Interfaith talk on revered figure builds bridges between communities

Attendees all ears during the talk at St Ignatius Church in Kelana Jaya.

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, an interfaith talk was organised centred on a figure who is known to both Christians and Muslims.

The topic of the talk, held at St Ignatius Church in Kelana Jaya, Selangor, was on Mary who is known as Mariam to Muslims.

Petaling Jaya city councillor Rahibah Che Omar, who hosted the event, said it was good to get different perspectives on Mary.

She noted that in 2019, an interfaith visit was held at Masjid Nurul Yaqin, Jalan SS7/8 in Kelana Jaya.

“We exchanged thoughts and got to know each other better as neighbours.

“For some, it was their first visit to a mosque too. This time around we are in a church,” said Rahibah.

Representing St Ignatius Church, Father Lawrence Ng said it was good to have an understanding of different faiths.

The church giving away potted plants to participants. From left are Rahibah, Lim, Hasmeet and Father Gerard.

“Just like how we respect Mary, all women should be respected,” he said.

St Ignatius Church’s women desk representative Susie Lim said the event was eye-opening.

“We wanted to highlight the role played by women from a religious aspect.

“We are touched by the council’s efforts in helping to bridge the gap in understanding among neighbours in the same community,” she said.

Petaling Jaya City Council sponsored packed food while the church presented potted plants to attendees to mark the occasion.

Among those who spoke at the event were Father Gerard Steve Theraviam from St John Cathedral Kuala Lumpur, Hidayah Centre Foundation Outreach Department director Noli Husain as well as its consultant Hasmeet Chaal.