Fedactio Limburg, an umbrella organisation for Muslims in our most easterly province, organised a Christmas party in Beringen (Limburg) last night. The organisation aims to build bridges and promote a peaceful society.
Religion & Philosophy
Muslims and Christians celebrate Christmas together
Colin Clapson
Published:
Muslims and Christians celebrated Christmas in Beringen with a sand artist depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, a Turkish children's choir and a peace light.
‘This is our third Christmas party in Beringen and our first in Hasselt the previous day,’ Bahattin Kocak, chairman of Fedactio Limburg, said.
‘It was a real Christmas celebration. Connection and solidarity are really needed during this period. It feels a bit like Ramadan, which is also a period of solidarity. Living together, experiencing things together and, above all, eating together brings people together. It was a warm evening.’
Peace Light
The Dean of Beringen, Thieu Plessers (pictured), brought the Peace Light to the hall.
‘I was very moved,’ said the Dean. ‘The sand artist depicting the story of the birth of Jesus created a special moment. I also left the Peace Light here as a sign of connection.’
‘It was a very enjoyable evening,’ adds participant Christiane Wouters. ‘It was well organised. Above all, I felt friendship and togetherness. It was wonderful.’
Fedactio Limburg hopes to roll out this initiative across Limburg in future.