Our bishops are sending warmest greetings to our Muslim friends as they celebrate Eid-al-Fitr this week.
The bishops thank our Muslim friends for their contributions to local and national life, and assure them of our prayers during the year ahead.
The full message can be read below.
To Muslim friends, colleagues and communities on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr 2023
“We send you our warmest greetings as you celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
“This year the Islamic month of Ramadan overlapped with a part of the Christian season of Lent, and it has been good to gather together to deepen friendships during this time. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, was privileged to host an Iftar meal for Muslim friends at Lambeth Palace. We too have been thankful for the privilege of joining Iftars with Muslim friends and colleagues and people of all faiths and backgrounds. These have been an excellent way to explore shared themes of fasting and prayer and have been a great celebration of our diverse communities and of our shared commitment to the common good.
“Eid is a time of celebration, and we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate your immense contributions to our local and national life. We give thanks for all the ways in which you put the Islamic values of charity and compassion into practice by supporting the most vulnerable in our communities so generously, including during the current cost of living crisis.
“And so we pray that you will know God’s blessings this Eid and assure you of our continued prayers during the year ahead. We wish you and your families Eid Mubarak!”
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds
The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
The Rt Revd Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall
The Rt Revd Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield