URI Participates in International Day of Peace 2004

From prayer vigils and youth-led workshops, to making music and climbing mountains, Cooperation Circle (CC) members around the world marked International Day of Peace 2004 on Sept. 21. To find out more about this special day and the events that took place around the world, visit the International Day of Peace website. URI events included:

Everest Peace Project CC, USA
From Lance Trumbull, San Francisco Bay Area

The Everest Peace Project CC accomplished a Peace Climb of Mt. Shasta, a 14,162 ft. mountain in California. The climbed this peak on The International Day of Peace. On the team were climbers from Israel, Palestine, Nepal, Vietnam, India, and in the United States from San Jose, California and Boulder, Colorado.

In line with the United Nations goals, the climbers paid special tribute on Mt. Shasta to this important day in which all nations and people of the earth are encouraged to observe a 24 hour period of global ceasefire and non-violence and to recognize the importance of peace and cooperation. The meaning was in the climb itself, as the climbers overcame personal and cultural differences to work together as a team. The message is clear: in an atmosphere of international peace - cultural, religious and political barriers can be surmounted; and through friendship and teamwork even the tallest mountain in the world can be climbed. On the summit of Mt. Shasta the "Peace Climbers" from various faiths and cultures joined together and faced the direction of Mt. Everest (the mountain they will together climb next year) as they planted the United Nations’ flag.

Fundacion Proyecto 3 Milenio CC, Argentina
From Susi Reich Giesso, Presidente, Fundación Proyecto 3er. Milenio, Buenos Aires

To celebrate the international day of peace, Fundacion Proyecto 3 Milenio CC was invited to plant a peace pole at the opening of a Seminar called Valores Para Vivir (Values to Live By) for teachers and educators and organized by Rotary International, and CEPEC, Instituto de Capacitacion Docente.

New York City, United States
International Day of Peace, September 21 at Ground Zero
From Monica Willard, URI UN NGO Representative

Jane Goodall joined in the International Day of Peace Activities partially organized by URI's UN NGO Representative

Dr. Jane Goodall joined with members of her world wide organization, Roots and Shoots by flying Giant Peace Doves on September 21 to mark the International Day of Peace in New York City at Ground Zero. As a Messenger of Peace for the United Nations, she joined Secretary-General Kofi Annan when he rang the Peace Bell at the United Nations to begin the commemoration for the International Day of Peace. That afternoon, Monica Willard, United Religions Initiative UN NGO Representative, made arrangements for Jane to meet with Fr. Lyndon Harris, the Executive Director of The Sacred City Project. As the former Vicar at St. Paul's Episcopal Church across the street from the site of the World Trade Center, Fr. Harris began and directed the nine month, 24 hour a day relief operation that offered food and comfort for all of the rescue workers at Ground Zero. His Sacred City Project now connects faith communities to the rebuilding effort for lower Manhattan.

Fr. Harris led a small group holding the Peace Doves as we walked and prayed at Ground Zero. We remembered those who died at this site and those who die and are injured by violence everywhere. Together we recognized the International Day of Peace Resolution that calls for ceasefire and nonviolence as we called for peace, justice and healing in our hearts, our nation and the world.

We walked to St. Paul's where Jane Goodall concluded the observance by ringing their Bell of Hope. The group included Captain Scott Shields and his rescue dog, Theodore; Deborah Moldow, Nickolai Parker and Angelica Cubides from the World Peace Prayer Society; students from the Hewlett School; and a few members from the Wisconsin based Course in Miracles. The four from St. John's Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor brought their giant Peace Dove via the Long Island Railroad and subway to be part of the observance.

We ended the IDP at Our Voices, Our World, a festive celebration and live webcast to culminate
11 Days of Global Unity organized by We, the World. Presenters and entertainment included Jane Goodall, Marianne Williamson, Gemma and a World Peace Flag Ceremony.

Just across the street from the United Nations, while heads of State were speaking at the General Assembly, there was an Interfaith Service for the International Day of Peace organized by the Tillman Chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations, Religions for Peace-USA and the World Council of Churches.

URI and the World Peace Prayer Society, USA
From Monica Willard, URI UN NGO Representative and Deborah Moldow, World Peace Prayer Society

This year, the United Religions Initiative joined the World Peace Prayer Society and Pathways to Peace as NGO hosts of the Dept. of Public Information annual observance of the International Day of Peace for school children, held on Friday, Sept. 17 at United Nations headquarters. This year’s theme was Peace Through Sport, highlighting the Olympics and the upcoming 2005 International Year for Sport and Physical Education. Young people in New York were linked via satellite to youth and athletes hosted by the UN Peacekeeping Missions in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Sierra Leone. The event continued the tradition of a World Peace Flag Ceremony in which the youth at all the sites presented each nation’s flag and all together sent to every UN Member State the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

To view the program and webcast of the event, click here.

Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI) CC, Uganda
From Philip Okin, Coordinator in Kampala

The theme of the peace day was developed from the global theme: “STRENGTHENING SOLIDARITY IN THE REGION TO END THE VIOLENT CONFLICT IN NORTHERN UGANDA.” This theme will build on the idea of creating a global ceasefire if we appreciate the different roles played in peace work. The theme was developed by ARLPI and Kabarole Resource Center (KRC) purposely to give a regional outlook to the commemoration of the International Day of Peace in Gulu.

The objectives for the commemoration of the IDP in Gulu are geared towards generating concerted efforts in the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Northern Uganda. This is perceived as a collective responsibility for not only Ugandans but all the people in the great lakes region.

1. To reinforce the hopes of the people in Northern Uganda that peace and stability can be achieved despite the 18 years of suffering
2. To strengthen solidarity among the different stakeholders in pursuing peace for Uganda.
3. To appreciate and recognize the roles of the different stakeholders in pursuing a peaceful end to the conflict in Northern Uganda.
4. To promote the culture of unity, reconciliation and non-violence among the people in the great lakes region and Uganda in particular

There was a peace week from 20th -25th September 2004. The actual day for the final celebration will be 25th September 2004 whereby partners in the region and elsewhere were invited to join in the commemoration. KRC and ARLPI coordinated the Peace Day celebration while other stakeholders (civil society organizations) involved in peace work discussed the various activities they would undertake as countdown activities to the International Day of Peace. All activities were to promote consciousness about the peace process in northern Uganda

Foro Espiritual de Santiago por la Paz CC, Chile
From Dr. Gerardo Gonzalez, Coordinator

Sept. 21 was again a wonderful opportunity for the Spiritual Forum of Santiago for Peace CC, based in the capital city of Chile, to celebrate with interfaith prayers the UN International Day of Peace. As in 2002 and 2003, this activity took several days. From Thursday 16 through Sunday 19, communities belonging to the various religions and spiritual traditions which are active in Santiago met in their own places (churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, etc.) to pray from their own faith for peace in the world, aware that other communities, built upon other faiths and spiritual traditions, were doing the same in other places of our city, our country and the world.

On Tuesday 21st many schools -- most of them linked to the Catholic Church-- celebrated with prayers the International Day of Peace. In the evening a Central Ceremony of Interfaith prayers for Peace in the World was carried out at a huge hall of Telefónica, the highest building of the city and symbol of modernity and the globalized business world. Our prayers made sacred that secular place at least for a couple of hours.

One hundred and ninety flags of countries from different continents hanging from the ceiling brought us in contact with all the peoples of the world. Representatives from thirteen religions and spiritual traditions (including Christians, Jews, Moslems, Buddhists, Sikhs, Sufis, Bahá'ís, Mapuches and BKs) seated in a circle at the center of the hall, surrounded by a multi-religious audience of five hundred people (see pictures below). As in previous years, they prayed one by one, using their own sacred languages, songs and rituals. At the end of each prayer, a flower was deposited in a flower vase at the very center of the circle. Thus, at the end of the round of prayers, a beautiful bouquet of flowers was there, representing "our unity in diversity". A collective prayer ("May peace prevail on...") focusing on some specific countries of the world, which have been suffering violence and death, followed. The event ended with all the participants reading in loud voice a Declaration for Peace in the World and singing for peace.

Peacemakers' Circle CC, Philippines
From URI Global Council Trustee from Manila, Shakuntala Vaswani

24 HOURS FOR PEACE was the theme of the IDP celebrations in the Philippines which the Peacemakers' Circle in association with the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) and Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPICC) and their mission partners organized to commemorate the IDP.

For 24 hours we dared each person, home, place of worship, community, workplace wherever anyone was, to make an effort to stop every thought and act that was unkind, hostile, violent and evil. For at least 24 hours we would make ourselves aware of the violent conflicts that are already present in the world. For 24 hours we would try… see …and know… that Peace is not only possible, peace is necessary!

A celebration program was also organized in the afternoon at the “ Liwasang Aurora” within the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. Despite the intermittent rains, around 400 people from diverse faith traditions and walks of life turned up to join the celebrations which commenced at 2.30 pm with lilting music of the flute and traditional instruments and an ethnic ritual to invoke peace in the four elements. Prayers for peace from different faith traditions followed. All nations were also blessed by the World Peace Prayer Society with a colorful display of the flags of the various nations.

The President of the Quezon City Parks Development Foundation, Inc. Atty. Charito Planas welcomed all to the Circle and complimented us on the undertaking. Sr. Estella Cordero, FdCC. gave the introductory remarks after which the message of the UN Secretary General was read out.
Colorful and creative presentations from youths of different cause-oriented groups highlighted the plight of the poor, and challenges paused by degradation of the environment, terrorism and violence. Also remembering the martial law period in the Philippines whose declaration in 1972 by President Marcos falls on this same day.

A Statement of Unity calling on all people and nations to forge lasting peace with justice was read out by interfaith representatives and endorsed by those present. Three doves were joyfully released in to the sky to symbolize the call for peace. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of candles for peace and a walk around the Circle. The procession aroused the curiosity of the motorists and commuters, many of whom cheered, waved, and showed their support. The leading TV channels covered the event in their news bulletins. The event ended with interfaith representatives leading all in the Peacemakers’ Circle prayer and singing of “Let there be peace on earth” and a call to everyone to continue to build peace in our families, communities, countries and the world. It was a touching and memorable celebration of solidarity that will continue motivating us in our efforts for peacebuliding.

Women’s Interfaith Encounter CC, Israel
From Elana Rosenman from Jerusalem

Shares a prayer for peace:

“May it be pleasing before Thee, Lord our God and God of our Fathers
To abolish wars and shedding of blood from the world
And to extend peace great and wondrous through the world
No more shall nation lift up sword unto nation - and no more shall they learn war
Only let all the dwellers on earth recognize and know the very truth
That we have not come to this world for the sake of strife and division (God forbid)
Nor for the sake of hatred and envy, provocation and shedding of blood (God forbid)
Only we come to the world in order to recognize and know Thee
Be Thou Blessed Forever…
May the Scripture be fulfilled, as is written:
And I will give peace in the land
And you shall lie down with none to make you tremble
And I will cause evil beasts to cease from the land
And the sword shall not pass through your land.

Rabbi Nathan of Braslav - “Likkutei Tefilot” Pt. 2 Sect. 53

California, United States
New Vision United Methodist Church
From Margaret Jones (URI CC member)

On Sunday, Sept. 19, our New Vision United Methodist Church (NVUMC) celebrated the September 21st United Nations and United Religions Initiative (UN/URI) International Day of Peace. The church was decorated on one front wall with a 'peace banner.'- multicolored with a white dove in the center, and on the other front wall was a blue and white UN flag. After Rev. Sun Hee Kim spoke to the children and youth about living with love and the meaning of the UN Flag, the young people placed flags of other nations in front of the altar. Rev. Jeff Kunkel's sermon on 'The Serenity Prayer' focused our thoughts toward prayerful peace.

Following the service the congregation gathered in the patio around the 6 foot 'peace pole,' which was surrounded by the international flags - moved there from the sanctuary by the youth. A lighted peace sign hung over the Fellowship Hall door. After the adult and youth choirs led the congregation in singing several interfaith songs, we entered the Hall for a special luncheon. There was a descriptive display of the history and overview of the United Nations and of the United Religions Initiative.
We shared the fact that the morning's interfaith service and peace event had been a truly heartwarming experience - exemplified in a quote from Sojourners Magazine:

Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the Universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help
the greatest of all causes - goodwill among men and peace on earth. -Albert Einstein

Campinas CC, Brazil
From Salette, Sao Paulo

This CC celebrated the International Day of Peace in Campinas, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The CC held an Interfaith Event, that took place on Sunday, September 19 in one of the most popular squares of the city.

The program started with the presentation of a chorus. Twenty children, of a poor local neighborhood and who are assisted by the spiritualist tradition, sang beautiful interfaith songs related to peace. After that, 8 representatives from different traditions (Baha'i, Brahma Kumaris, Catholic, Lutheran, Muslim, Judaism, and Candomble) were together to say what PEACE represents in their tradition. It was a moment of enrichment for all.

Civil Society CC, Pakistan
From Fr. James Channan, OP, Global Council Trustee, Multan, Pakistan

URI family in Pakistan where Sr. Naseem George, Coordinator of Civil Society CC, Pastoral Institute students and myself are holding peace doves and candles in our hands to celebrate International Peace Day in Multan.

The staff and students of the Pastoral Institute Multan had a two hour peace program to commemorate the International Peace Day. The students of the Pastoral Institute presented peace tableaus, hymns, drama, and dances. Speeches were also given on the imperative need of peace all around the world. The hall was beautifully decorated with peace slogans with the symbol of a white dove and branches of olives. The staff and students put stickers of the World Peace Prayer Society on which it is written 'May Peace Prevail on Earth and Strengthen the UN.' We also offered prayers around the Peace Pole with lamps shining around it and all prayed together.

TTI-CC, Peace & Development Foundation CC, Pakistan
From Yuel Bhatti, Coordinator

The TTI-CC collaborated with PDF-Pakistan and St. MAry's Church - Gulberg, The International Harvest Church, UP Church, the Pentecostal Church, and PDF-Women's Circle to host this year's International Day of Peace events. Prayers for peace and songs for peace were offered in all the churches. They also hosted a Community Meeting to raise issues of peacebuilding and to talk about the Peace Walk to the India/Pakistan border. There was also an Interfaith Children's Peace Walk where 500 Muslim and Christian children participated and held banners for peace.

Travel Agents CC, Pakistan
From Mr. Asad Yameen, Coordinator

The Travel Agent CC in Lahore, Pakistan organized a program for the International Day of Peace 2004. On Sept. 20, an event attended by 250 people was held with the help of Thai AIrways and the Pearl Continental Hotel. The meeting started at 8pm woth the recitation of the Holy Quran. Then the Manager of Thai Airways gave out ten awards for top travel agents. The Travel Agent CC told of its efforts to promote peace and harmony through its connection to URI and this was well-received by the large audience.

Women and Children Development CC, Pakistan
From Anila Gill, Youth Coordinator of this CC in Lahore

On Sept. 21 the Women And Children Development Organization celebrated International Day of Peace with the collaboration of IPB, WPPS and URI. The Ceremony started with a prayer for peace in the world. Special prayers were offered for the peace of India, Peace of Pakistan, Peace of Kashmir, Peace of Afghanistan and Iraq. During the walk, children raised signs with the slogan “STOP THE WAR,” “NO WEAPONS, NO WAR,” and “ MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH.” Children held different cards on which these phrases were written, “WE ARE PEACEBUILDERS” “WE ARE PEACE FIGHTERS” “WE ARE PEACE LOVERS.” Flags of different countries make the ceremony colorful. The ceremony was ended with a peace song. May Peace Prevail On Earth!

CC of Dialogue of Cultures, Tajikistan
From Munira Shahidi, URI Global Council Trustee and CC Contact, Dushanbe

An International Peace Day celebration, initiated by the CC of Dialogue of Cultures under the direction of the Ziyodullo Shahidi International Foundation, with the partnership of the UN Tajikistan Peace-Building Office, was held at the Ziyodullo Shahidi Museum of Musical Culture and the Slavic University of Dushanbe.

There were more than 1500 participants, including representatives of different faiths present in Dushanbe, and perhaps for the first time in the last few years, direct conversations were held between Christians and Muslims. Representatives of the Islamic University of Dushanbe Mohammadjon Oumarof and Mullah Khoja Said spoke about Suras of the Koran and popular hadhithes about peace and openness and hospitality as the main features of the Islamic ethic. The head of the Russian Protestant Church in Dushanbe spoke about the devout Christians of Tajikistan, who sing songs of peace very similar to those which are sung by the Muslims. The head of the Russian Baptist Church in Dushanbe also joined the discussions, speaking of the importance of praying for peace. Candles were lit to express our collective wishes for peace, and songs were sung in several languages in order to give voice to this hope.

The seminar “Dialogue of Religions for the Culture of Peace” was held at the Slavic University of Dushanbe. The speech about Islamic tolerance for diversity of cultures and religions elicited many questions from the students. UN representative Vladimir Schmidt and students exchanged many interesting and constructive points of view during the seminar, as well as the celebration at the museum.

Shanti Sena CC, Sri Lanka
From Ravi, CC Contact

We are very glad to report that we have contributed in a very fitting manner to the UN declared world peace day- 21st September.. It was one of the largest gatherings at Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall, with an estimated crowd of 300 thousand representing every nook and corner of the land. There were The Prime Minister, Government and opposition party leader, several representatives of the Diplomatic corps, many from the International NGOs and Local NGOs. The program was telecast over two hours at a National TV station.

Shanti sena CC too had a fair share of responsibilities as this unprecedented mass of people gathered at the sprawling lawn of BMICH. The 25000 Shanti Sena members joined the "Ahimsa Samadhi" the name given to the days program. 1000 Shanti Sena members were detailed to provide various services.

The people who gathered came from all walks of life belonging to all the communities and faiths. It had a great impact as the numbers that gathered demonstrated the fact that people wished for peace. It also sent a clear message that they wished for peace to the Government as well as the LTTE. In spite of the inclement weather, this large crowd was very dedicated to stay present for this worthy cause. Their yearning for peace has been demonstrated in no uncertain terms. While the TV program was on, we experienced that many more millions had engaged in activities to mark this day in their own villages and temples. We thank you too for being with us in spirit.

Christian-Muslim Dialogue CC, Finland
From Heidi Rautionmaa, Helsinki


From left to right: Pekka Y. Hiltunen, Lutheran - Aino Nenola, Orthodox - Egal Jama Abdellahi, Muslim - Isra Lehtinen, Muslim

This photo was taken Saturday, Sept. 11 when our Christian-Muslim Dialogue CC in Helsinki, hosted a panel discussion among Christians and Muslims with the title: How to eliminate our prejudices. We also had a peace pole with us in the Cultural Center in Helsinki.

The audience felt comfortable asking many difficult questions and the honest sharing was held in a warm atmosphere of understanding. Their dialogue was a concrete example about how to take the first steps toward overcoming prejudices.

Mexico
From Jonathan Rose, URI Global Council Trustee

Shares reflections on attending an event on the International Day of Peace:

It was my privilege on September 21 to attend a ceremony in the P'urhepecha community of Ihuatzio, a small village near Lake Patzcuaro three hours from Mexico City, as part of the 4th International Spirituality Forum of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.

Indigenous participants from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela sounded the traditional conch shells and beat drums throughout the three hour ceremony while singing, praying and speaking in their native languages around the ceremonial fire. Offerings of tobacco, flowers and bread were thrown on the fire while homage was given to the four cardinal points of the planet and to Mother Earth, the sky and every living and inanimate creature on it.

The twin themes were the Autumn Equinox and the U.N. International Day of Peace. Enoe Texier of URI's Venezuelan CC and Marina Villalobos, URI's original participant from Mexico in the pre-Charter years and the hostess of the week long encounter, were among the 150 participants, plus the entire community of Ihuatzio who later offered a simple lunch to all.

Later that evening at the formal opening of the Forum in the nearby city of Morelia silent homage was paid to five deceased participants in previous Forums, one of whom was URI's beloved Padre Luis Dolan. I am hopeful that Marina's organization whose initials in Spanish are CISEI will soon apply for membership as a URI CC. We need them for their universal spirituality and their culture of peace, justice and healing for the earth and all living beings.
The Charlotte CC, USA
From Pat Moore, Charlotte, North Carolina

The Charlotte CC observed UN International Peace Day again this year. The event was covered by the local public radio station on its one-hour morning talk show, Charlotte Talks, aired Sept. 17 and hosted by Mike Collins. An excellent interfaith program was held.

Jerusalem Women's Interfaith Encounter CC, Israel
From Elana Rosenmann, Jerusalem

The Jerusalem Women's Interfaith Encounter asked each member to prepare prayers for peace from their religion as part of the program for the Sept. 21 commemoration for International Day of Peace.

Asociación Intercultural Diálogo CC and Mil Milenios de Paz, Argentina
From Maria Crespo de Mafia, Buenos Aires

This year the Celebration of the International Peace Day was a partnership with Asociación Intercultural Diálogo CC and Mil Milenios De Paz. These groups worked with the Fifth Parliament Assembly of Young Leadership which took place Sept. 15 -17 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This assembly included 300 young people from ages 14 to 25 from different countries in Latin America. They represented their schools, youth organizations ,and other institutions and gathered in the Historic House of the Senate of the Argentine Nation to present innovative proposals to improve education. They also voted on resolutions as Deputies in the Senate.

The purpose of the gathering was to promote leadership and democratic participation of youth and it was a great opportunity to exchange and integrate learning and ideas for the future. Young leaders committed to their communities forged new friendships and created an important communication network. Participants benefited from dialogue with remarkable leaders from different disciplines during the two day capacity building seminar before the Parliament Assembly. Sharing her URI experience, Maria Crespo de Mafia facilitated a workshop for the Youth Committee: Human Relationships and Coexistence with the Natural and Cultural Environment.

URI Interfaith Encounter Association CC, Israel
From Karmela, Rafiqa and Leah - IEA-Reut/Sadaqa CC coordinators

The IEA-Reut/Sadaqa Cooperation Circle held a special meeting on the eve of the International Day of Peace, Sept. 20. The theme was Visions Towards Peace and focused on concrete resolutions for these visions. Each member brought a symbol or picture that represented peace to share with others.

URI Utah CC, United States
From Dave Randle of Utah, USA

Video Messages For World Peace from Around The World

"God weeps over God's world, aching because of conflict in Darfur, in Beslan, in Harare, in Colombia, in Jerusalem, in Belfast," says Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his message for the International Day of Prayer for Peace, to be observed on 21 September.
And he adds: "God - Emmanuel, God with us, with you - has no one but you to help God make this world hospitable to peace and justice."

Although, as Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I affirms in his message, "violence and war are considered by many as ways of improvement for the world's situation," the truth is that "all of the ideologies and convictions on the necessity and effectiveness of violence are wrong and are to be condemned."

Recalling the experience of Germany, where a nonviolent Christian movement contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall 15 years ago, the chairman of the council of the Evangelical Church in Germany Bishop Wolfgang Huber states that "wherever people trust in the spirit of peace in the name of Jesus Christ, they experience that it is a realistic force to be reckoned with, and that possibilities open up."

These are among the peace messages delivered by more than a dozen well-known Christian leaders and peace-makers from all over the world who support the initiative called by for the World Council of Churches (WCC) in the frame of its Decade to Overcome Violence. The inspiring two-minute video messages are also an affirmation of the churches' and faith communities' work for peace and justice.

This WCC initiative links to the International Day of Peace declared by the United Nations General Assembly, a world-wide effort intended as a day of global cease-fire and nonviolence, and as an opportunity for education and raising public awareness.

Amnesty International, World Council of Churches
From Monica Willard, URI's United Nations Representative

Amnesty International actively promoted the International Day of Peace. They were joined in prayer by many. Additionally, The World Council of Churches sent out a press release to invite 550 Million Christians to mark Sept. 21 as an International Day of Prayer for Peace.

Christian Science Prayers for Peace Update, USA
From Sarah Talcott, San Francisco Bay Area

Berkeley, California Christian Science congregations reached out to other faith communities and congregations for the International Day of Peace. They held a prayer service at both First and Second Churches of Christ, Scientist in Berkeley on Sept. 22. Berkeley congregations and other faith communities were invited to join in the service.


New Jerusalem Unity CC, Africa
From Rev. Dingome, Gabon, Africa

Shared a Christian Prayer of Peace for the 21st September International Day of Peace Celebration:

This inspired Christian Prayer for Peace in the world is gracefully given to you by the members of the United Religions Initiative in Gabon, led by Rev. Pastor Johaness D Biyick.

PRAYER:

Lord, listen to my voice,
Lord, listen to my prayer.
Lord, you've said:
if you only love your friends, those related to you,
then you do nothing (of importance).
Teach us to love our enemies,
but mostly, not to have enemies.
You that are a brother of all,
you for whom nobody is a stranger,
Teach us to live in PEACE
with all people, all religions, and all faiths.
By coming unto us,
you brought PEACE in the world.
But the world is still, 2000 years after,
full with wars revolts and hatred.
Humans are fabricating barriers between themselves,
because of money, of racial considerations, because of faith.

We really don't have the right to pray for PEACE
if we aren't doing nothing for it to come.
You want us to be instruments of PEACE,
the PEACEbuilders in fact!
You don't give us PEACE to keep it egoistically
but to share that PEACE with others.
If all the believers in the world would really like to build PEACE,
there are many people of good will
who would like to follow them.

...If we knew how to bring PEACE
in our houses, our nations, and in our world,
then we should really and shamelessly
be proud to call ourselves your children,
recognizing ourselves as your witnesses,
and you as our Heavenly Father.
But lord we can't,
so help us, lord,
help us to bring PEACE, love, and unity
between all your children, your religions, your nations,
your earth you, the only one, have created.
Let that be, Lord
let that be done Lord
let that be done please.
A M E N