Cardinal Pell welcomes Muslim cleric at St Mary’s Cathedral for Interfaith Prayer Service

By Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese

30 March 2004

Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, will welcome Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf to St Mary’s Cathedral for an Interfaith Prayer Service on Thursday 1 April 2004 at 12 noon.

Cardinal Pell and Imam Feisal will then offer prayers for peace.

Cardinal Pell says “One of the ambitions of Pope John Paul II is to encourage dialogue between mainstream and moderate Muslims, particularly with Catholics, but also with all Christians and all people of good will. For this reason Imam Feisal is welcome at St Mary’s Cathedral.

“He has an interesting set of views and we look forward to hearing more from him.

“The stakes are very high. In our own small way we are talking about war or peace. Our Catholic and Christian faith compels us to work for peace.”

Imam Feisal is visiting Sydney at the invitation of Premier Bob Carr who will also be in attendance at the Interfaith Prayer Service.

The Interfaith Prayer Service will commence at 12 noon.

Media Protocols – Imam Feisal visit to St Mary’s Cathedral