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Friendship with Muslims Nurtured

Ongoing efforts to bring peace and understanding to a little piece of the globe are being made by the parishioners at St Giles' Presbyterian Church (Christchurch).

From September 11 a candle was lit in St Giles' for peace and justice. Rev John Hunt says the parish is concerned with nurturing understanding and friendship with the local Muslim community. There was special significance in the rainbow candle as Christians and Muslims share the covenant of Noah in the Old Testament.

Jane Cooper, a member of the congregation and a masters student in Religious Studies, arranged a visit to the mosque in Deans Avenue. A group of 30 from St Giles took part in the visit where they were welcomed warmly.

To return the hospitality and foster peace and goodwill St Giles' invited representatives to attend and partake in Christmas day celebrations. The peace candle, which had burned in their worship, was presented to the guests. Jamal Anthony Green spoke on behalf of the guests and began with the Muslim greeting 'assalamu elaikum' meaning 'peace, surrender to you'.

Rev Hunt says they are making plans to join together again in prayer and friendship soon.