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United Religions Initiative ~ International Day of Peace 2007
URI Cooperation Circle members around the world enthusiastically celebrated the UN IDP in many diverse and creative ways. This report is growing daily--stories, reflections and pictures are being added as they come in.
Members of CCs in the Middle East and North Africa
having a candle light vigil at a convent that houses orphans in Amman, Jordan.
Contents to Date Include:
1. Aarhus, Denmark by Lone Klemmensen
2. Helsinki, Finland by Heidi Rautionmaa
3. Lahore, Pakistan by James Channan
4. Sargodha, Pakistan by Sr. Naseem George
5. Amman, Jordan, by Ashraf Samir
6. San Francisco, USA by Katy Bernock
7. Houston, USA by P.K. McCary
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina by Susi Reich
9. Fazlia Colony, Lahore, Pakistan by
Akhter Murad
10. Selangor, Malaysia by Stephen Nah
11. Manila, Philippines by Orlan Guzman
12. Sargodha, Pakistan by Jawad Mazhar
13. Tajikistan by Munira Shahidi
14. Warispura, Pakistan by Sabina Rifat
15. East India Region by Biswadeb Chakraborty
16. Charlottesville, Virginia, USA by Ron Povich
17. Lahore, Pakistan by Yuel Bhatti
18. Ethiopia by Mussie Hailu
19. Lahore, Pakistan by Francis Xavier
20. United Nations by Monica Willard and Deborah Moldow - click here to view the report
Aarhus, Denmark
On the eve of the International Day of Peace, URI Denmark hosted an interfaith peace concert called “Sounds of Peace” in Aarhus. They also hosted an interfaith concert in Copenhagen on the 23rd of September. A fine variety of artists contributed to these beautiful concerts in the two towns - with Christian songs sung by a well-known solo tenor in Denmark, inspired music from Himalaya by a Danish band, solo songs with piano by a Scientologist, Jewish Klezmer music, a Sufi duo from Germany singing and whirling, a ten minutes´ meditation led by an American lady from Brahma Kumaris, and common singing. The account below was written by Lone Klemmensen, coordinator of the Aarhus CC.
We had the most wonderful evening as we hosted an interfaith peace concert in Aarhus. Before the concert, we gathered with  100 people for dinner and dialogue in a local Turkish restaurant where there was an astonishing and delightful belly dancing show. We then went to a Catholic church for the concert. We had a change in the program because our opera tenor, Sune Hjerrild(who is also coordinator of the Copenhagen CC) called in sick a few hours before the show was to begin. Luckily, the light was with us and we managed to find the Klezmer duo, who had just returned from a world tour.  They are an amazing couple. He is Catholic, she is Protestant, and they play Jewish music together. Could it be a better expression of interfaith work? What a great blessing!
The other musicians were from other faiths including Lutheran, Scientologist, Holist inspired by the Himalayas, Brahma Kumari and Sufi. I had shivers and tears of beauty in my eyes a lot of times during the evening. I wish you all had been there. We had 280 guests, including our beloved European URI president Patrick Hanjoul, who also gave a speech about the work of the URI.
We also held a concert in Copenhagen to make a bridge over the water and help the spirit of URI over there. Our network is not very big over there, so it was not very well attended – 134 people came. We had a beautiful afternoon together in the sounds from heaven and made another bridge over the water to Malmö, Sweden, where I have promised to come over and help set up a new URI CC. At this concert, we found new coming members to the group in Copenhagen, so it was a great success in many ways.
We do hope to have contributed to many Danes´ awareness of the International Day of Peace as well as URI´s work internationally and in Denmark for peace and dialogue between religions and cultures.
Another account by Jette Simonesen follows. "We were honoured to welcome Patrick Hanjoul from Antwerp. He gave a wonderful and warm hearted speech on the URI in English and his charisma filled us with thankfulness of being members of the Global URI Family. We finished this blessed evening by letting the whole audience sing the chorus to Jane Winther's soul song: EMBRACING MY SOUL-EMBRACING MY LIFE-EMBRACING THE LOVE -THAT´S TOUCHING MY HEART. Then we all went out into the magic midnight..."
If you would like to listen to these very inspiring musicians and view a slideshow of pictures from this event, please follow this link http://www.overgaard.dk/URI
Helsinki, Finland
Atheist philosopher Janne Vainio is reading the peace poem that he is fond of at “Reflections of Peace" in Helsinki.
During the Week of Global Interfaith Dialogue in support of the United Nations International Day of Peace, the URI Forum of Religions in Helsinki organized a celebration called “Reflections of Peace” in the International Cultural Center in Helsinki. We had music, poetry and prayer from several different religions and world views. One of our artists was a great concert pianist, Valeria Vasilieva, from St. Petersburg.
We will most probably organize such a beautiful event again next spring. All seemed to enjoy the very harmonious atmosphere. This peace celebration was organized without any money, so the entrance was free.
Lahore, Pakistan
My dear brothers and sisters,
I would share this news with you with great joy that the URI family in Pakistan took a leading role in celebrating the International Day of Peace on the 21st of September. Practically all Cooperation Circles (CCs) took an active part in observing this day throughout the country and Azad Kashmir.
These programs were arranged in the cities of Jatoi, Multan, Pir Mahal, Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh, Karachi, Islamabad, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore and Muzaffarbad in Kashmir. Programs were arranged with children, youth, women and men from Muslim, Christan, Hindu, Sikh, Baha and Parsi faith – that is to say, people of all religions. School children sang peace songs and recited poems; tableaus on peace were performed. Recitation from the Holy Books of various religions were done, and the message of Mr. Ban Ki-moon was read in English and Urdu. The reports are coming from all over the country and later on I will be sending you a brief report and photos of all of these.
 Here in Lahore, the URI Pakistan-MCC conducted a major program in which 7 CCs plus three other potential CCs participated. The celebration started on the 18th when a program was organized at Darul Hikmat (House of Wisdom) college in which hundreds of students took part.
I (fr James Channan) gave 3 interviews on Radio Pakistan. The first one was on the 20th of September from 11AM to 12 Noon. It was a one hour interview in Punjabi in which the challenges to peace and the role and history of URI in promoting peace and interfaith harmony was highlighted as well as the history of interfaith dialogue, particularly between Christian and Muslims. During the interview, peace songs and light music were broadcast. The message of UN Secretary General Ban was read in Punjabi.
My second interview was in Urdu and also included the message from Mr. Ban. Recorded on 21st of September at 11.30AM, it was broadcast every hour through the day.
My third interview was at 4:30PM at FM RADIO 103. It was a live interview in Punjabi. During that half hour I addressed threats to peace, our role in promoting lasting peace, and the imperative need for dialogue among religions and cultures.
The URI MCC held a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on September 20th to give coverage to our event. Seven TV channels were present (Geo TV, Dawn New TV, AAj TV, Punjab TV, Sindh TV, Dhoom TV, and Royal TV) as well as another 20 journalists from various newspapers and news agencies. I addressed this Press Conference along with Dr. Kanwal Feroze, Mr. ftab Javed, Miss Arifa Shakeel and Mr. Zubair. We responded to the questions which were posed to us.
On 21st of September in the early morning, prayers were offered for world peace. We also observed one minute silence in different places and cities.
The main peace event took place in the evening at Dominican Center. A joint program was organized by the URI-MCC Pakistan and Catholic Bishop Commission on Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism (NCIDE). Over 200 Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Baha'i and Christians participated in this peace event.
This conference was presided over by Mrs. Sajida Hyder Wandal; Mr. Sohail Umar, Mr. Hamid Khan and Mrs. Neelam Hussain were the Guests of Honor.
Since it was the month of fasting for our Muslim brothers and sisters we started our program with breaking of the fast 6:05PM.
Here is what followed:
1. One minute of silence was observed for world peace.
2. Small children sang a peace song with oil lamps in their land.
3. The peace candle was lit.
4. Welcome address and history of URI was presented by fr James Channan OP.
5. Mr. Javaid William, Executive Secretary of the NCIDE, presented a 10 minute documentary of their interfaith activities.
6. Recitation from the Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Bahai and Christian scriptures was done by the representatives of these religions.
7. The message of Mr. Ban Ki-moon was read in English and Urdu.
8. The message of Most Rev. Andrew, Bishop of Multan and Chairman of NCIDE, was read.
9. The Dominican students presented a peace song.
10. The children from Basharat-e-Ibn Mariam School presented a tableau on a famous peace song.
11. Flowers were presented to the guests.
12. The guests of honor and president of the conference gave speeches. The gist of these speeches was that believers of all religions should promote peace and harmony among religions; we should invite those people who have never participated in such programs and thus create awareness among them for peace. We should also approach hardliners and try to soften their hearts. It was also strongly proposed to the TV Channels that they give five minutes to each religion in their morning transmission for recitation from the holy books or message.
Mr. Aftab Javaid did the comparing to a large number of URI members along with their families who were present from Lahore and surrounding areas.
At the end of the program all guests were invited to have delicious supper.
I feel proud to relate that our programs of the URI were the main ones which took place in Pakistan. This way we took a leading role in celebrating this International Day of Peace.
May Peace Prevail in Pakistan!
May Peace Prevail On Earth!
In peace,
fr James Channan OP
Regional Coordinator Asia/Pakistan
Sargodha, Pakistan
We celebrated the International Day of Peace(IDP) in the afternoon on September 21st. We had hoped to have 80 to 100 people for the seminar followed by an AFTAR party to be in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters sharing the spirit of RAMADAN. Due to bad weather, however, only 62 people came. There were Sikh, Baha’I, Christian and Mulim women and men present at this gathering. We welcomed and invited all to join our Muslim brothers and sisters in Aftari. Then we moved to the hall for a Seminar on Peace Day. The following topics were shared with the participants: Introduction of Peace Day, URI, Inter- Faith Dialogue Week, The Need of Peacebuilding and shared an Urdu translation of the UN General Secretary’s message on Peace Day.
The preamble, purpose and principles of the URI were read for the participants. We also had an open session for clarifications and discussion on the need to work for peace and joining the world in prayers for peace.
We ended our seminar with a peace prayer. The youth sang songs with the message of peace. After that, all were invited for a dinner. It was a great experience of being one people of the one world. Happy Peace Day to all and May peace prevail on earth.
Sr. Naseem George, Co-coordinator,
Seeds of Peace CC,
Sargodha - Pakistan
Amman, Jordan
As the International Day of Peace approached, some members of the URI in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) suggested that we celebrate this day a little bit earlier since many URI members from the Middle East and North Africa Region were already in Amman for the Women's Interfaith Network of the Middle East and North Africa (WIN MENA) leadership workshop. Therefore, we seized the opportunity to have Atefeh (URI Global Council Trustee for our region) and a distinguished group of women peacebuilders celebrate of this day with us on the 6th of September 2007.
The celebration was co-organized by the Quested Peace Cooperation Circle (CC), the Mercy CC, the WIN MENA CC and the MENA Team and was attended by 30 young orphans and 20 persons mostly from MENA CC’s in Jordan, Israel, Iran and Egypt.
We decided that this should be an event where we could create a world in which children are at the center and women from different faiths are leading. On an exceptional evening, we visited Mar Mansour Convent. This convent is a unique convent, it is a home for castaway, homeless, orphans and socially-troubled children who have almost lost hope for better future.
These children have found shelter in this convent. They represent the purity of life and deserve love and support, therefore, we celebrated the International Day of Peace with them. We spent 3 hours with them forgetting all about the troubled world we live in.
We became children, we held hands and danced, we lit candles and prayed for a peaceful world where children can live and thrive. We heard their stories and told them ours. In short, we saw ourselves in them, and they saw their future in us.
We prayed for peace and love in three religions ( Jewish , Christian and Islam,) and we listened to the children's prayers. At the end all the attendees recited together:
May Peace Prevail on Earth
May Peace Prevail on Earth
May Peace Prevail on Earth
San Francisco, USA
At the office in San Francisco, we celebrated the International Day of Peace by having an intimate gathering of staff from URI as well as staff from the Pachamama Alliance, a wonderful organization that is working to save indigenous cultures and the rainforest in Ecuador.
We planted a Peace Pole in the grassy quad outside of the office and stood in a circle around it to read the United Nations Declaration before observing a long moment of silence in solidarity with people all over the world.
After the moment of silence, we shared poetry, stories, and pictures that spoke to each of us  about peace. Sally Mahe read from her journal, reflecting on the opening celebration of the Peace Center in Tiruvalla, India. She also shared pictures and poetry. Katy Bernock and Regan Murphy read poetry and Ray Signer shared an eloquent quote. We then ate a potluck lunch together, sharing food that had been brought by each of the staff members. The entire celebration was peaceful and uplifting, and it reminded us all of the importance of our roles as Peacebuilders in the larger world community.
Best wishes in our continued and lifelong work for peace,
Katy
Houston, USA
Global Council member, P.K. McCary, commemorated the International Day of Peace on her radio show The Peace Hour. “We bring the culture of peace each and every day,” said P.K. McCary at the beginning of the show, and she was correct. She focused on the optimism of people working for peace locally, nationally, and internationally. The show lasted an hour and is available to download online in the KPFT archives: http://archive.kpft.org/index.php. Please tune in to listen to inspiring music, stories, and announcements of events all related to creating a culture of peace.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
On a Spring Day - September 21st. in South American countries -, a diversity of colors was enhanced by the sun, while the International Day of Peace (IDP) was celebrated in the Naciones Unidas (United Nations) Square, in Buenos Aires (Argentina), under the motto "Peace in our community".
The joint work of numerous organizations - most of them members of the Peace Council - blossomed. Songs, dances and prayers all took place one after the other within a joyful environment of peace, in which the presence of children and grandparents was remarkable. 
The Bolivian and the Japanese communities together with Argentinian native groups, different NGOs and the Villasoles institute - where language of signs interpreters are brought up - , performed typical dances and songs and were gathered in peace circles with the attending audience with which they shared feelings, wishes and prayers.
 This was also the day during which we, as a community, took part in the Billion Tree Campaign that is being carried out all over the world. To do so, at the end of the celebration, a tree was planted on the left side of the square. The chosen species was a timbó - an Argentinian native tree - and, as suggested by an environmental expert, two godmothers were named to look after it during its growth - one of them being my granddaughter Quimey.
We hope this tree that was planted before the eyes of many children and different communities will, in future years, protect the ground with its shadow and will go beyond generations.
This is a close down of the activities we have been organizing regarding the Billion Tree Campaign. Some schools have received informal lectures about the importance of trees both for the environment and the culture of peace. In this sense, their students have committed themselves to plant trees in free places near their education institutions.
Fazlia Colony, Lahore, Pakistan
On September 20th, the International Day of Peace Vigil started in Pakistan. The Peace and Development Foundation (PDF) conducted a get together. The program started with prayer and focused specifically on the countries and nations most affected by war and religious conflicts.
Adult groups, youth and children presented songs that expressed the day's spirit. Mr.Younis and I shared words regarding the importance of the day as well as the importance of devotion to promote harmony among nations.
Youth of PDF Arts Society displayed their art work and every one appreciated their beautiful paintings expressing peace, love, and care.
May Peace Prevail on Earth!
Akhter Murad
Coordinator, Peace & Development Foundation (PDF)
Selangor, Malaysia
We just had a very successful and eventful International Day of Peace program, 2007 in Malaysia
In brief,
• The Malaysia Interfaith Network organized a day's forum on Malaysia, My country, My home, for a group of youth leaders on September 16th. They want Peace, Harmony and Global Competitiveness.
• We kicked off our IDP program this year with a launch at the Dataran Merdeka on the eve of IDP.
• The Peace Convoy stopped in Taiping, and there was a nice buka puasa dinner, 57 Partners-for-Peace's recognition and a lighting of 99 lamps in the evening.
• On the morning of the 21st, we all gathered at the Peace Park, Taiping and interacted with the Special people, some of whom will be going to Beijing for the Special Olympics.
• The 99 ways / culture for Peace in Mandarin was launched by the OBJ (Territorial Chief), balloons were released and the Peace Convoy continued their 800km journey to Seremban.
• A special Peace thru Art feast was launched by Dato Goh, and the event there included recognizing 8 new Ambassadors for Peace, ringing the Bell for Peace, releasing some doves, and planting a Peace Pole.
Special thanks to: Mr Beh, Yeap, Halim, Lawrence and team in Taiping; Angie Ng, Alan, James Poon, Linda and team for the Seremban's part; Dr John, Rajaratnam, Sanggat Singh, Rajkumar, Sekina, Dr Thilla, Raja, Thavamarie, PLS and all for staying on with the program; Melanie, for allowing us to use your presentation - it was much appreciated.
Manila, Phillipines
SACRED SONGS OF PEACE
An Interfaith Celebration of the International Day of Peace 2007
September 21, 2007
Conference Hall, Environmental Studies Institute
Miriam College, Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City
As the conference hall started to fill with the flags of different religious symbols and display banners from different faiths, the presentation area also started to fill with musical instruments. On one side: a drum set, electric guitars and amplifiers were positioned; on the other side—gongs, drums and bamboos were laid on the floor. Little by little, group by group, people started to fill the chairs. As the early birds took their seats, videos on the United Religions Initiative (URI) were shown. 
More and more colors filled the hall. They were colors of diversity. Dressed in street clothes, school uniforms, habits, hijabs, orange and white robes, kimonos, ethnic beads, batik, turbans and what not— they were representatives, members, peace advocates, religious and lay, teachers, and a big number of youths and students coming from different faith groups, schools, NGO’s, and spiritual organizations who came to join The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) and the interfaith community in celebrating the International Day of Peace 2007 with “SACRED SONGS OF PEACE” on September 21, 2007 at the Miriam College Environmental Studies Institute.
Nearly 200 people attended the evening’s musical celebration which wove a symphony of prayers, meditation, chanting, songs and dances from various spiritual traditions. Following the Welcome Remarks by URI SEAsia-Pacific regional coordinator & PCFI OIC, Dr. Shakun Vaswani; meditation & silencing was led by Mr. John Dowling of Brahma Kumaris. This was followed by a song number from a special celebrity guest: model/actress-singer/environmentalist Ms. Chinchin Gutierrez (who recently launched an album of interfaith songs.) Writer/dancer/artist-teacher Ms. Maria Abulencia, with the cultural workshop group, Hibla, rendered a spontaneous dance peace ritual. Imam Akmad Wahab of Filipino Muslim Youth Council for Peace & Development offered a Qur’anic chanting prayer and an Islamic song, while the Anada Marga Yoga Society presented a mantra song. This was followed by lively bhajan chanting and dancing by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON/Hare Krishna). Baba Surinder Singh Ragi of Guru Nanak Mission (Sikh) offered a short prayer-chant.
Another lively presentation was rendered by the Salesian Youth Movement of Don Bosco School (Catholic) who brought their whole band with full equipment. A dance number invoking Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and remover of obstacles, was then presented by the Hindu girls in their traditional classic dance costumes, while equally colorful in their kimonos and Japanese outfits were members of Shinji Shumei Kai, who also offered chanting and a dance.
Another special group that performed was the Kulay-Wala band --composed of youths from the grassroots community of Brgy. Camarin—representing the GenPeace Youth Network. This was followed by an innovative step dance performed by youths from the Baha’i Faith national center, and a song number from Mr. Bob Guerrero of the Unitarian Universalist community of Manila. Finally, the Byakko Shinko Kai performed the Divinity-In (movement prayer/mudra), preceding the concluding ceremonies.
 The evening was capped with the reading of the UN secretary general’s official message on IDP 2007 and the World Peace Prayer ceremony. This was led by WPPS representative, Mr. Toots Fungo, who distributed to each one in the hall during the ceremony the flag-cards representing the different world nations for which everyone prayed for peace to prevail.
Through Shakun as URI SEAP regional coordinator and PCFI executive director Ms. Marites Africa (who hosted the whole program), the organizers heartfully thank all the participants, performers, volunteers and supporters, and all those who attended the event-- especially representatives from the JPICC-AMRSP (UN-IDP secretariat), Xaverian Missionaries, Miriam Center for Peace Education, Young Moro Professionals Network, Christian Peacemakers Team, Canossa School - Sta. Rosa, Roots of Learning, PeaceTeach, Pax Christi. Thank you all for the beautiful and powerful stand for unity and peace!
Sargodha, Pakistan
Let's pledge to make every day a day of Peace.
“Let's all forget our past quarrels, hatred and conflicts and look forwards to the dawning of a new day of love and peace,” said Rev Fr Mukhtar Alam.
“All of us, the followers of different faiths, believers of various gods, should co-exist peacefully in a single society,” stated advocate Mustansar Bajwa as he defined Peace according to Pakistani legislation.
“Islam is the religion of love, unity, understanding and honesty, Islam doesn't enforce any thing,” explained engineer Malik Nazir about the teachings of Islam on account of peace and tolerance.
These three honourable guests were talking to the participants of a study circle conducted by Rays of Development (ROD) Cooperative Circle (CC) under the aegis of United Religions Initiative (URI.) They conducted the study circle to commemorate the occasion of the International Day of Peace.
Participants of the study circle were people of all ages and from all walks of life – the grassroots level of the society. The study circle commenced with recitation from the Holy Quran & Holy Bible. Students of St Paul's High School presented garlands of roses to each of the Honourable Guests as a token of love and respect. Hosting the Study Circle, Mr. Zimran Elias (ROD) shared and discussed the aims and objectives of URI with the audience.
Azeem (ROD) and Shahzeb (ROD) earned admiration and a round of applause by singing a song of Peace. Mr. Jawad Mazhar (ROD) read and translated the message of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon.
During the discussion and suggestion session, Mr. Nazir Wilson and Mr. Yousaf Siraj shared their experiences with other participants. Both the eminent elders from the society appreciate these types of activities, and they underscored the need of such programs. They said that study circles of this kind would pave the path to prosperity, interfaith peace, tolerance and harmony.
The chairman of ROD, Mr. Ferhan Mazher, thanked all the participants and honourable guests. He said that it is the prime objective of ROD to create a society free of all sorts of discrimination, violence, unrest and intolerance. He added that to achieve this goal we must neglect each other’s short comings, faults and slip-ups and must also take care of and respect each other’s rights.
Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)
Every day should be a peace day.
We should leave parochialism far behind and embrace each other with love.
On the International day of Peace, Rays of Development (ROD) Organization in Sargodha Pakistan and United Religions Initiative (URI) carried out a survey about 'The peace in the world' at the Federal Government Post Graduate College for Women (FGPGW), Wah Cantt, Pakistan regarding the International Day of Peace on Sept 21st, 2007. Promotion of peace and eradication of all sorts of discrimination are the prime objectives of the ROD. Participants in this survey were students and educationists from different departments.
Lecturer in English at FG Post Graduate College for Women, Wah Cantt, and ROD human rights activist, Ms Khadijah Shah, conducted interviews and posed many questions to the participants concerning Peace and the significance of International Day of Peace on Sept 21st, 2007 as announced by the United Nations.
Professor Marjorie (Head of the English department), Ms. Saira Ali (Student), Professor Wajiha Mateen (Head of the Home Economics Department), Ms. Yasmeen Itrat (Head of the Psychology Department), Ms. Iram Shah (Lecturer in Psychology), Ms. Fehmida Salah-ud-din (Professor in English Literature), Ms. Yasmeen Azeem (Lecturer in Economics), Ms. Ayesha Zafar (President, Urdu Debating Society,) and Ms. Faryal Mansoor (MA English Gold Medallist) were interviewed by the ROD activist Ms. Khadijah Shah.
Almost all the participants agreed upon the notion that the root cause of the genesis of conflict, intolerance, terrorism, unrest and violence in the world is socio-economic injustice. Some participants were of the idea that, in some cases, religious fundamental clerics also back the violence in the society. They said that blood is being shed, and people are being abducted and harassed in the name of religion and God. Some participants blasted the US for its dualistic policies. They attributed the present global instability to the US. They also added that US foreign policy has actually robbed the World of its peacefulness.
When asked by Ms. Shah, “How can we bring peace in Pakistan?” the participants came up with different ideas. Some said that each one of us should learn to respect the beliefs of other faiths. Others were of the opinion that every individual must enjoy the freedom of worship in line with his customs, rites and ideology. Interviewees added that we should not let down others by leg pulling and conspiracies. Instead we are supposed to help and co-operate with each other so that peace and prosperity might return to the motherland.
Replying to a question, participants regretted that each one of us is responsible for the present unrest, terrorism and war in the World. They pressed on the necessity of love, peace and tolerance. They also added that we should learn to co-exist peacefully in Pakistan. Moreover, Pakistanis should forge unity in their ranks.
Ms. Khadijah Shah added that modern man is very materialist and selfish. She went on saying that teachers should teach their students the ways to bring peace in the world. A good teacher should treat and teach his/her students without any sort of discrimination.
In a joint statement, Ms. Khadijah Shah and ROD Chief Mr. Ferhan Mazher said that every day should be observed as peace day by each and every human being on the face of the earth.
The chief of ROD asserted that we should leave parochialism far behind and embrace each other with love, peace, tolerance, freedom and harmony with open hearts and open minds on this day. The ROD Chairman appealed to the top world leadership for a cease-fire on this auspicious occasion and also asked them to think about what we have lost in the War.
Survey and Reported by ROD team comprising:
Ms Khadijah Shah, Jawad Mazhar, Ashir Emmanuel, Nadeem Samuel, Adnan Saeed, Imran Mazher, Zimran Elias and Adil Naseem.
Tajikistan
Love and Peace,
These were two keywords on our gathering on the International Day of Peace, 21st of September at the Z.Shahidi Musem of Musical Culture. We linked that Day with the Year of Rumi, which is widely celebrated in Tajikistan. Participants –about forty people- all brilliant experts of Rumi, scholars, poets, singers, were singing songs of Love and Peace. The doors were very open for everybody. We were happy that Shaikh Bashir Ahmad Dultz could join us and be our dearest guest. He was one of the participants for the International Conference on Jelaluddin Rumi. Shaikh Bashir told about the principles and activity of URI, which raised a great interest in the participants.
All participants greeted and congratulated him with the European award of 2005.
We had ‘mantu’ –a dish, which translates from Tajiki as ‘I and You’, which also sounds like URI.
The music and singing created a very open and harmonic atmosphere.
With All the Best to All
Munira Shahidi
Warispura, Pakistan
Members of the Women and Kids Education Cooperation Circle (WAKE CC) celebrated the International Day of Peace in Warispura Faisalabad. School Children and staff prayed for peace in the whole world and also prayed for the activities of URI on the International Day of Peace.
Pictures by Sabina Rifat, coordinator of the WAKE CC
East India
Dear Friends, Namaste and greetings from India,
URI East India celebrated the International Day of Peace (IDP 2007) and were very honored to host the Rev. Can. Charles P. Gibbs, Executive Director of URI, and Mark Mancao, Project Manager for URI, who attended the event along with Respected Gandhian, Sisir Kumar Sanyal, and the Chairperson of the Bankura Municipal Corporation, Ms.Shiuli Middya. Two URI Cooperation Circles, the Ektaan CC the recently affiliated Rural Development Society (RDS,) jointly hosted the program at Gandhi Museum in the Bankura district. This Gandhi Museum was built or, rather, was created by the award money from the Government to Gandhian Sisir Kumar Sanyal. This was the first time ever in the district that people heard about interfaith work -- URI is the first organization to go beyond the city limits to rural areas where the caste and creed are still vibrant to this day, like they were the moment after the earth quake.
Unfortunately, the peace rally that had been planned was cancelled at the very last moment due to a political strike, but we had a houseful of people attend activities in the evening. The description of the activities are below.
We honored the guests, and then we started the evening with one minute in silence. We then sang the opening Song on Peace from Tagore Poetry. After that, we honored Gandhi and his speech and message to the young generation. There was then a Peace Message given by our district’s Chairperson, who is the only women in the government to become chairperson in the district, so she was honored as the first citizen of Bankura.
Charles Gibbs gave out URI pins to the guests and then honored both CC leaders. He then read the Peace Proclamation and Gandhian Sisir Sanyal received the  proclamation on behalf of CCs in the zone. The first monthly news bulletin for the region had been started and it was released during the celebration by the URI director. There was then a message to the Mass by Mark Mancao, Vrajapati and Charles. We ended with an Ektaan Peace song.
After the event, which was an hour and half long, we socialized for a few minutes and went to visit the Museum. Due to a black out, we could not finish, however. Instead, we moved on to our dinner reception with guests from various level of the society, where we interacted with them regarding future planning and building local connections and bridges across cultures.
People that attended the event were very inspired and, for us, this event brought people together from various communities.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
By Biswadeb Chakraborty
Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
The Interfaith Cooperation Circle – Central Virginia, along with the Synchronicity Foundation for Modern Spirituality, hosted a wonderful celebration of the International Day of Peace. On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 20, (Eve of the International Day of Peace) we viewed the inspiring DVD "Peace One Day" at the downtown Charlottesville library and had an Interfaith Pray for Peace celebration by candle-light next door at Lee Park. It was a beautiful evening. Many thanks to all who worked to make it happen and all those who participated!!
By Ron Povich
Lahore, Pakistan
In Lahore, Pakistan, the Tehreek Taraque E Insaniat CC held a celebration, forum, and  candlelight vigil for the International Day of Peace. Women and men of all ages attended, as well as children. They made a large banner dedicated to Peace and had speakers address the room full of people of all ages. Children sang and everyone held hands in prayer. Near the end of the ceremony, everyone participated in a candle light vigil to show their commitment and dedication to promoting a more just and peaceful world for people of all ages and creeds.
Pictures submitted by Yuel Bhatti
Ethiopia
The Interfaith Peace- Building Initiative (IPI), a member of URI, commemorated the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21, 2007 at the African Union Hall, a symbolic place where IPI/URI erected a Peace Pole in the past. In this special peace program, religious leaders/representatives, ambassadors, members of Diplomatic Corps, representatives of African Union, UNECA, Catholic Relief Service Ethiopia (CRS), Government Officials, Civil Societies, Members of the Ethiopian Council of Elders, members of IPI, and other invited guests that sum up to 290 individuals were present.
The program started with peace prayers and messages from religious leaders/representatives followed by welcoming and opening remarks from Mussie Hailu, the Board Chairman of IPI and the regional coordinator of URI Africa. In his remarks, Mussie stressed the importance of acknowledging and living the Golden Rule, which states “treat others the way you want to be treated.” This rule is meant to bring lasting peace to ourselves, our family, community, society, and to our world as a whole, and it integrates the role of religion in peace-building and reconciliation. In an inspiring speech, he called upon:
- religious leaders in Africa to work with us to foster interfaith harmony and cooperation as well as to build a culture of peace and reconciliation in Africa.
- all citizens and religious leaders of the world, mayors, heads of state, the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the League of Arab States, interfaith organizations, schools, higher learning institutions, the business community and civil society to join the Interfaith Peace-building Initiative in Ethiopia and proclaim a Golden Rule Day.
- the African Union, UN and international communities for a fundamental change in dealing with conflict, asking them to shift from reaction to prevention.
- the African Union and its 53 state countries to give due attention to the role of religions in peace building and reconciliation
- all members of the Ministry of Education in Africa to develop peace education as part of their curriculum
- all religious leaders in Africa to affirm their commitment to work together to promote interfaith harmony, a culture of peace and reconciliation
- all members' states of the AU to exert their utmost efforts to ensure that religious and cultural sites are fully respected and protected
In addition, on behalf of the IPI, he expressed profound pleasure in and acknowledgement of the establishment of the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for peace at the United Nations and called for the African Union to have the same forum.
Following these inspiring remarks by Mussie, a representative of the Africa Union, Mr. Geffary, delivered a peace message and remarks. Then, Sr. Laetitia Borg, member of the IPI Board, read the message sent by His Excellency Tim Clarke, representative of the European Union. Following this message, Mr. Robert M. Okello, Director of NEPAD & Regional Integration Division (NRID) and OIC to the Commission, delivered his peace remarks and read the Message from the United Nations Secretary General for the International Day of Peace. Country Representative of Catholic Relief Service Ethiopia (CRS), Mr David Orth- Moore, also passed on his peace message and confirmed the continued partnership of the CRS with IPI.
Subsequently, W/ro Senait Mekete, Board Member of IPI, read the Peace Proclamation and the IPI youth presented the Amharic and English Version of Golden Rule. Then W/ro Aissetu Barry, Executive Director of IPI, read the Golden Rule Proclamation.
During this occasion, IPI also honoured Prof. Ephraim Isaac and the Council of Elders of Ethiopia with the Peace Award Of The Year, acknowledging their enthusiastic and self-motivated efforts, as well as their significant contribution in the process of peace and reconciliation in the country, especially in relation to the government pardon and release of Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) leaders and members.
In addition, during this colourful event, religious leaders and honorary members of IPI presented the peace cup, peace medals, framed Golden Rule posters (in English and Amharic) and Chest Pin with IPI logo for the Awardees, members of the Elders Council. Prof. Ephraim Isaac, on behalf of the Council, extended his happiness and warm regards for IPI and stressed the importance of practicality in our day-to-day life for bringing peace and justice in our world.
At noon, all the participants held a moment of silence led by Mr. Robert Okello, representative of the UNECA, wishing/praying for the prevalence of peace on Earth.
Finally, the program adjured with a vote of thanks and closing remarks by Dr. Azeb Tamirat, Vice Board Chairperson. The event was well covered by different national media.
May Peace Prevail on Earth
Lahore, Pakistan
On 21, September 2007 the “Basharat-E- Ibn-E- Mariam women and children development organization” arranged to celebrate the International Day of Peace at the Basharat-E- Ibn-E- Mariam School Youhanabad, Lahore.
The program was started with a peace walk. Children from different schools had flags from different countries in their hands. They were also carrying different slogans about peace: “We want peace,” “Stop the war,” “No more war,” “Say no to weapons,” “Peace is possible,” “My home is a place for peace,” “My schools may place for peace,” “We need books not bombs,” and “May peace prevail on earth.”
After the walk, Mr. Francis Xavier offered a special prayer for global peace and asked for one minute of silence for Peace. The peace candle was lit by the youngest student-master, Jerry John.
Mr. Diamond Joseph, Head Master of Govt. School Sargodha and the Chief Guest for the ceremony, said that young students are our future; they can practice acts of love and peace from their schools and homes. We should respect each other’s religions. He also offered words of appreciation for the teachers and management for arranging such a colorful Peace Day for the young students. Then, children sang songs for peace and unity as well as read speeches and poems. The program was ended with the prayer of Miss. Margaret Rose.
Francis Xavier
President
Basaharat-E-Ibn-E-Mariam
Women and Children Development Org.
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