Catholics to fast for Ramadan

WASHINGTON -- In response to the pope's controversial remarks about Islam and as a gesture of solidarity with the Muslim population, Pax Christi USA, a national Catholic peace movement, has proposed fasting alongside Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as part of self-purification, worship and contemplation. This year, Ramadan was to start Sept. 23 or Sept. 24, depending on the sighting of the moon.

David Robinson, executive director of Pax Christi USA, made the announcement during a press conference with the Muslim American Society, which claims to be America's largest Muslim grass-roots organization.

"We in Pax Christi will enter into the discipline of the Ramadan fast as an effort to better and more deeply prepare a space in our own spirits to dialogue with our Muslim neighbors," Robinson said.

Pax Christi members will be encouraged to participate in Ramadan fasting and will be given materials to understand the role of Ramadan within Islamic tradition.

--Religion News Service

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