The Mecca Center held its Ramadan Interfaith Iftar on Wednesday, May 15, entitled “Strengthening Alliances for Peace.” The Interfaith Iftar is an annual event where the Mecca Center community breaks bread with our interfaith and civic partners. This year, our esteemed keynote speakers included Bishop Sally Dyck and former U.S. congressman Mark Siljander.
Bishop Sally Dyck is the Resident Bishop of the Chicago Area which includes the Northern Illinois Conference in the North Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. Mark Siljander is a former Republican U.S. Representative and Deputy U.N. Ambassador. Their words underscored the importance of building solidarity between faith groups to help promote the greater good in society.
The event also included a panel of speakers with a question and answer session. The panel featured Dr. Christie Billups, Assistant Professor of Theology, Director of Pastoral Ministry, and Coordinator of Service Learning at Lewis University, Reverend Dr. Jon McCoy, Pastor of Hinsdale United Methodist Church, and the Mecca Center’s Imam and Religious Director, Sheikh Hassan Aly. The attendees’ questions focused on how people of faith can navigate our current trying times through strengthening our alliances.
The Mecca Center thanks all who attended this lively and informative program in which new connections were made and existing bonds renewed.
Ramadan Interfaith Iftar Committee:
- Dr. Usman Ghani
- Dr. Shakir Moiduddin
- Sheikh Hassan Aly, Th.M.
- Shereen Hussain
- Dr. Sabina RizvanÂ
