Caritas Freetown’s Partnership Reaches Over 3000 With Food Donations at 8th Edition of Interfaith Dialogue

Freetown, 19 December, 2024 / 10:12 PM

Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with the Partnering to Serve Humanity Consortium, which brings together four different faith groups, has reached out to over 3,000 beneficiaries with food items.

The event that took place on Thursday, December 19, at the Culture Radio, Negus/Negus Complex in Grafton during the 8th edition of interfaith dialogue brought together the faith groups making up the consortium including the Tzu Chi Foundation, Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation, and Caritas Freetown.

Three 10-kilogram bags of rice were given to individuals from less privileged backgrounds and persons with disabilities in the western rural district. The dialogue fostered cooperation among religious groups and showcased a commitment to serving humanity and promoting religious tolerance.

In his address during the event, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Fr. Peter Konteh emphasized the essence of love in Caritas’ mission, saying, “Our Lord Jesus Christ showed compassion during his time on Earth.”

"Jesus fed over five thousand people when they were hungry. This is what the interfaith dialogue replicates, feeding people from different backgrounds and religious groups,” Fr. Konteh said.

He noted that over 3,500 individuals would benefit from the rice distribution and highlighted that this effort occurs annually in various locations.

“Rice has been distributed in Muslim places of worship, Church compounds, and other religious spaces. People from different faiths continue to benefit from this gesture through interfaith engagement activities,” Fr. Konteh said.

He reiterated the unity of humanity, stating, “We are one people because we share the same blood. As Christians, we believe in sharing and respecting other faiths.”

On his part, Caritas Freetown’s Programme Manager, Ishmeal Alfred Charles, provided context for the dialogue, explaining its long-standing impact on communities and the public.

“Religious groups, including Catholics, Pentecostals, Muslims, Buddhists, and others, sit together to plan and reach out to the poor and needy. The interfaith dialogue ends with rice distribution, promoting peaceful coexistence, cohesion, and unity among different faiths,” Charles said.

Senior Pastor William Koroma from Jesus is Lord Ministries highlighted the role of interfaith dialogue in maintaining societal unity.

“As we navigate diversity, we must preserve the fabric that holds us together. Religions deepen their understanding of living and working together through such initiatives,” he said.

Pastor Koroma emphasized the importance of caring for one another across faiths.

On his part, Mohamed Pabai, representing the Soka Gakkai Buddhists, expressed his appreciation for the event and rice distribution.

Mr. Pabai shared teachings from Dharma Master Cheng Yen, stating, “Love is the most significant ingredient in compassion, care, and tolerance. Without dialogue, there is no peace among religions.”

 He called for respectful relationships among faiths, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

Also speaking at the event, Sheikh Abu Bakarr Fomba Swaray, dedicated the day to charity and emphasized the link between peace and food security. “There will be no peace if there is no food to eat,” he said, encouraging attendees to pursue peaceful coexistence.