COVENTRY is one of seven UK cities where communities are being brought together during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
This evening, talks will be given by The Bishop of Coventry, The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, John Julian Witcombe and The Reverend Mary Gregory, Canon for Arts and Reconciliation, at Coventry Cathedral as part of The Ramadan Tent Project.
The award-winning project is aimed at developing the understanding and experience of Ramadan and fasting for all.
After two years of virtual gatherings amid the Covid-19 pandemic and as part of this year’s Ramadan Festival, Ramadan Tent Project announces the return of their celebrated Open Iftar campaign, which aims to bring communities together to break fast, share food and wholesome conversations with inspirational guest speakers, in the seven cities nationwide.
Others taking part – as well as Coventry – are Birmingham, London, Cambridge, Newcastle Gateshead, Manchester and Bradford.
For the very first time since the organisation’s inception, 15 Open Iftar events across the month are being held in the country’s capital in iconic landmarks including museums, entertainment venues and public squares and buildings.
Rev Mary said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Open Iftar in the Cathedral ruins.
“The Open Iftar’s values of hospitality and welcome, of growing friendship and understanding between people of different backgrounds, lies at the very heart of the Cathedral’s self-understanding as a place of peace and reconciliation.
“We hope that the Open Iftar will once again demonstrate that Coventry Cathedral is a place for all people, where everyone is welcome.”
Bishop Christopher said: “I am looking forward to joining other people of all backgrounds as we meet together at the Open Iftar Event in Coventry Cathedral.
“It is good for Christians to learn about the discipline and joy of Ramadan from our Muslim friends and for us together to affirm our common cause in the ways of God’s righteousness, peace and compassion.”
On 30th April, as a closing event for this year, Ramadan Tent Project will be hosting the Global Iftar, celebrating Ramadan around the world at the world’s largest 24 hour virtual iftar gathering, which is taking place for the third year running.
Ramadan Tent Project has developed five key partnerships for this year’s Ramadan Festival 2022, including charity partner Islamic Relief UK, Algbra, YTB (Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities), and Hellman’s. Alongside Islamic Relief UK they will be providing meals to impoverished and vulnerable communities around the world. Ramadan Tent Project’s Fintech Partner is Algbra, an ethical finance platform. Ramadan Tent Project is also supported by the UN World Food Programme’s ShareTheMeal.
In the last ten nights of Ramadan, a heightened time of spirituality and worship, Ramadan Tent Project is teaming up with Lidl GB to provide goodie bags to all attendees, which will include snacks including dried mango, protein balls and orange juice as well as a voucher.
A spokesperson from Lidl said: “Lidl GB is delighted to be working with the Ramadan Tent Project once again for the Open Iftars taking place across the country.
“In the last ten days of Ramadan, we will be offering attendees a goodie bag with snacks for their Suhoor meals and a voucher to use in store, which we hope people will enjoy.”
Every evening this Ramadan, Ramadan Tent Project is also hosting Ramadan Lates on social media, creating a safe space for people to talk about their Ramadan experience so far and learn from one another.
