Muslims and Catholic Christians recently converged at the Kanifing Community Centre to agree on principles that could bind them as one for the unity of their communities and country.

According to Pa Joof, other wise known as Joseph Richardson Joof, a one time renowned principal of Saint Augustine’s Junior School in Banjul, in December last year the Christians at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament Kanifing had planned to visit their brother Muslims to show solidarity. Their brother Muslims were also preparing to come to them on the same mission at the same time.

According to Pa Joof, about four weeks ago Samuel Cole, their church Chairman told him that Fr. Peter Lopez, their priest, suggested meeting the mosque committee and asked Pa Joof to mediate since he is a very close friend of Imam Baba Leigh. “The invitation was to bring Christians and Muslims to pray together as a unit. I met them and we came together and we signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to share in each others joys, and or sadness,” Pa Joof said.

Pa Joof said they have, in the past, always helped each other and lived as one. “It was only pertinent that the relationship was formalized. During sickness and fire disaster we were there. During our church’s opening the Mosque Committee sent two members to be part of the ceremony,” he added. Imam Baba Leigh and Rev. Fr. Peter Lopez wanted their friendship to be more constructive and concrete.

Rev. Fr. Peter Lopez said human beings were one. “In all we lay emphasis on our humanity. When it comes to spirituality everyone goes to either church or mosque. Imam Baba Leigh, Imam of Kanifing said, “We are blessed that we have the church over there, the playing ground and a community centre in the same area, there is no fight, no split and when the children finish playing they each go to either the church or mosque to worship. If there are any differences then it comes from the interpretations. We call God our Father and Christians do the same” He said Dominic Mendy is one of his best Christian friends and he has other very good Christian friends.

The Muslims and Christians of Kanifing chose a six-man committee, three from each who were charged with the writing of proposals. The blue print they prepare will go to the committee to study and ratify and make it their instrument of operation. “I believe it came out of true love and commitment.  Our meeting shows that we at the Estate are not selfish. We all pray for the success of the programme.” Pa Joof said.