CCM 30th Commemoration Speaker Series

"In June 1996 a prayer vigil in the Domain against the mistreatment of Palestinians by the Israeli government brought together Christians, Muslims, and a Jewish rabbi. Some participants continued meeting afterward to discuss shared concerns. Early contributors included David Wakim, Rabbi Phillip Posner, Abdul Rahim Rasheed, Kevin McBride, and Gul Zaman.

Soon after, at the Pax Christi Aotearoa Annual Assembly, a Muslim guest speaker spoke about improving understanding between Christians and Muslims. This led to the idea of forming a Council of Christians and Muslims (CCM), similar to the existing Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ). In October 1996, Pax Christi hosted a seminar titled “An Interfaith Trilogy,” where speakers shared their beliefs and explored ways to build mutual understanding. By the end of the seminar, participants agreed to form CCM and appointed a steering committee comprising Gul Zaman, Bruce Keeley, Graeme Johnson, and David Wakim.

On 6 June 2026, we will commemorate the founding of CCM and celebrate 30 years of fostering mutual respect, understanding, and friendship between people of faith.