Thirteen program in Pakistan.  Fr James Channan OP.

In accordance with the declaration of the United Nations to celebrate International Day of Peace on 21^st of September many programs were organized by various organizations in Multan, Lahore, Gudjrat, and Islamabad. It was a wonderful experience for the URI family in Pakistan to fill the entire day with celebrations! Here are highlights of the programs which were organized by the United Religions Initiative (URI) in full partnership with many other organizations. Our national press gave prominent coverage to our peace events. 

1.  Holy Mass offered for the Global Peace, Multan
The staff and students of the Pastoral Institute Multan offered Holy Mass for global peace to begin the International Day of Peace at 6.30AM in their Chapel.  The Main Celebrant of this Holy Mass was Rev. James Channan, OP; special readings were chosen from the Holy Bible on the message of peace and love.

The students sang peace songs and a homily was given on global peace; the role of the United Nations in promoting global peace and peace messages of Pope Benedict XI and Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, were quoted. The students and staff offered petitions before God for peace in the world, especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel/Palestine.

2. Peace Walk, Multan
An impressive celebration took place before the Press Club of Multan in the form of a Peace Walk which was jointly organized by the Multan Peace Net Work, Taraqi Pasand Organization, URI Pakistan and Caritas Pakistan Multan. Over 100 persons including children, women and men gathered before the Press Club at 10.30 AM for the Peace Walk. Pigeons were released, peace song sung. Small children were holding play cards with slogan such as: “We want peace and not war.” “May Peace Prevail On Earth,” “May Peace Prevail in Pakistan,” and “Give us Books not Bombs.”

This walk was from the New Multan City Chowk (Square) and lead by the organizers: Mr. Sabtain Raza Lodhi, Fr James Channan OP, Muhammad Jamil, Mr. Samuel Clement and  Dr. Kishwar Murad. Fr James Channan, Director Pastoral Institute Multan and URI Coordinator for Asia led the Peace Walk was the Chief Guest and Mr. Muhammad Jamil was the Chief Organizer. While addressing the press Fr. James  said, “Pakistan is a peace loving country and we as members of different organizations are putting our full role in promoting peace. We should be afraid of a small number of people who disturb peace and promote terrorism. We congratulate President Musharraf for his liberal policies and for making all citizens of Pakistan equal by abolishing separate electorates.” Fr. Channan appreciated and urged the government of Pakistan to carry on dialogue with the government of Israel for this is only way to resolve the decades of issue of Palestine. He also urged the government of Pakistan to celebrate this day at government level.  Mr. Muhammad Jamil said it is the prime objective of the Multan Peace Network to work for interfaith harmony and tolerance. He congratulated Mr. Kofi Annan for urging all of us to work for the noble cause of peace all around the world. 

3.  Seminar at Workers Welfare School, Multan
One seminar on the theme of “Development of Peace and Harmony was organized by the Crescent Lines Club of Multan. At was organized at Workers Welfare High School in Multan. The entire school staff and over 500 students were present for this seminar. The students of the school made beautiful speeches on the need of promoting peace and harmony among religions and they emphasized that Islam the religion of peace and thus values must be practiced at all levels of the lives of Muslims. Exactly at 12.00 noon ONE MINUTE of SILENCE was observed by all participants per the suggestion of Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations. Presenters included Mrs. Shagufta Kanwal, Principal of the School; Mr. Sabtain Raza Lodhi; and Coordinator of the Taraqi Pasad Tehreeq; Mr Waseem Mumtaz and Mr. Shakir. Mr. Ijaz Ahmed, President of the Crescent Lines Club, presided over the seminar and Fr. James Channan OP was the Chief Guest.

In his presidential remarks, Mr. Ijaz said that we must fight terrorism at all levels and we must destroy its roots. The root cause of terrorism is ignorance and non acceptance of the other around us. In his observation there is no danger of Clash of Civilization or Clash of Religions, for him it is the Clash of Ignorance and lack of knowledge. Fr. James Channan congratulated the principal and organizers of the seminars and said our religions teach us love, peace, tolerance, forgiveness and care of the others. There is Golden Rule which is found in all religions and that is “Do unto others; what you would like them to do unto you”.  This rule if found in the teaching and holy books of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism etc. If all of us practice this golden role and act upon it we can bring lasting peace in the entire world. He also mentioned that Christian and Muslims make 54 % of the world population; if the followers of both of religions have dialogue then peace will certainly prevail on earth.