Lahore: August 13, 2013. (Fr. Inayat Bernard) “Such events help us to come close to each other”. Bishop Sebastian Francis Shaw OFM; Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore and the member of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism was talking to some 60 Muslim and Christian participants of the Iftar dinner organized by the Council for Inter faith Dialogue (CIFD) at Ambassador Hall Lahore. Bishop Sebastian Shaw said that interfaith dialogue is an opportunity to know and appreciate one another. He said that we are like a bouquet with different flowers having their own identity and fragrance. At this breaking of fast we show our solidarity towards the Muslim brethren and show our acceptance for one another. He informed the participants that on every Sunday we pray for all religions in the country and especially Muslims during the holy month of Ramadhan. He expressed his happiness to see the Muslim brethren gathered for the Iftar dinner hosted by the CIFD. Pir Shafat Rasool, chairman CIFD said that in the post Islamic religions the tradition of fast is already found especially in Christianity. He said that today’s iftar dinner is an expression of love for the Muslim brethren by the Christian community. They do it not out of any compulsion but out of love, respect and conviction of inter-faith dialogue. The Christians, he continued, are our elder brothers and today they have fulfilled their right of brotherhood. We feel happy and asserted for this act of iftar dinner. Pir Shaffat Rasool recently returned from the United States said that in the majority country a huge iftar dinner was organized and it impressed him that in a Christians country such a respect is given to the Muslim community. He said that the 2% population of terrorists can not spoil our peace because we wish to live in peace and will continue to make the people aware by such events to come together. He ended by saying that the prophet of Islam was a great champion of Dialogue. Fr. Paskal Paulus OP the vice provincial of the Dominicans in Pakistan said it is a good sign that the Christian denominations are present here to be in solidarity with the Muslim brothers and sisters. During the month of Ramadhan they become strong in their faith through prayer and fasting which helps them to become better Muslims. We wish them peace and tranquility and pray for internal peace to promote humanity. Fr. James Chaman OP said that such programmes help the Muslim brothers to come close to each other in prayer. It is our ardent wish that God Almighty may shower His grace through the regular prayer and fasting. He said that the Holy Father Pope Francis I sent his message of Ramadhan for the whole Muslim world. He has stressed the mutual respect among religions especially Muslims and Christians. Shabnam Nagi, Muslim advocate said that the gathering of today is the proof of oneness between the Christians and Muslims. She said that the recent floods have made thousands of people homeless and they are in a disturbed situation and we do not forget them in this season. We are planning to set up tents and facilitate in the rehabilitation work. Maulana Javed Akbar Saqi said that as the Christians have extended their hand of brotherhood we shall also continue to show our respect on their religious occasions like Christmas and Easter. Cor Commander of Pakistan Army Akbar Naqvi stationed at Lahore Cantt said that I am grateful that I am invited for such a gathering. He said that the founder of Pakistan has given equality to all religions in the country. He said that the supporters and promoters of terrorism in the country cannot be Muslims. These negative activities cannot stop our peace process and living together in a harmonious way. Sohail Raza, youth coordinator of Minhaj-ul-Quran said that to organize programmes are need of the time to promote tolerance and respect among religions. He said that the Christians are number one in population and Muslims are on 2nd number. Faithful of both religions can work together for promotion of unity and understanding among themselves which is essential for world peace. Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap the central Coordinator of Council for Interfaith Dialogue thanked the participants and assured that the efforts to bring both the religions close to each other will go on. He said that the council makes use of occasions to show respect for other religions especially Muslims. He hoped that in future the Muslim and Christian members of the council will continue to make efforts in their own capacity for mutual understanding among themselves. At the end Fr. Inayat Bernard, Director CIFD read out in Urdu the message of the Holy Father Pope Francis I who wished for the mutual respect between Muslims and Christians.