Fed: Christian and Muslim, religion and politics, join for peace

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2004
Fed: Christian and Muslim, religion and politics, join for peace

Australia's most powerful Christian leader and one of America's most influential Muslims
have been brought together by an atheist premier in the name of peace.

Cardinal GEORGE PELL and New York Imam FEISAL ABDUL RAUF have led a thousand-strong
congregation of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and non-believers.

The meeting was an unprecedented gathering in Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral and the
first time that a Muslim leader addressed the nation's premier Catholic church.

Crucifixes in the church were covered, a move Cardinal PELL later said was partly out
of respect for Imam FEISAL.

Likewise, the Imam was careful to pay tribute to the Christian faith.

He strayed slightly from his original prayer text to make a point of wishing peace
and blessings upon JESUS, MARY and MOSES as well as the Islamic high prophet MUHAMMAD.

Premier BOB CARR told the gathering that it reasserted humanity in a world of conflict.

AAP RTV jh/nf/wz/rp

KEYWORD: IMAM (SYDNEY)

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