Religious differences were put aside on Friday as Illawarra People for Peace (IP4P) members held a multi-faith rain prayer in Shellharbour to assist drought stricken farmers across Australia.
Amity College hosted the event as part of its Qurban Festival. Ibrahim Karaisli (Amity College), Reverend Miao You (Buddhist Temple president) and Father Ron Peters from the Catholic Church led the prayer.
The Uniting Church and Salvation Army could not attend, but supported the initiative by sending their best wishes.Amity College principal Memet Aslan said all leaders came together for a common goal.
“Rain, rain, blessed rain. That’s what the farmers of drought-crippled NSW need,” Dr Aslan said.“We are here to support Australian farmers. They need money, stock-feed and psychological support and prayer.”
His views were echoed by the Venerable Miao You.“May the rain fall upon the earth soon, nourishing and bringing joy to plants, animals and the farmers,” she said.Dr Aslan added it made sense to pray together for rain.“We have one God, one humanity with one need. In our different traditions, we pray and God who is one, listens to all.“We will soon organise ‘a bale of hay’ campaign across Amity College’s three campuses to support Australian farmers.”