Representatives of the United Kingdom’s Christian denominations, including the Baptist Union of Great Britain, have sent a message of greetings and peace to their Muslim neighbors to mark the occasion of ‘Id ul-Fitr (Eid).
Eid is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan. It took place on Aug. 9.
In a statement facilitated by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and Churches Together in England, and supported by the Christian Muslim Forum, the denominations said they recognize Eid “as a day of good news and celebration – the fast has been completed and the feast begins!”
The statement continued:
“We have been encouraged by two key initiatives this Ramadan – the ‘Big Iftar’ and Channel 4’s Ramadan Season. These have enabled many people to experience the hospitality of U.K. Muslims in mosques around the country as well as raising awareness positively of the meaning of Ramadan.
“As representatives of the main Christian traditions in the U.K. we assure you of our goodwill towards you, and our commitment to peace and justice in the society that we share together.
“Aware of the recent attacks on mosques and Muslims, we want to stand with you against any discrimination or violence targeting any community or person because of their faith.
“Instead, we want to work for more positive interaction between Christians and Muslims, demonstrating the love for God and neighbor to which we are called. ‘Id Mubarak!”
The statement was signed by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, Church of England, Mar Thoma Church, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Quakers in Britain, The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain (of the Oecumenical Patriarchate), The Church in Wales, The Church of Scotland, The Council of African and Caribbean Churches, The Methodist Church, The Moravian Church in Great Britain, The Salvation Army and The United Reformed Church.
A version of this news brief appeared originally in The Baptist Times of Great Britain and is used with permission.
