Imam Preaches at Church this Sunday

(October 17, 2009) – This Sunday, Imam Abdul Hai Patel will preach at the Anglican Church of the Transfiguration, during the church’s Second Annual Interfaith Evensong which is organized by the Neighbourhood Interfaith Group.

“The interfaith evensong service and reception on October 18th, is a unique way of bringing people of our Abrahamic faiths together,” Bryan Beauchamp, Chair Neighbourhood Interfaith Group told Iqra.ca.

The Reverend Canon Michael Burgess will officiate at the service of Sung Evensong, Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl will offer a prayer and Archbishop Terence E. Finlay, former Bishop of Toronto will give the blessing.

“Our intention is not to proselytize but to demystify our worship for non-Christians and to demonstrate how much we have in common,” Beauchamp added.

Imam Abdul Hai’s topic will be the ‘Erosion of Human Values.’

The Neighbourhood Interfaith Group began in 1986 when people from Timothy Eaton Memorial Church [United Church of Canada] approached members of Beth Tzedec synagogue to begin a dialogue.

Over the years, the group has grown to include 15 churches and synagogues and a private girls school.

The group represents five Christian denominations – Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, United Church and three Jewish denominations – Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist.

“Through an annual dinner and other opportunities for dialogue and education we continue our dedication to achieving respect and appreciation for the religious beliefs of others,” says Bryan Beauchamp.

“We pray our work will help to end bias, bigotry and racism in Toronto and the world.”

The service will run from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Kosher-Halal reception.

The Anglican Church of the Transfiguation is located at 111 Manor Road East, Toronto.

For information please visit the church’s website www.churchofthetransfiguration.ca or contact Bryan Beauchamp, Chair Neighbourhood Interfaith Group at 416 926-9438; bryan.beauchamp@sympatico.ca