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Through the coordination efforts of Moravian Seminary student Mehmet Arvas, adjunct faculty member Rev. Dr. Walter Wagner, and the Lehigh Dialogue Center, several students, faculty, and staff were able to enjoy a night of fellowship with members of the Muslim community.
For the eighth consecutive year, the Lehigh Dialogue center hosted an Iftar dinner and invited the Lehigh Valley community to share in the celebration of breaking the Ramadan fast. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise until sunset. Often, Iftar dinners are held to offer an opportunity for fellowship and celebration after the sun goes down.
This year's local festivities took place under the Ramadan tent in Allentown's Cedar Beach Park. Approximately 250 people attended the event, representing many faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. Professor Wagner offered opening remarks and brought members of his class, Christianity and Islam: Confrontation and Dialogue. Dr. Bekir Aksoy also spoke. Many other local religious and political leaders were also in attendance. After the Azan, or call to prayer, and grace by Rev. Christine Nelson, the guests enjoyed a wonderful meal of Turkish Lentil Soup and Kebabs, prepared by the women of the Turkish Muslim community and a local Turkish restaurant.
Moravian Seminary and the Lehigh Dialogue Center have collaborated on several events in the past and plan to continue their relationship in an effort to explore Christian-Muslim relations. Conversations will expand and continue as Risky Talk: Christians and Muslims Speak Directly convenes on September 28 and runs each Tuesday through October 26. Click here for details.
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