Interfaith Youth Prayer Retreat in the Western Cape

Overview

An interreligious youth camp at Volmoed (Hermanus) bringing together Muslim (Sunni & Shia) and Christian (Anglican, Catholic, Reformed) participants for shared prayer, learning, and dialogue to deepen understanding and build friendships across traditions.

Ahlul Bait Mosque and the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Programme co-hosted a 3-day youth camp (ages 18–35) at Volmoed in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus. Participants came from diverse Christian and Muslim traditions and multiple South African cities. With NCCMR sponsorship, the camp focused on experiencing one another’s prayer, learning core theological tenets, and creating space for honest questions in a setting of hospitality, respect, and friendship.

The weekend demonstrated that praying alongside one another—with honesty about differences and generosity toward each tradition—creates durable bonds of fraternity. Participants left with deeper understanding, newfound friendships, and concrete suggestions to scale this model. With continued NCCMR partnership and local leadership, the camp offers a replicable pathway for youth-led interreligious engagement across South Africa.

Objectives

  • Experience Muslim and Christian prayer together to nurture empathy and reverence for each tradition.
  • Introduce core theological tenets of Islam and Christianity in accessible language.
  • Correct misconceptions through open Q&A and guided reflection.
  • Strengthen youth leadership for interreligious engagement in local communities.
  • Build relationships among mosques, churches, and interfaith organizations in the Western Cape.

Outcomes

  • Greater literacy in each other’s prayer forms, symbols, and theological language.
  • Reduced misconceptions (e.g., about Holy Communion, Qibla, ablution, and scripture).
  • A network of youth and clergy committed to ongoing interfaith encounters in the Western Cape.
  • Practical ideas captured for future events (more Q&A time, mixed-table prompts, sports/icebreakers, broader denominational participation).
  • Strengthened institutional ties among Ahlul Bait Mosque, CMRM, Volmoed Chapel/monks, local churches, and seminaries.

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