I didn’t take any notice of Lent until I joined the Archbishop’s Initiative in Christian-Muslim Relations, working at Church House, Church of England HQ.
Until then I was not big on observance of dates. I looked into Lent observance as I encountered Ramadan through Muslim colleagues.
I have ‘given up’ chocolate during Lent, a big challenge for me, and fasted, though my first adult fast was during Ramadan 2002.
This year’s Lent challenge, from non-religious friends, is giving up being quiet when I can speak up, probably ‘a greater jihad’. My 50th birthday is also during Lent, so it will be a time of ‘giving up’, or sacrifice, taking up and celebrating. Also a time of sadness as I read the distressing Passion narratives in the Gospels, which move me more each year.
Julian Bond, Director Christian Muslim Forum
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