charity, and service to humanity.
Similarly, Khaled Sukkarieh commended the initiative, describing the annual Iftar as a welcoming space that promotes meaningful dialogue and strengthens community bonds. He highlighted the Archbishop’s tone of empathy and sincerity, adding that such gatherings, even if they do not resolve all differences, play a crucial role in fostering understanding and healing.
From the Hindu community, Uma Srinivasan described the evening as a heartfelt demonstration of unity. She observed that the presence of diverse faith groups sharing a meal reflected a genuine desire for peace and mutual respect. According to her, the event underscored the idea that different religious paths ultimately seek the same divine truth, a vision that can only be realized through trust and openness.
As global uncertainties continue to challenge societies, the Iftar gathering in Sydney stood out as a reminder of the enduring power of interfaith cooperation. By bringing together voices from different traditions, the event reinforced the belief that dialogue, shared values, and collective goodwill remain essential in building a more harmonious and inclusive world.