The problem with holding Iftar in Manchester Cathedral

During Ramadan, which began last week, sunset finds observant Muslims taking their iftar, a ceremonial breaking of the rigorous fast, involving specific prayers. Often this is done as a community. Pictures of mosques hosting iftar bring to mind the parish festivities which were a common feature of pre-Reformation England, before the Protestants decided that attendees at such beanfests were having far too much fun.

For reasons that remain unclear, it seems to have become fashionable for Christian churches in Britain to make themselves available as venues for the iftar. This year Manchester Cathedral, no less, opened its doors one evening for the local Muslim community, causing a brief stir on social media. I must confess to being among those who raised a sceptical eyebrow.

The objector inevitably runs the risk of sounding like a grouch. What’s the problem with a bit of hospitality? The dean and chapter are just being good neighbours, reaching out across the sectarian divide to foster love, understanding and world peace.