The Nîmes representatives of the various religions insisted on continuing the tradition.
In a year marked by the health crisis, adaptation is the key word. The Nîmes interreligious committee (the CIRN) learned this the hard way when organizing these new year greetings.
Traditionally, the committee opens the salute of greetings on the first Sunday after 1is January. In times of health restrictions, this could not be done in public. Nevertheless, the CIRN has decided to respect the tradition this Sunday in the privacy of the mosque of Milhaud.
The greetings were sent by written message to the faithful and political leaders of the city by the representatives of the communities: Father Serge Cauvas for the Catholic Church, pastor Jean-Christophe Muller for the Protestant Church, Victor Bohbot for the Jewish worship and Driss El Moudni for Muslim worship. Abdallah Zekri, representative of the National Council of Muslim Worship, was present.
“The challenge is the future”
“It was important for us to continue in an original way this message sent to the population of Nîmes and to those in charge of the city because the work we do is a work of sharing and encounters, our ways of believing, indicates Pastor Jean-Christophe Muller, of the Protestant Church. Basically, it has solidified us in this year. […] To say that 2021 will be a good year is a sign of hope and confidence. “
“We had to mark the continuity of our presence and our message to the city of Nîmes at all costs, in such a way that we are always present and that we can continue our dialogue., continues Victor Bohbot for the Jewish cult. The challenge is the future, the organization, the health. We need to be together beyond our faiths and cults. We must continue to serve as an example and a marker for young people. “
“Of course, there is the Covid, but it was necessary to maintain this habit so that there was no break, “adds Abdallah Zekri. In spring 2021, the CIRN could organize an interfaith conference.
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