Date: August 26, 2026
Venue: Peace Center Lahore
Organized and Hosted By: Fr. James Channan OP
An esteemed gathering of religious leaders, civil society advocates, and United Religions Initiative (URI) Cooperation Circle coordinators convened in Lahore, Pakistan, to mark a momentous international milestone: the 90th birthday of The Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, Founder and President Emeritus of URI.
Bishop William E. Swing originally conceived the United Religions Initiative in 1993 in response to an invitation from the United Nations to host a multifaith service commemorating its 50th anniversary at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Driven by the visionary conviction that religious and spiritual traditions working collaboratively can become an unstoppable global catalyst for peace, healing, and positive transformation, Bishop Swing spearheaded the drafting of the URI Charter.
Rooted in the core principle that authentic peace requires daily, grassroots interfaith cooperation that does not compromise individual religious identities, this foundational charter successfully transformed an inspiring interfaith ideal into a flourishing worldwide movement operating dynamically across more than 120 countries and uniting over 1,300 member groups.
A profoundly historic chapter in this global journey occurred when Bishop William E. Swing personally visited Pakistan during the nascent stages of establishing URI globally. During that pivotal visit, he was warmly received by Fr. James Channan OP and Sister Alvina, marking the official foundational beginning of the movement within the region.
Through these foundational efforts, the URI Cooperation Circle of Lahore, Pakistan CC was established as the very first Cooperation Circle in the country, with Fr. James Channan OP assuming the role of its founding coordinator. Reflecting URI's worldwide framework—where autonomous, self-governing Cooperation Circles composed of members from multiple faith, spiritual, and indigenous traditions work locally to solve community challenges—Pakistan has emerged as one of the movement's most vibrant regional pillars.
This remarkable growth is largely due to the visionary leadership and enduring dedication of Fr. James Channan OP. Serving with extraordinary distinction as the first URI Regional Coordinator of URI Pakistan for over two decades, Fr. Channan planted the foundational seeds of interfaith harmony across the nation. Under his stewardship, regional networks expanded steadily from a modest initiative into a robust national movement.
Today, that single initial seed has blossomed into 71 active URI Cooperation Circles spanning Pakistan. These local circles work tirelessly at the grassroots level to foster interfaith dialogue, champion human dignity, empower youth and women, and strengthen communal coexistence.
Aligned with URI's global mission to cultivate cultures of peace, justice, and healing, this commemorative program highlighted Pakistan's vibrant contributions to the global interfaith landscape and reaffirmed the collective pledge to carry Bishop Swing's enduring legacy forward.
Distinguished Attendees and Leadership Presence
The international-standard gathering brought together prominent interfaith champions, legal experts, and community leaders. The roster of honourable guests included Fr. James Channan OP, alongside Fr. Marcus Daniel OP, Allama Asim Makhdoom, Qari Khalid Mehmood, Advocate Ishtiaq Chaudhary, Ms. Anila Gill, Asher Nazir, and Advocate Ch. Zubair Farooq.
Cooperation Circle coordinators and esteemed faith leaders—including Aqeel Khan, Francis Xavier, Faisal Ilyas, Naeem Khadam, Iqbal Sani, Khalid Anjum, Mr. Atif, and Adil Peter OP—arrived and took their seats in an atmosphere of warmth, cultural richness, and solidarity, preparing for a momentous gathering dedicated to global peace.
The commemorative program opened with a profound display of religious pluralism and mutual respect, expertly guided by host Fr. James Channan OP, URI Cooperation Coordinator, Lahore Pakistan CC and Director, Peace Center Lahore:
- Christian Prayer: Fr. Adil Peter OP led a dedicated invocation reflecting Christian values of grace, service, and reconciliation, praying for global understanding and divine guidance for international leaders.
- Islamic Prayer: Qari Khalid Mehmood offered a moving prayer for world peace, security, and enduring love among people of all faiths, emphasizing humanity's shared moral obligation to coexist in harmony.
Asher Nazir (URI Cooperation Circle Coordinator, COPE Pakistan) delivered the official Welcome Address on behalf of host Fr. James Channan OP and the broader network of URI Cooperation Circles in Pakistan. Highlighting the lived reality of interfaith harmony, he stated:
"For us, URI is relationship, dialogue, cooperation, friendship, and a commitment to peace."
He underscored that in a society where diverse communities share neighbourhoods, schools, and daily life, interfaith cooperation successfully transforms cultural diversity into an enduring societal strength.
Reflections on URI's Vision
Fr. James Channan OP delivered a keynote address reflecting upon the official foundational beginning of the URI Charter, Bishop Swing's visionary leadership, and his memorable historic visit to Pakistan alongside Sister Alvina during the founding era. Speakers extensively recognized Fr. Channan's decades of tireless service as the first Regional Coordinator of URI Pakistan for over twenty years and as the coordinator of the Lahore Pakistan CC—the nation's premier Cooperation Circle. Fr. Channan also highlighted the Bishop's courageous stance on global peace—referencing his powerful work on “Nuclear Weapons and the Moral Compass,” which challenges humanity to reject weapons of mass destruction, listen to the human lament of nuclear-affected communities, and apply deep spiritual accountability to global survival.
Together all Interfaith leaders and coordinators of cooperation circles celebrated how that single pioneering seed has expanded dynamically into 71 active Cooperation Circles operating across Pakistan, mirroring URI's expansive global growth. Fr. Channan noted during his address:
“Bishop Swing's vision proved that religions, when they stand together, represent an unstoppable force for peace and positive human transformation.”
Special Video Screenings & Highlights
The program featured an exclusive video message from global founder The Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, gracefully bridging geographical distances to directly address and connect with the Lahore audience. Bishop Swing expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the sustained, courageous peacebuilding efforts taking place across Pakistan. This screening was immediately followed by a comprehensive visual presentation showcasing the milestones, community outreach, and grassroots achievements of URI Pakistan.
Tributes from Interfaith Leaders and CC Coordinators
Participating religious leaders, and Cooperation Circle representatives took to the podium to share impactful reflections, personal insights, and warm international birthday wishes dedicated to Bishop Swing's legacy:
- Fr. Marcus Daniel OP reflected on the profound spiritual depth of interfaith solidarity, noting that grassroots unity is vital for healing societal divisions and upholding universal human dignity.
- Allama Asim Makhdoom emphasized Islamic principles of pluralism and peaceful coexistence, praising Bishop Swing for establishing a global platform where religious leaders meet as equal partners in peace.
- Advocate Ishtiaq Chaudhary and Advocate Ch. Zubair Farooq highlighted the vital legal and institutional importance of safeguarding minority rights and fostering social cohesion through established frameworks like URI.
- Ms. Anila Gill spoke eloquently on the indispensable role of women, youth and community networks within URI Pakistan, celebrating the remarkable nationwide expansion of Cooperation Circles.
- Faisal Ilyas addressed the gathering by emphasizing the transformative impact of youth engagement, noting that empowering younger generations with Bishop Swing's vision ensures a future rooted in mutual respect and active interreligious cooperation.
- Aqeel Khan shared powerful remarks on grassroots community mobilization, illustrating how daily interactions and joint humanitarian initiatives among diverse faiths translate URI principles into everyday reality.
- Francis Xavier highlighted the enduring educational and cultural value of interfaith dialogue, expressing deep gratitude for how Bishop Swing's framework equips local peacebuilders with practical tools for trust-building.
- Iqbal Sani and Khalid Anjum added inspiring perspectives, emphasizing that every local dialogue, community gathering, and cooperative project carries Bishop Swing's visionary mission forward into future generations.
Cake Cutting Ceremony
All participating faith leaders, organizers, and distinguished guests gathered around the stage for a celebratory 90th birthday cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing universal joy, shared community, and profound mutual respect. An official group photography session captured the vibrant diversity, solidarity, and collaborative spirit defining the Lahore, Pakistan interfaith community.
Closing Prayer
Fr. Marcus Daniel OP led a heartfelt closing invocation, offering divine blessings of peace, health, and strength upon Bishop William E. Swing and expressing deep gratitude for the enduring harmony uniting all participants.
Vote of Thanks
Fr. James Channan OP delivered the official vote of thanks, expressing profound appreciation to all participating religious leaders, URI CC Coordinators and members, civil society figures, and organizing team Asher Nazir and Fr. Adil Peter OP for their unwavering dedication to peace, justice, and human dignity.
Refreshments and Fellowship
The formal proceedings concluded successfully, with attendees transitioning smoothly into informal fellowship, cross-cultural networking, and high tea.
