Faiths Come Together Over Iftar to Affirm Shared Humanity in Secunderabad

Secunderabad, March 17, 2026: In a significant gesture of interreligious harmony during the holy month of Ramadan, the TCBC Commissions for Ecumenism and Dialogue hosted an Interreligious Iftar Get-Together at the Amruthavani Communications Centre, bringing together representatives of diverse faith traditions in a spirit of unity and mutual respect.

The gathering was held under the chairmanship of Bishop Anthony Das of Nellore and presided over by Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad. The event provided a meaningful platform for dialogue, reflection, and a renewed commitment to shared human values.

Approximately 75 participants attended the programme, including leaders from various religious communities, clergy from different Christian denominations, women religious, and lay faithful. The broad representation underscored the inclusive vision of the initiative and its emphasis on fostering understanding across religious boundaries.

Addressing the gathering, Cardinal Poola Anthony extended fraternal greetings to the Muslim community and highlighted the importance of nurturing relationships among different faith traditions. He reiterated the Church’s commitment to promoting peace and harmony in a pluralistic society.

Bishop Anthony Das of Nellore, guiding the proceedings, reflected on the common spiritual foundations that unite humanity. He emphasised the values of oneness, shared humanity, and community bonding as essential pillars for building a peaceful and cohesive society.

Offering insights from the Muslim perspective, Dr Atif Ismail spoke on the deeper significance of Ramadan, noting that the season calls believers to embrace compassion, simplicity, humility, and selflessness. His message resonated strongly with the theme of the gathering, as participants engaged in conversations centred on fraternity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect.

Throughout the programme, speakers from various faith backgrounds stressed the urgent need to strengthen bonds of human kinship, respect the sanctity of each other’s traditions, and work collaboratively to sustain social harmony.

A highlight of the evening was the shared Iftar, where participants from different religious backgrounds came together to break the fast. The moment stood as a powerful symbol of unity, transcending cultural and religious differences.

The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to interreligious dialogue as a vital pathway to peace, inspiring participants to continue building bridges of understanding and cooperation within society.

By Fr. Kondaveeti Anthaiah, Secretary, Commissions for Ecumenism and Dialogue