Lent, Ramadan and "longing for discipline"
Recently Paul Booth, our Director of Mission, was interviewed by the Welsh language magazine Golwg as part of an article on 'Lent, Ramadan, and the 'Longing for Discipline.'
In the article, which explores how young Christians and Muslims are embracing the opportunities for discipline and self reflection presented by Lent and Ramadan, Paul explains that, "Many of the schools we work with make what we call 'Lent promises', where they present Lent not as a period of surrender, but of adopting something new,"
“They ask, “What can we do? How can we have an impact on the community around us during Lent? What clothes do I really need, for example? Can I donate these to a charity shop?”
"That's part of reflecting on your life and finding out what you really need.
"And that's really interesting, especially because we live in a society where everything is so accessible.
"Introducing discipline into our lives is not necessarily a bad thing, and Lent offers a framework to do that."
This year Lent and Ramadan coincide with each other and several of our clergy have been invited to attend Iftar suppers alongside our Muslim brothers and sisters.
Iftar is the meal that Muslims eat to break their fast during the month of Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating or drinking during daylight hours. Iftar takes place at sunset when the fast is broken.
Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water, followed by a larger meal that includes a variety of foods. The meal is often shared with family, friends, and neighbours, and it's a time for communal gathering and reflection.
Rev'd Lynda Newman from Afon Nedd Ministry Area attended an Iftar Meal in Swansea with the Dialogue Society, and in Port Talbot Ministry Area Fr Ben Andrews addressed the Port Talbot Iftar Community Event.
Rev'd Lynda said, "Breaking the Ramadan fast with Muslim friends and people of all faiths is a beautiful moment when we can all come together with a shared purpose- peace in our hearts, in our minds, in our lives and in our world."