The Dean of Southwark, who has served the borough for over ten years, hosted his final grand Iftar last week.
Hundreds of people gathered at Southwark Cathedral last week for an iftar, a meal after sunset during Ramadan when Muslims fast during the day.
This was the seventh year that Living Bankside and Southwark Cathedral have jointly hosted an iftar, bringing together hundreds of people of different backgrounds from across London and Southwark.
It was hosted by the Dean of Southwark, The Very Revd, Andrew Nunn – who is set to retire this July.
Since 2012, Andrew has played an integral role in promoting a truly inclusive Southwark Cathedral which has welcomed and cared for people of all faiths and of no particular faiths.
Reflecting on the event, he said: “It was wonderful to see a full cathedral for this year’s community Iftar. The presence of so many from so many backgrounds was an encouragement to us all to keep working together.”
This year’s event was organised by young people from Southwark and across London. They gave their perspectives on Ramadan and the importance of their role in shaping, leading and transforming the neighbourhood around them – calling on their peers to positively contribute to the community.
The first one at Southwark Cathedral was planned for June 2017 – around the same time as the London Bridge attacks. In the wake of the attacks on 3rd June 2017, the gathering became crucial to the community’s healing process and has been a positive legacy to them.
The annual event has become a moment to remember and recommit to unity over division, hope over fear and compassion over hatred.
The iftar was attended by the Deputy Lieutenant, Lynn Cooper, the Mayor & Mayoress of Southwark, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London for Communities and Social Justice, The Right Reverend, Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, Marina Ahmad AM and Zack Polanski AM.
