In first papal visit to Arabian peninsula, Francis calls for end to wars in Middle East Harriet Sherwood in Abu Dhabi  Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Photograph: Luca Zennaro/EPA The pope and the grand imam of al-Azhar have signed a historic declaration of fraternity, calling for peace between nations, religions and races, in front of a global audience of religious leaders from Christianity, Islam, Judaism and other faiths. Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s Catholics, and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the head of Sunni Islam’s most prestigious seat of learning, arrived at the ceremony in Abu Dhabi hand-in-hand in a symbol of interfaith brotherhood. The document pledges that al-Azhar and the Vatican will work together to fight extremism. Claiming to be in the name of “all victims of wars, persecution and injustice”, it warns against a “third world war being fought piecemeal”. It says: “We resolutely declare that religions must never incite war, hateful attitudes, hostility …

Jamaica sponsors World Interfaith Harmony Week Photo by Tangerine Clarke Courtenay Rattay, ambassador and permanent representative of the Permanent Mission of Jamaica, making opening remarks at the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2019 observance. Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations, Ambassador, Courtenay Rattay on Feb. 6, told world religious leaders, humanitarians and guests at the United Nations Headquarters in New York city, that World Interfaith Harmony Week is more than a celebration, noting that it is a manifestation of the shared values of coexistence, fraternity and human understanding. “The recognition of interfaith dialogue is an important condition for sustainable peace and development. As such, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure that interfaith harmony is mainstreamed in the implementation of each and every goal of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.” “Every religion, every country, and every culture has something positive to contribute to the promotion of social harmony and human values, and to the achievement of the 17 …

AMMAN — The World Interfaith Harmony Week kicked off in Amman on Wednesday. The event is being held by the Awqaf Ministry in cooperation with the Chief Islamic Justice Department and the Jordan Interfaith Coexistence Research Centre (JICRC).  His Majesty King Abdullah’s initiative for World Interfaith Harmony Week, which was endorsed by the UN General Assembly, reflects Jordan as a real model for harmony, Awqaf Minister Abdul Nasser Abul Basal said. Abul Basal, who inaugurated the event on behalf of Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, said that harmony is the path for coexistence, which allows a nation to realise its goals and potential while keeping fanaticism at bay, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The minister added that harmony is a prerequisite for cultural growth, which has become an important factor for the nation to create its future and overcome problems hindering its development. World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010, by …

Communities across British Columbia celebrated World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) in a variety of ways. Encouraged by official proclamations issued by the Province of British Columbia as well as several cities and municipalities, individuals and groups from a wide variety of faith traditions joined in a week of dialogue, music, food and service to one another. A number of interfaith organizations — including the Surrey Interfaith Council, Global Clergy Association, Multifaith Action Society and the United Religions Initiative — joined with individual congregations from the Muslim, Sikh, Baha’i, Jewish, Hare Krishna, Hindu and numerous Christian faiths and communities to celebrate. Dr. John Borrows, professor of law at the University of Victoria, addresses nearly 200 people at the 12th Annual World Religions Conference. Borrows was one of three Christian presenters discussing how their faith helps them find God. 1 / 4One Billion and Rising volunteers in Surrey, B.C., listened to speakers address violence against women and children prior to assembling care …

UTRAJAYA: Malaysia is ideally placed to showcase itself as a model of multi-racial unity, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator P Waythamoorthy. He said promoting understanding, cooperation, tolerance and mutual respect between the different faiths in the country remain an important practice in establishing the identity of Malaysia. Speaking at the 2019 World Interfaith Harmony Week here yesterday, Waythamoorthy said the need to practice all these positive values was not just for ‘today or for this week’ but must be continued in our daily lives. “The reality is diversity is something we should celebrate. We must strive to protect this environment, and cherish and value the strong bond,” he said. Waythamoorthy said the recipe that harmonises all the people was goodwill that was embedded in every Malaysian to unite, accept, embrace and respect the different cultures and religious sensitivity of others. “History has shown us that nations which fail to manage inter religious tensions have seen its people …

CAIRO, Jan 30 (MENA) – The Arab League underlined on Wednesday the importance of promoting values of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and dialogue among people of different faiths and creeds. In a statement on the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Arab League stressed that promoting these values will help buttress international security and peace and achieve sustainable development. It expressed rejection of all attempts to link Islam to terrorism and the misleading interpretation of religious texts and teachings used by terrorist organizations as a pretext to spread extremist ideas. It expressed support of UN General Assembly resolution 167/66 on fighting fanaticism and discrimination. Source

World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event observed during the first week of February. World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/65/5 PDF document adopted on 20 October 2010. In the resolution, the General Assembly, points out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and establishes World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions. 2019 Observance At the core of all the faith systems and traditions is the recognition that we are all in this …

Islamabad : As part of its celebrations for World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2019 of United Nations, Universal Interfaith Peace Mission (UIPM) announced different events starting February 1 till February 22, 2019, says a press release. Recognizing that the moral imperatives of all religions, convictions and beliefs to call for peace, tolerance and mutual understanding, UIPM Chairman Allama Dr GR Chishti announced the WIHW celebration events at a press conference at UIPM Head Office, New Sohan, Islamabad on Thursday in which he highlighted the importance of interfaith harmony for global peace and prosperity. The WIHW is being celebrated by UIPM in collaboration with United Religious Initiative Multi-Cooperation Circle Islamabad and Common Word Pakistan. During the programmes, UIPM has already set up an Advisory Council for those interested in participating in the WIHW and UIPM will guide them as what kind of events they could organize. Besides UIPM on his helpline 0301-5055014 will also guide the aspirants as how to register …

THE 2nd Melaka Harmony Week is set to take place at several locations here from today until Feb 7. The event, held in conjunction with the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week, is jointly organised by the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) of Kubu, Melaka Harmony Heritage, Ganasia Craft Market and several other organisations. Kubu MPKK chairman Danny Sim Yong Peng said various activities had been planned for the week-long event such as a book exchange programme, calligraphy sharing session and handmade craft exhibition by six handicraft teachers. “I would like to invite the whole community to participate in this event regardless of their religion or race. Present was Melaka Harmony Heritage patron Lars Lindbeck. The main event for this year’s programme is the Harmony Festival which will be held at Lot 831 (former Pay Fong Primary School) in Jalan Kubu tomorrow. The World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the United Nations General Assembly by King Abdullah II of …

Banerjee acknowledged the value of interfaith harmony as the need of the hour, especially in the “times of strife and violence”. Urging the people of the country to promote the motto of ‘unity in diversity’, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on February 1 stressed on the need for interfaith harmony for peaceful coexistence. Banerjee acknowledged the value of interfaith harmony as the need of the hour, especially in the “times of strife and violence”. World Interfaith Harmony Week starts today. Acknowledging the value of interfaith harmony in these times of strife and violence is the need of the hour. Let us uphold the motto of ‘unity in diversity’, Banerjee wrote on her Twitter handle. Mamata Banerjee @MamataOfficial World Interfaith Harmony Week starts today. Acknowledging the value of inter-faith harmony in these times of strife and violence is the need of the hour. Let us uphold the motto of ‘unity in diversity’ The World Interfaith Harmony Week is a United …

January 31, 2019 by Diane A. Sears At the Plenary Session of the United Nations’ 65th General Assembly in New York on 23 September 2010, His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussain, King of the Nation of Jordan and the 43rd direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, unveiled his vision for interfaith collaboration and world peace. In a speech he delivered at the 65th General Assembly of the United Nations, King Abdullah introduced World Interfaith Harmony Week. On 20 October 2010, World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the United Nations’ General Assembly in United Nations Resolution A/RES/65/5. In 2019, World Interfaith Harmony Week will be observed globally by institutions, organizations, and individuals under the theme – assigned by the United Nations — “Sustainable Development Through Interfaith Harmony” – commencing on Friday, 1 February 2019 and concluding on Thursday, 7 February 2019. To herald the forthcoming observance of 2019 World Interfaith Harmony Week, the United Nations recently issued a statement (http://www.un.org/en/events/interfaithharmony …

WHY WE WROTE THIS Mention religion in the Middle East and what often leaps to mind is conflict: Muslim vs. Jew, Sunni vs. Shiite. But from Jordan, a religious crossroads, comes a forceful call for interfaith harmony. Courtesy of the Royal Hashemite Court/File Jordan’s King Abdullah (center l.) and Pope Francis (center r.) visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the site on the Jordanian banks where many believe Jesus was baptized, on May 24, 2014. King Abdullah was awarded the 2018 Templeton Prize for the country’s interfaith work, becoming only the second Muslim recipient of an award previously granted to the Dalai Llama and Mother Theresa. December 26, 2018 By Taylor Luck Correspondent AMMAN, JORDAN Every month, Christians and Muslims from Milan to Mecca, Kansas to Kuala Lumpur find common ground in an unusual place: a desert country the size of Maine surrounded by war zones. In Jordan, a royal family recognized as descendants of the prophet Muhammad, and a citizenry of Christians …

King Abdullah with Heather Templeton Dill By: Elaine Koerner His Majesty Abdullah II, King of Jordan, received the 2018 Templeton Prize last night in Washington, DC at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Washington, widely known as Washington National Cathedral. He is renowned for his tireless work to promote peace and mutual respect both within Islam and between Islam and other religions. Templeton Foundation President Heather Templeton Dill presented the Prize. She described His Majesty as “a spiritual entrepreneur, a person shaped by temporal and political responsibilities, yet one who holds the conviction that religious belief and the free expression of religion are among humankind’s most important callings.” King Abdullah accepted the prize on behalf of all Jordanians. He reaffirmed the commitment to fight extremism, saying Islam is not about “cherry picking verses from the Koran to justify a political agenda.” He described jihad as the “internal struggle we all share to bring about peace and …

His Majesty King Abdullah meets with members of the Hashemite Commission for Soldiers with Disabilities team, which participated in the 2018 Invictus Games, on Thursday (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)   Amman — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday departed on a working visit to Washington, DC, during which His Majesty will be receiving the Templeton Prize in appreciation for his efforts to promote interfaith harmony, safeguard Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites and protect religious freedom, a Royal Court statement said. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein was sworn in as Regent, in the presence of Cabinet members. The Templeton Prize ceremony will be held on November 13 at the Washington National Cathedral to celebrate King Abdullah’s achievements, in the presence of around 600 political, religious, intellectual, academic and media figures. His Majesty will deliver a speech at the ceremony, organised by the John Templeton Foundation, to highlight the importance of interfaith harmony and cooperation in countering hatred and …

Prince Ghazi underlines growth in quantity and ‘quality’ of projects competing for award     His Majesty King Abdullah poses for a group photo with winners of World Interfaith Harmony Week competition in Amman on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of Royal Court) AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday attended the 2018 King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week prize ceremony at Al Husseiniya Palace and presented awards to the winners. Launched by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in 2013, the annual prize is awarded to three activities or texts that best promote the values connected to the World Interfaith Harmony Week, which is celebrated in the first week of February and was launched by King Abdullah and unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2010. In remarks at the ceremony, HRH Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, thanked the King for spearheading the World Interfaith Harmony Week …

February 5th, 2013 by  Rebecca Lindegren   World Interfaith Harmony Week promotes a global initiative that transcends tradition, religion, culture, and faith. Typically occurring during the first week of February each year, the event was developed as a resolution by the United Nations to promote peace between all people regardless of their faith. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution in October 2010, a month after a proposal by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan encouraged states to support messages of interfaith harmony, goodwill, and love regardless of where and how one worships. Those familiar with World Interfaith Harmony Week attribute much of its growth and success to King Abdullah II. His initial plan to unite two faiths soon extended his call beyond Muslim and Christian communities to include people of all beliefs, as well as those with no set religious persuasion. The event is recognized and celebrated the first week in February, but many activities begin in mid-January with some …

Reiterating that Singapore’s social cohesion did not “simply happen on its own”, the Mufti of Singapore, Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, sent Chinese New Year greetings on behalf of the Muslim community — the first time the Republic’s top Muslim leader has done so publicly. TODAY file photo SINGAPORE — Reiterating that Singapore’s social cohesion did not “simply happen on its own”, the Mufti of Singapore on Wednesday (Feb 14) sent Chinese New Year greetings on behalf of the Muslim community — the first time the Republic’s top Muslim leader has done so publicly. (Click to enlarge) In a media statement, Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram said: “It gives me great pleasure to take this opportunity to wish the Chinese community in Singapore a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year. We are truly blessed with the gift of peace, prosperity and strong friendship bonds between people of all faith communities and ethnic groups in Singapore.” Responding to TODAY’s queries, the Islamic Religious …

  Faisal bin Moamer, Secretary General of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz  International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue  (KAICIID), has hailed the initiative of the World Interfaith Harmony  Week, annually organized by the United Nations. In a speech before the meeting, the KAICIID Secretary General  affirmed the importance of coexistence, mutual understanding, peace and  dialogue, pointing out the necessary of a continuous dialogue among  interreligious and intercultural to consolidate humane cooperation and  combat hatred. He called for addressing extremists through social networks.   SOURCE

February 12, 2018 Melange MagazineMelange Special Report0 Martin Luther king, Jr, once said, I have decided to live with love. Hate is too great a Burden to bear. Love should be the only way to move forward and especially when it comes to interfaith harmony within an environment of Religious Pluralism. Harmony is about co-existence that means live and let live. It is a way forward towards tranquility and perhaps success, both urgently required in a world of growing political and economic dissonance. Inter-faith harmony is a plausible condition, suggesting peaceful co-existence among practitioners of various religious beliefs, aimed at eliminating the possibility of discord, violent or non-violent. Such a condition calls for a global level of understanding that all religions are mutually acceptable in terms of their basic tenets as well as manifestations in human behaviour along with all ramifications of traditions and their progression to the contemporary life. Despite all pretensions, the civilisational development might still be some …

  GENEVA, Feb 9 2018 (Geneva Centre) – During a panel intervention at the 3rdannual dialogue in commemoration of the 2018 World Interfaith Harmony Week held on 9 February at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)- organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Permanent Mission of Jordan to UN Geneva on 9 February at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Idriss Jazairy, Executive Director of the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue appealed to decision-makers and religious leaders to “find appropriate ways to denounce and bring an end to practices that hinder equal citizenship rights in their societies.” Jazairy said the proliferation of political crises and conflicts in the Arab region and the West alike affect all religious groups through deepening animosities which could “beget intolerance or even hatred.” He warned against the ‘instrumentalization‘ of violence and the unscrupulous misuse of religion as a pretext for exclusion, discrimination and violence. …

  POSTED BY: ADMIN FEBRUARY 7, 2018 Interfaith Harmony Week: Nigerian Clerics Organize Reading And Writing Competition Among Inmates in Kaduna As part of activities to mark the 2018  UN interfaith harmony week, some Kaduna based clerics and Non-Governmental organization have organized reading and writing competition during a visit to a  Niggas rehabilitation centre ,so as to encourage inmates’ studies of religious books ,as to way to promote better understanding and religious Tolerance. Pastor Yohanna Buru, who led a team of volunteer Imams and pastors to Niggers Rehabilitation and skill acquisition centre at Rigasa in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna, explained that their visit was aimed at conducting reading competition which will encourage the inmates in re-dedicating more time to studying their holy Books, so as to enable them have the fear of God; as well as sensitizing them on the need for peaceful co-existence, tolerance and harmony amongst people regardless of their religious inclinations, culture and tradition. Buru said, ”this …

February  02/2018 More that 75 delegates attended the World Interfaith Harmony Week marked for the first time outside the UN Headquarters. Some delegates told ENA that Ethiopia is an inspiration for the world in practicing interreligious peace and harmony in a country with people who have diverse religions and cultural practices. Unity Earth in USA delegate, Yani Maniates said Ethiopia has a strong root in practicing Christianity and Islam religions in a peaceful and harmonious way. “We are gathered here in Ethiopia to mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week because Ethiopia is a mother country of interfaith harmony”, he added.

Finding the common word: Interfaith Harmony Week begins today Courtesy Pictured from left to right: Imam Umar Farooq Mohamood, Masjid Ibrahim Mosque; Vance Miller LDS Stake Pres.; Chaplain Paul Pitts, Seventh Day Adventist; Fr Philip Shaw, Trinity Episcopal; Mayor Gates, Ray Christenson retired Lutheran Pastor; Pastor Don Hegeman, St. John’s Methodist; Rabbi Mindie Snyder, Lev Shalom Synagogue; Fr. Leonard Walker, Divine Savior Catholic Community. By Claire Whitley Document Resolution 65-5 Download .PDF “None of you has faith until you love for your neighbor what you love for yourself.” Those are the words of the Prophet Muhammad in the Holy Qur’an. In the Holy Bible, the second commandment is very similar: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love is what connects the two religions often seen at odds with each other. Not only this ideal of love for the neighbor, but also a love for God. It is this commonality around which Interfaith Harmony Week is based. The World Interfaith Harmony Week was …

ByKelsey Dallas@kelsey_dallas Published: February 1, 2018 2:23 pm   Kelsey Dallas, Deseret News Sim Gill, district attorney for Salt Lake County, speaks at the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable Prayer Breakfast.   SALT LAKE CITY — Sim Gill brings a unique perspective to discussions on peace and justice. He’s been a prosecutor for more than two decades and serves as district attorney for Salt Lake County. But at the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, he didn’t dwell on a legal approach to fairness and forgiveness. He wanted to talk about faith. “I’m lucky and blessed to have experienced a diversity of human beliefs,” he said to a room filled with around 50 representatives of Salt Lake faith groups. Gill was born in India to a Sikh family. There, he also worshipped at Hindu temples and Muslim mosques. After moving to Utah, Gill regularly attended events hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He eventually married a member …

Halifax mosque opens its doors to the community for Friday prayer Ummah Mosque welcomes hundreds for its largest Interfaith Harmony Week gathering to date CBC News Posted: Feb 03, 2018 10:07 AM AT Last Updated: Feb 03, 2018 10:07 AM AT Marge Kelley attended Friday prayer with the Saint Mary’s University elder learners group. (CBC)     Hundreds of people attended prayer at a Halifax mosque on Friday to learn about Islam, share a meal and create understanding. For many, it was their first time inside the mosque on St. Matthias Street. It was also the congregation’s largest World Interfaith Harmony Week gathering ever. Since 2010, the UN has set aside the first week of February for people of different religions to set aside their differences and learn from one another.  Imam Abdallah Yousri said the turnout was amazing and unexpected.  Many of the newcomers to the mosque were surprised by the number of young members. (CBC) “I think we don’t know each other well, so it’s very important to enhance and to …

Singapore   The nationwide programme, called Common Senses for Common Spaces (CSCS) will kick off with a Foundation of Faiths series featuring four of the major faiths in Singapore – Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. By Elizabeth Neo @ElizabethNeoCNA 03 Feb 2018 10:20PM (Updated: 03 Feb 2018 10:51PM)  SINGAPORE: A new interfaith initiative to boost Singapore’s resilience and ensure social cohesion was launched on Saturday (Feb 3), by Singapore’s five district mayors at the Singapore Management University’s Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium. The nationwide programme, called Common Senses for Common Spaces (CSCS) will kick off with a Foundation of Faiths series featuring four of the major faiths in Singapore – Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. These are dialogue groups that will allow the community to engage in and have the chance to ask anything about the faith, while doing so in a safe space. The pilot CSCS interfaith programme comprising thematic dialogues on faith practices was first run by South East Community Development Council (CDC) in 2016 at the …

The centrality of interfaith cooperation as an important condition for building a culture of peace has been underscored by Resolution 65/5, 23 November 2010, which proclaims the first week of February every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week at the United Nations. In February 2018, UNAOC is participating in to two events related to interfaith dialogue encouraging the promotion of peace and stability. In the first event, UNAOC in partnership with the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN (CRNGO), will co-organize the 8th Celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week on 7 February 2018 which will focus on “Inspiring Faith in Humanity”. Religious leaders will join U.N. Representatives and Diplomats to share their stories and knowledge, and emphasize the partnership between religious communities and the United Nations to bring the world closer toward a more compassionate and sustainable future. In the second event, UNAOC, participates in the Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, which convenes for its thirteenth session on the theme: “Religion and Human …

World Sikh Organization and interfaith partners’ ‘Celebrating Our Differences’ event

Prime minister patronizes World Interfaith Harmony Week

King honours winners of 2017 King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize Amman 30 April 2017 His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday attended the 2017 King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize ceremony at Al Husseiniya Palace and presented awards to the winners. The prize celebrates efforts to promote harmony among the followers of different religions, in line with the World Interfaith Harmony Week initiative, launched by King Abdullah and unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2010. In remarks at the ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammed, chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy to His Majesty, said this marks the prize’s fifth year, noting that it is aimed at promoting solidarity among the followers of different faiths. Established by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, the prize is awarded to three activities or texts that offer the best tools to promote the World Interfaith Harmony Week, celebrated …

His Majesty King Abdullah poses for a group photo with recepients of the ‘King Abdullah II of Jordan Prize for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2017’ at Al Husseiniya Palace on Sunday (Photo courtesy of the Royal Court)     AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday presented the “King Abdullah II of Jordan Prize for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2017”, according to a Royal Court statement. Given in appreciation of efforts to boost coexistence among followers of different religions, the prize was proposed by His Majesty at the UN General Assembly’s 65th session and adopted unanimously in October 2010, the statement said.  During the ceremony held at Al Husseiniya Palace, the King presented certificates and medals to the prize  winners, according to a Royal Court statement.  HRH Prince Ghazi, the King’s personal envoy and adviser for religious and cultural affairs, delivered a speech in which he noted that the award, now in its fifth year, aims to encourage coexistence …

REMARKS OF H.E. MR. NASSIR ABDULAZIZ AL-NASSER High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations at INTERFAITH HARMONY: Embracing the Other February 6, 2017, 1:15pm Tillman Chapel, Church Center for the United Nations Dear Reverend Dionne Boissiere, Chaplain, Distinguished Religious Leaders, Dear Colleagues and Friends, I am pleased to be with you today, for the fourth time, to celebrate, the Interfaith Harmony Week, gathered as we are in this beautiful Church Center of the UN, symbol of the Interfaith Harmony of our organization. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was created to find ways to diminish hostility and to promote harmony between nations, communities and people. The Alliance is the United Nations’ platform for intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation and has an important mediating role in many conflicts where culture or religion plays a part. The theme this year: “Interfaith Harmony: Embracing the Other,” might seem to signal that everything is going well and we have already reached Sustainable …

  KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) — The Dialogue on Faith, Peacebuilding and Development co-organised by a United Nations (UN) body and several religious-based organisations called upon all UN Member States to join efforts in spreading the message of interfaith harmony, mutual understanding and good will to combat violent extremism. According to a statement by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the one-day dialogue held in Palais des Nations, Geneva on Sunday also expressed the participants’ commitment to the initiative to promote interfaith dialogue and denounce violent extremism. The statement on “Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Embracing the Interfaith Harmony Week,” released at the end of the dialogue also emphasised the role of harmonious relations and understanding among the world’s religions in achieving true peace and reconciliation in the world. The Dialogue on Faith, Peacebuilding and Development co-organised by UNITAR, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Missions of Jordan, the Holy See, the Order of Malta, and the …

ISLAMABAD: Promoting interfaith harmony is of vital importance, in the prevailing security situation, to convert the world into a better living place, said diplomats of various countries.   They called for interfaith harmony while addressing a seminar on ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week 2017’ arranged by the Parliament of the World’s Religion in Islamabad. The seminar was arranged in connection with the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on 20th October, 2010 to promote mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue to establish interfaith harmony. The diplomats said that it was high time to use interfaith harmony as a power to work effectively to transform fear, anger and hatred into a positive human relationship. Polish envoy Piotr Opalinski, in his remarks, said, “That every person has the right to manifest his religion or belief either individually or in community, with others and in public or private in worship, observance, practice and teaching without fear of intimidation, discrimination, violence or attack.” He reiterated that freedom …

(Remarks by His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, to the Prayer Breakfast for Interfaith Harmony Week) ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’ is an occasion for nations and peoples to work, continuously, to establish a culture of social cohesion. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm the belief that mutual understanding is an important element in the establishment of a cohesive state. The observance of ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’ has its origins in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 65.5 – entitled World Interfaith Harmony Week –and adopted on 20th October 2010. The ‘Resolution’ encouraged all states to: “…support, on a voluntary basis, the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week…” THE COSMOPOLITAN STATE Guyana is a cosmopolitan state. The majority of our people adhere to one of the world’s major religions – Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. Guyana is …

Washington, DC, US 02 February 2017 Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II at the Luncheon after the National Prayer Breakfast Please also see HM King Abdullah II’s site for more details: Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II at the Luncheon after the National Prayer Breakfast.

Saturday, 4 February 2017 | MYT 10:38 PM 544 views Malaysia would be a “failed state” without national unity and interfaith harmony as its foundation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration at the Forest Research Institute on Saturday. Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/videos/2017/02/04/pm-malaysia-a-failed-state-without-unity-and-interfaith-harmony/#zm3M8KzHLPK3TZgJ.99   SOURCE

Tanveer Mann for Metro.co.ukSaturday 4 Feb 2017 12:58 pm Members of the Halifax community link hands outside a mosque in support of the Muslim faith following the Quebec terrorist attack (Picture: Global News) Hundreds of people have come together to form a peace ring around a mosque in honour of the six men killed in the Quebec terrorist attack last week. University student charged with shooting six people dead in Quebec mosquePeople of all ages and background linked hands around the Ummah Masjid in Halifax in support of the Muslim faith on Friday. Around 300 people, young and old, circled the mosque following noon prayers and held hands. Norm Horofker, the minister at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Halifax, organised the event following the terrorist attack on a mosque in Quebec City on January 29. Hundreds circle Halifax mosque to support Muslim faith Play Video Loaded: 0% Progress: 0% Play Mute Current Time0:00 / Duration Time1:51 Fullscreen He told MetroNews: ‘In a way we’re …

Islamabad-Universal Interfaith Peace Mission (UIPM) organised World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2017 of United Nations . Jean Francois Cautain, Ambassador Delegation of European Union to Pakistan was the chief guest while Universal Interfaith Peace Mission Chairman Allama Dr GR Chishti, PML-N (Zia) President Ijaz ul Haq, and members of minorities in large numbers were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Jean Francois Cautain supported Universal Interfaith Peace Mission’s initiative for promotion of interfaith harmony. He extended his all out support to the organisation for promoting peace, tolerance and bringing positive change and creating culture of love, mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence as well as culture of dialogue in the region. UIPM Chairman Allama Dr GR Chishti in his welcome address highlighted the importance of interfaith harmony for global peace and prosperity and drew the attention of audience towards the most persisting hurdles and hindrances in the way of interfaith harmony. He pointed out that being a Muslim country …

President David Granger addressing the Umana Yana gathering — urges President at launch of World Interfaith Harmony Week THE United Nations (UN) this week commemorates ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’ and local religious organisations have stepped up Government’s campaign geared at ‘fostering Social Cohesion in Guyana.’Support for interfaith harmony was evident Wednesday when Guyanese from various religious and ethnic backgrounds assembled at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown, to celebrate the occasion. Addressing the occasion, President David Granger said social cohesion is an important part of his Government and an entire ministry has been dedicated to it. “Its importance to remove discrimination on the basis of gender, on the basis of geography… women were elevated to the dignity of Senior Counsel for the first time in 50 years [and], last year for the first time an equal number of women received the Golden Arrow of Achievement to those of men. Guyana declared itself to be a Cooperative State,” President Granger said. A …

“World Interfaith Harmony Week celebrates the principles of tolerance and respect for the other that are deeply rooted in the world’s major religions. The observance is also a summons to solidarity in the face of those who spread misunderstanding and mistrust.” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Message for World Interfaith Harmony Week World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event to be observed during the first week of February starting in 2011. World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/65/5 adopted on 20 October 2010. In the resolution, the General Assembly, points out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and establishes World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to support during that week the spread of the …

The World Interfaith Harmony Week is from today to Feb 7 – As Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious nation, we should observe this week. We must not take for granted our peace and harmony. The Internet world — with its speed in disseminating information, facts, fake news and lies — will define the future, and we must be prepared for this. The week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on Sept 23, 2010, by King Abdullah II of Jordan. On Oct 20, it was adopted by the UN and, henceforth, the first week of February is observed as World Interfaith Harmony Week. The event is based on a pioneering initiative in 2007 that called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious commandments — love of God and love of neighbours — without compromising their religious tenets. The two commandments are at the heart of the three monotheistic religions …

By Rene Wadlow We are here that we may elucidate the divine elements in the human spirit.  Walter Rathenau   The first week of February is a United Nations-designated World Interfaith Harmony Week first celebrated at the UN in 2012.  The Week arose from a resolution proposed by Jordan and adopted unanimously on 20 October 2010.  The resolution recalls the UN efforts promoting a culture of peace and nonviolence and the importance of the “Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.”  As the then Deputy Secretary-General Aska-Rose Migino said at the first celebration “Although faith is the glue that often bonds communities and cultures around the world, it is too often used as an excuse to emphasize differences and deepen divisions.  Only by finding common cause in mutual respect for shared spiritual and moral values can we hope for harmony among nations and peoples.” There has always been a hope that …

31-January-2017 Once again Seychelles will this year join the rest of the world to commemorate the ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’ from February 1 to 7. The Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) is encouraging all faiths and religious denominations in the country to during this week place more emphasis on raising awareness on the importance of harmony among people, nations and different communities regardless of their different faiths and beliefs. Last  year Sifco  members visited the Vinayagar Hindu Temple to learn more about the Hindu faith and this year on February 7 they will meet members of the Brahma Kumaris at their centre at Hermitage . World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution A/RES/65/5 adopted on October 20, 2010. The UN then designated the first week of February every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week which has been observed since February 2011. In the resolution, the General Assembly points out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute …

Extend the dialogue to include “Love of the Good”. January 31, 2017 by Diane A. Sears Souls of all Faiths are expected to observe World Interfaith Harmony Week from 1 February 2017 through 7 February 2017. World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed by His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan on 23 September 2010 and unanimously adopted by the United Nations on 20 October 2010 – Cognizant of the need for religious tolerance and collaboration and dialogue between individuals of all faiths, the United States International Men’s Day Team has endorsed World Interfaith Harmony Week and has also designated the month of February 2017 as International Men’s Day World Interfaith Harmony Month. World Interfaith Harmony Week is based upon The Common Word Initiative created in 2007 which called for Muslim and Christian leaders to come together in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments – “Love of God” and “Love of the Neighbor”. Observers of World Interfaith Harmony Week are …

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The celebrations of World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2016 concluded at the Modern Islamic Studies Centre (MISC), Islamabad, with concerted efforts to create understanding between different faiths and religions in different parts of the country. A ‘Peace Prayer Day’ gathering was organised at the head office of Modern Islamic Studies Centre, Islamabad, which was attended by a large number of people from different faiths and religions. UC 21 (Sohan) Chairman Malik Amir Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion. Addressing the audience, MISC President Dr Allama AGR Chishti, said that the interfaith harmony is not a new phenomenon, as it was the path followed by Sufi saints of Indo-Pak subcontinent, as through this system they attracted attention of non-Muslims therefore it is responsibility of every Muslim to join this cause for betterment of Muslim Ummah,” he added. Dr Chishti was of the view that his visits to Bahawalnagar and Cholistan (February 1-2), Lahore (February 3), and particularly …

By Abdoulie Nyockeh   EUCLID head office in Banjul joined the rest of the world to celebrate the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week on the theme: “A common word.” The United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed worldwide annually from 1 to 7 February. EUCLID is an intergovernmental organisation with a University Charter and mandate established in 2008 under the United Nations Treaty series 49006/49007, and it has had its headquarters in Banjul since 2013. EUCLID is currently serving 12 participating states across four continents with an understanding of the critical issues relevant to cultural, diplomacy, international relations and the peaceful co-existence of people of different religions, races, and so on. To ensure the international usefulness of its programmes offered, EUCLID is chartered to confer diplomas, degrees and completion of certificates accredited by the ministries of education of the participating parties. A member of the University Consortium, EUCLID receives the mandates to facilitate universal access to higher education …

“Religious leaders stress media’s importance in spreading tolerance” “Religious leaders stress media’s importance in spreading tolerance” By Rula Samain Christian and Muslim religious leaders on Saturday, February 6, stressed the role of the media in spreading a culture of tolerance, respecting the “other”, and human dignity. At a panel discussion titled, “The Role of Media in Promoting Harmony and Enhancing Human Dignity”, held at St Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Society in Amman to celebrate the UN’s sixth annual World Interfaith Harmony Week, Awqaf Minister Hayel Dawood said the harmony found in Jordan’s diverse society is a model for the region. The relationships between the followers of different religions should move beyond dialogue, Dawood added at the event, organised by the Arab Media Council in cooperation with the Catholic Centre for Studies and Media (CCSM). “People should be aware of the aim of creation: to preserve nature, take care of each other and respect humanity, which all religions demand, and especially Islam, …

February 4, 2016

Locals celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week THE CHRONICLE HERALD Published February 3, 2016 – 4:16pm The United Nations declared the first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2010. (Anthony Power, @AMPwerx)   For anyone looking to learn a little more about other religions, the first week of February is the perfect time to do so. World Interfaith Harmony Week runs from Feb. 1 to 7 and has a full slate of events throughout Halifax. Churches and other places of worship across the city are opening their doors for anyone to come in and see how things operate in other religions. “It’s an opportunity to visit sacred spaces in Halifax to observe, meet and engage with diverse faith communities,” said Kim MacAulay, a Buddhist and the coordinator of the Interfaith Peace and Friendship Centre at Mount Saint Vincent University. Throughout the week, there will be prayer sessions at various places of worship culminating with a celebration of World Interfaith …

World Interfaith Harmony Week : Steps Toward A Harmony Renaissance Rene Wadlow on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, 10:46am The Association of World Citizens, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the United Nations, cooperates fully with the World Interfaith Harmony Week, which takes place February 1-7. The UN General Assembly designates the first week of every February as a time for cooperation for a common purpose among all religions, faiths and beliefs.The General Assembly, building on its efforts for a culture of peace and non-violence in which World Citizens have played an active part, wishes to highlight the importance of mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue in developing a creative culture of peace and non-violence. The General Assembly recognizes “the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions in enhancing mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people.” The week has a potential to promote the healing of religion-based tensions in the world. As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote, At a time when the world is faced with many simultaneous  problems—security, environmental, humanitarian, …

Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE’s Minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development, to inaugurate Published Tuesday, February 02, 2016 Dubai will host the World Interfaith Harmony Day under the patronage of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE’s Minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development, on February 3 at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights Hotel. The meet takes place during the first week of February every year. The World Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1-7, 2016) provides a platform for all interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill to gather and express their solidarity and work together to promote harmony and goodwill in the world. This year, the conference will focus on how peace at home builds peace in the world. It will bring together a combination of international leaders from faith groups, universities, businesses, NGOs and public institutions to discuss the contribution of various faith traditions in building peaceful homes and strong families which are essential components for building peace …

Social Cohesion Minister highlights Guyana’s religious diversity February 1, 2016 By GuyanaTimes World Interfaith Harmony Week By Devina Samaroo Interfaith Harmony Week provides the ideal opportunity for interfaith and other groups of goodwill throughout the world to demonstrate what a powerful movement they are in effecting change within their communities. The Social Cohesion Minister, in her charge to the nation, commended those local organisations that have embarked on initiatives in observance of the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2016 and have contributed year-round to promoting unity. On that note, the Minister underscored that the faith-based organisations and other interfaith partners in Guyana, therefore, had significant roles in advocating for and taking action to advance communities.

PRESIDENT FISCHER TO VISIT KAICIID DURING WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK 28Jan2016 The Federal President of Austria, Dr. Heinz Fischer, will visit the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) on 2 February, in the context of the UN-endorsed World Interfaith Harmony Week, observed since 2011 during the first week of February. President Fischer will deliver a speech during an event that will be hosted by KAICIID’s Secretary General, Faisal Bin Muaammar, and that aims to promote tolerance and dialogue among the followers of different religions. HE Hussam Abdullah Al Huesseini, Ambassador of Jordan to Austria, will also speak at the event that will gather representatives of both the local and the international community in Austria. Jordan played a significant role in the establishment of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. KAICIID’s Secretary General said: “It is our honor to host the President of one of the members of our Council of Parties for this very special occasion. With this visit, Austria is once again showing …

Interfaith week on environment starts Sunday By Elaine Ayala January 28, 2016 Photo: ROBERT MCLEROY /SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS Father Ron Rolheiser shown in 2005, when he became president of Oblate School of Theology. A popular speaker and author on Catholic spirituality, he will be named San Antonio’s new peace laureate at the peaceCENTER’s annual Blessing of San Antonio Peacemakers on Sunday. In recognition of World Interfaith Harmony Week, the University of the Incarnate Word with various San Antonio faith groups will present an 11-day series of events on the topics of peace and climate change. “Together Caring for Creation: An Interfaith Week of Learning, Reflection and Commitment to Action” will include talks, music, recreational activities and worship services. Ongoing until Feb. 8, many events are free. A worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday will be hosted by Celebration Circle at SAY Si, 1518 S. Alamo St. Here are some highlights: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oblate School of Theology’s Whitley Center, the peaceCENTER’s …

In Uganda, this day is being commemorated in Muyenga on February 1, by the Nile Dialogue Platform, an organisation promoting interfaith and intercultural peaceful coexistence. Muhsin Nuwagaba Kaduyu is a peace promoter at the Nile Dialogue Platform     By Muhsin Nuwagaba Kaduyu February 1 – 7 is World ‘Interfaith Harmony Week’ that seeks to spread the message of harmony and tolerance among the followers of different faiths. This day was launched to promote harmony among people of different faiths at a time when interreligious conflict is claiming lives and livelihoods all over the world. This week is timely for Uganda considering that February is also the month when the general elections will be held in the country and, therefore, messages of harmony and tolerance among all the political contestants and everybody should be promoted. In Uganda, this day is being commemorated in Muyenga on February 1, by the Nile Dialogue Platform, an organisation promoting interfaith and intercultural peaceful coexistence. …

First official interfaith week to be hosted by Better Together, student secular community BY KAREN BESONEN / IN FEATURED / JANUARY 28, 2016 In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously to make World Interfaith Harmony Week the first week of February. This year, Concordia will be observing the week with events and dialogue hosted by Better Together and the Student Secular Community. Members of the Better Together Lead Team discuss plans for interfaith week at a meeting earlier this week. Photo by Maddie Malat. Julia Brucklacher, community lead for Better Together took on the challenge of bringing Interfaith Week to Concordia this year. Brucklacher witnessed interfaith weeks on other campuses, namely at University of North Dakota, where her dad works as a campus pastor. “We, Better Together, chose to do interfaith week at Concordia in conjunction with World Interfaith Harmony Week, [because] our aim is to educate the student body and the community while celebrating our faith and non-faith persity,” Brucklacher said. …

  Zambo residents urged to join World Interfaith Harmony Week  Wednesday, January 27, 2016 ZAMBOANGA City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has urged the residents to join and support the observance of the week-long World Interfaith Harmony Week in Mindanao. Salazar has issued Executive Order No. BC 16-2016 that enjoins the active participation and support of all schools, government entities, private institutions, non-government organizations, parishes, church-based organizations, civil society groups, urban poor communities and other people’s organizations in the various activities lined up for the said week-long celebration. The UN General Assembly during its 34th plenary meeting has proclaimed the first week of February of every year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs. The harmony week celebration in this city is spearheaded by UN Interfaith Harmony partners, the Silsilah Dialogue Movement and the National Ulama Conference. The UN General Assembly issued the proclamation as it recognizes the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and …

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  AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday acted as patron at the King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) award ceremony. During the ceremony, which took place at Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty presented awards to the top three winners, according to a Royal Court statement. Royal family members and senior officials attended the event. The WIHW was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by King Abdullah. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN and henceforth the first week of February has been observed annually as World Interfaith Harmony Week. The Royal Aal al Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought established the WIHW award to recognise three activities or publications that best contribute to the promotion of the occasion. First prize was awarded to Pakistan’s Universal Interfaith Peace Mission, represented by Allama G R Chishti, for its various events in a range of locations including Islamia …

His Majesty King Abdullah poses for a group photo with participants in the King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week awards ceremony in Amman on Sunday (Photo courtesy of Royal Court) AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday acted as patron at the King Abdullah II World Interfaith Harmony Week award ceremony. During the ceremony, which took place at Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty presented the awards to four winners. Royal family members and senior officials attended the event. The World Interfaith Harmony Week was initiated by the King, who put it forward to the 56th session of the UN General Assembly, which unanimously adopted it.

Amman, April 27 (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Sunday, patronized a ceremony in honor of the winners of the King Abdullah Prize for the World Interfaith Harmony Week. In attendance were a number of royal family members as well as religious leaders and scholars from across the world. The prize was launched last year to recognize three outstanding activities marking the world interfaith harmony week, which takes place during the first week of February each year. Proposed by King Abdullah II during the 65 United Nations General Assembly session in 2010, the World Interfaith Harmony Week was unanimously adopted by the UN, and is now being observed by countries worldwide though a variety of events. The initiative seeks to spread the love of god and love of the neighbor, or love of good and love of the neighbor, irrespective of one’s belief, to promote peace, tolerance and mutual understanding among all nations worldwide. Over 400 events took …

BY JENNIFER GOMEZ JANUARY 27, 2014 LATEST UPDATE: JANUARY 27, 2014 05:02 PM Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (pic), the minister in charge of interfaith matters, said he was open to suggestions that Putrajaya engage in discussions to “harmonise” the 10-point solution with state enactments which forbid non-Muslims from using the word Allah. He said although this was his personal opinion, he was nonetheless open to suggestions that Putrajaya and state governments discuss the possibility of amending state enactments for consistency with the cabinet’s 10-point solution. Referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s statement on Friday that the 10-point solution was subject to state laws, Kurup said: “That is the reality, what the PM said”. “But because some quarters are not happy, we can discuss to find a solution to ‘harmonise’ the two,” he added. Kurup said this at the pre-launch of the World Interfaith Harmony Week organised by the National Integration and Unity Department and the United Nations. He …

Amman, Jan. 29 (Petra) – Under the patronage of Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs will hold a ceremony next Tuesday to launch the World Interfaith Harmony Week. The World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly through a resolution adopted on 20 October 2010. In the resolution, the General Assembly pointed out that mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace, and the World Interfaith Harmony Week was established as a way to promote harmony among all people regardless of their faith. Recognizing the imperative need for a dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among the people, the General Assembly called on all the States for support to the week to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill across the world’s mosques, churches, temples and other places of worship on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious …

April 29, 2013

by Sean Augustin of fz.com 28 March, 2013 PUTRAJAYA (March 28): An initiative to promote better religious ties in multi-racial Malaysia won the bronze medal in this year’s World Interfaith Harmony Week Competition. Minister in the Prime Minister Department Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon said the win notched up by the country’s World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) Malaysia was proof that the efforts by the religious leaders here had been recognised. He said the win, which will see the country earn $5,000 in prize money, was a sign that such efforts should be continued.

World Interfaith Harmony Week Published on: March 02, 2013 at 12:11 PM Malaysian Church News BUKIT MERTAJAM (Herald Malaysia): In conjunction with World Inter-faith Harmony Week about 40 youths from different religious background attended a tree planting ceremony on the grounds of Saint Anne’s Sanctuary. This programme which was initiated by the United Nations was organized by Jabatan Perpaduan Negara Dan Integrasi Nasional (Jabatan Perdana Menteri).The programme was towards interreligious understanding and harmony amongst adherents and the theme was ‘Love God, Love your Neighbours’. This goodwill programme was to help participants to have a better understanding of the practices, culture and way of life of peoples of other faiths so as to strengthen the spirit of unity among the youths of this nation. The parish was represented by Joseph Stanislaus, David Baboo & Lazarus Jonathan.

Published on 25 Feb 2013 The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (pcid.org) hosted an interfaith dialogue last February 4, 2013 – Representatives for different religious sectors shared their thoughts on “A Common Word” in relation to their religious beliefs and traditions. They highlighted the two main themes of “Loving God” and “Loving our Neighbors” and focused on the commonalities of their religions, rather than their differences, to advocate Peace amongst religious groups throughout the World.

Posted on February 25, 2013 Nine international students from the College of Saint Elizabeth stepped onto the world’s stage on February 14, 2013, when they participated in the program entitled United for a Culture of Peace Through Interfaith Harmony at the United Nations in New York. The event, which is part of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, brought together international leaders from the diplomatic and religious communities to focus on the integral role religion plays in facilitating world peace. Vuk Jeremić, president of the 67th United Nations General Assembly, opened the program by addressing the 1,500-member audience. The speakers who followed included ambassadors from Kazakhstan, Philippines, Iraq and from representatives of every major religion in the world. “This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to see up front how a major governmental organization operates,” said Lenee Woodson, CSE director of international and multicultural affairs. “At CSE, we have a long history of inspiring our students to assume leadership positions, and there is …

By Sally Applegate/northandover@wickedlocal.com GateHouse News Service North Andover — As church bells pealed the hour of 7 p.m. from the white steeple of Cascia Hall at Merrimack College on Feb. 6, people converged at the church from all directions across the campus for the 10th annual Interfaith Celebration presented for UN World Interfaith Harmony Week. The Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations sponsored the uplifting ceremony. One by one, at the start of the service, students of all faiths walked to the center of a circle of representatives of these faiths and presented symbols of each of their traditions. Joseph T. Kelley, Ph.D., D.Min., Director of the Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations, said the intent of the evening was the inclusion of many religions. “The spirit of tonight was to offer abrahamic hospitality to the children of Abraham – Jews, Christians and Muslims, reaching out to all religions and inviting them into an interfaith prayer service as part …

Saturday 23 February 2013 14:09 Spanish city of Tirasa hosts religious leaders from across the world in a bid to stress the themes of peace, friendship and coexistence among different religions. Religious leaders from different countries get together to discuss the importance of mutual friendship and stress the culture of peace and friendship in Tirasa, Spain, Taqrib News Agency (TNA). Joseph Splegos, former president of the Religions Committee in Tirasa said that the conference was held in the world Interfaith Harmony Week, recognized by the UN to be marked on 1-7 February. He added,” In a bid to stress the high objectives of this conference, groups of Muslim, Christian and Jewish minorities are invited to this conference. Mohammad Satati, representative of Muslim community in this conference noted mosques as divine houses that are open to the public and a heritage for all Spanish people. World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly in a resolution adopted on 20 …

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, ICNY’s Dr. Sarah Sayeed (pictured, center)  took part in a panel discussion on the Occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week entitled: “The Role of Interfaith Dialogue in Peace Building and Women Empowerment.” The panel aimed to raise awareness on empowering women and discuss multiple perspectives, implications and misconceptions on girls’ education based on religions, traditions, and customs.  Speakers included Dr. Sayeed, ICNY Program and Communications Associate; Nobel Peace Prize recipient Tawwakul Karman; Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace; Joyce S. Dubensky, CEO of Tanenbaum; Dr. Alp Aslandogan, President of the Alliance for Shared Values; Rwandan genocide survivor Marie Claudine Mukamabano; and Beth Adamson, of the Working Group on Girls. In the video below, Dr. Sayeed gives her prepared statement to the audience. The panel was sponsored by Center for Global Affairs, Peace Islands Institute and partner organizations, including The Interfaith Center of NY is a partner organization. A collection of photos of the day’s …

MANILA — In an Inquirer news article dated February 4, 2013, reporter Zoe Rodriguez stated that a bill recently passed in the Senate is seeking to foster “genuine understanding amongst people of different faiths and belief systems” by urging government agencies to hold interfaith activities during the first week of February every year. Rodriguez went on to quote Senator Loren Legarda, author of the World Interfaith Harmony Week Bill that “this measure will greatly contribute to easing any conflict or tension caused by differing religious beliefs in the country. Gatherings and activities for World Interfaith Harmony Week have been held in various countries across the world with diverse backgrounds, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Italy, and Jordan.” More than 40 countries in the world are already celebrating the World Interfaith Harmony Week following a resolution by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that was later adopted unanimously as a UN Observance Event. Legarda noted that “even in our country, the National Ulama Conference of …

by Muath Freij | Feb 19, 2013 | 22:09  AMMAN — Students from over 10 schools across the country on Tuesday reflected on their experience in exchanging views with their counterparts from around the world to promote interfaith tolerance and change stereotypes of Islam.

A celebration of our state’s different faiths happened at the Convention Center in Columbia Sunday. SOURCE

Manila, Philippines – His Eminence Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle led the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week held last February 1-7, 2013 with the theme “Celebrating Interfaith Harmony for Love and Service to God and One Another.” The breakfast dialogue meeting included multi-religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, key government officials, peace advocates, and children organized by the Uni-Harmony Partners Manila convened by Religions for Peace Philippines. The Interfaith Harmony Week celebration, according to Cardinal Tagle, seeks to promote mutual understanding and advance common action. He said that “friendship and sincere relationships are prerequisites to achieving these aims.” “It is in this landscape that children will appreciate the beauty of our various faiths and grow in harmony with one another,” he added. The week-long celebration included activities held in various places that will spread the message of interfaith harmony, dialogue and cooperation listed below: Interfaith Women’s Festival – a gathering of women from various interfaith groups who celebrated …

Music, song and prayer illuminated the historic hall of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, as crowds of people filled the GA to celebrate opening ceremonies for World Interfaith Harmony Week. SOURCE

February 15, 2013, 4:57 AM As the UN General Assembly unanimously passed a resoulation to observe the World Interfaith Harmony Week annually during the first week of February. During the 1st week of February 2013 the world celebrated 3rd world interfaith harmony week throughout the world. With the strong motivation of Ms. Monica Willard URI Representative at UN and The Religious Committee of NGOs at UN, Pakistan Council for Social Welfare & Human Rights (PCSW&HR) also actively participated to celebrate the world interfaith harmony week. To celebrate this week PCSW&HR organized various awareness activities in which seminar at Sialkot on the topic “Peace through Interfaith Harmony & Dialogue” on 6thFebruary 2013 was main activity. In the seminar hundreds of believer (both male & female) of different faiths in which Muslims, Christians, Hindus etc participated.   The main focus of seminar was to campaigning for the importance of harmonious life among believers of different faiths and seeks their commitment to promote and ensure the interfaith cooperation, …

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) — The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Vuk Jeremic on Thursday honored World Interfaith Harmony Week by calling on the international community “to foster harmony amongst religions, as a foundation for establishing a global culture of peace.” “Our world is still characterized by too much confrontation, intolerance, and recurring warfare,” Jeremic said as he addressed a special event, titled “United for a Culture of Peace through Interfaith Harmony” to mark the Week. He noted that people of faith should genuinely focus on the core ethical tenets they hold in common, fostering interfaith harmony so as to establish a global culture of peace. “Let us reach out to one another, on equal footing, and truly work on healing the wounds of centuries of conflict between peoples of different religions,” he added. “The United Nations can greatly benefit from further engaging with religious leaders from around the world who advocate the path of peace,” the GA …

New York, 14 February 2013 – Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at event to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week : “The Role of Interfaith Harmony in the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week with you.  I thank the President of the General Assembly for bringing us all together.  I bring you greetings and best wishes from the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, now on travel outside New York. At a time when too many communities and too many countries are being split apart by strife between religious groups, this initiative is an important chance to reach across divides.  We want to reclaim faith as an instrument of peace.  As the PGA eloquently just stated.  This is also a key goal of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, preparing for another important event next month. All of the world’s great religions share the values of peace, human dignity and respect for others.  The United Nations is proud to …

Saturday, February 16, 2013 FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) — The East Bay Muslim community held an open house in Fremont Saturday to reach out to people of different faiths.  The open house was hosted by the Islamic Society of East Bay to commemorate “World Interfaith Harmony Week.” The event promotes harmony between all people regardless of faith. One mosque member admits there are still lots of questions about what Muslims believe. Related Content “We, we think that this is very, very important, especially after the unfortunate event of 9/11,” said Ahsan Baig, chair of the mosque’s outreach committee. “And I think Muslims have not done a lot of outreach to explain what Muslims are all about, what our faith is all about.” World Interfaith Harmony Week began through a proclamation issued by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. SOURCE

February 16, 2013. CFN– A couple of Sundays ago (February 3), a magical meeting took place in Cornwall, organized by the Cornwall Interfaith Partnership (CIP). The meeting was a celebration of World Interfaith Harmony week with the theme of Common Word- Common Ground- Common Good. The CIP arranged an evening meal shared with diverse people of different religions, ages and interests. The central idea of the meeting which drew around 85 people like a magnet: finding some common ground in order to  increase compassion in the community. The original idea came from a talk on the TED (Technology, Education and Design) channel where religious scholar and writer Karen Armstrong presented her idea of how to help make the world better. She outlined the Charter for Compassion which she describes in the following video: http://www.ted.com/talks/karen_armstrong_makes_her_ted_prize_wish_the_charter_for_compassion.html We watched the video and then organized into small groups to discuss the ideas that stood out for us during the talk. The fact that so …

MANILA, Feb. 17, 2013—Various religious communities, interfaith organizations and peace advocates came together in spirit of unity and solidarity to culminate the celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo last February 7. Quiapo Church rector Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio, in a message stressed that there is a need to engage everyone in a deeper understanding on the true nature of peace. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim releases a dove, symbol of peace, during a program culminating the week-long observance of Interfaith Harmony Week at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, February 7. Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME, an Italian Missionary for Peace in Mindanao and founder of Silsilah Dialogue Movement in Zamboanga City, for his part, said it is important to look on the positive aspects that can help bring peace. “It is time to discover positive points among Christians and Muslims, and together of living faiths move towards other religions and culture as partners in building a new world, …

For McCormick’s worship service during Interfaith Harmony Week, the Rev. Ficca was our preacher. The title of his sermon was “Who Will Go First?”. McCormick Theological Seminary Worship – Interfaith Harmony Week Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Who Will Go First? Scripture: Psalm 3 Gospel: Matthew 5:21-26, 38-42 As we gather together in observance of Interfaith Harmony Week, even a quick survey of the field is probably enough to be appropriately overwhelmed. Just consider the major league versions: Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Confucian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Shinto, Taoist, and Zoroastrian. Not to mention all of the variations within each: Sunni, Shia and Sufi within Islam; Theravadan and Mahajanan, Vajrayanan and Zen within Buddhism; Labavich, Hasidic, Orthodox, Traditional, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and Humanistic within Judaism; and so on, and so on…. And then – remembering that every tradition has to start somewhere, at some point in time – there are all those smaller franchises, the ancient and the neo-ancient, the modern …

Tapio Varis, UNESCO Chair in global e-learning and member of the board of directors of New York-based Center for Media & Peace Initiatives has been bestowed with the prestigious Golden Rule Award. Dr. Varis joins other prominent recipients of the Golden Rule Award including former Finnish President Tarja Halonen. In a citation at the award ceremony in Helsinki, Professor Tapio Varis was honored for his contribution towards a culture of peace and promotion of dialogue and values of new humanism in the past twenty years. Tapio Varis has served as UNESCO Chair in global e-learning with applications to multiple domains. Accepting the award, Prof. Varis called for profound reform in the structure of the current communication networks as well as the pattern of information flows across the world. “Internationalism and acceptance of cultural diversity mean having citizens who are committed to what happens to the planet and who are aware of the global scope of its problems. Only a media-based …

Tapio Varis, Chair of global e-learning for UNESCO-(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and member of the board of directors of New York-based Center for Media & Peace Initiativeshas been bestowed with the prestigious Golden Rule Award. Varis has greatly contributed four decades to create a culture of peace, in promoting dialogue and values of new humanism. The Golden Rule Award is awarded by the Interfaith Dialogue Network of Finland, which works in fellowship with Parliament of the World’s Religions. “The Golden Rule Award is a stone given as a sign of gratitude to people who try to implement The Golden Rule in practice. The Golden Rule is the ground for dialogue but it is actually the process of dialogue that leads people to really walk on the path of Golden Rule”, says Heidi Rautionmaa, Finland’s Interfaith Dialogue Network Coordinator and Ambassador to the 2009 Parliament of World’s Religions. Tapio Varis says that education programs must be the fruit of cooperation and communication between people. Present day technologies are starting to enable this and global media …

Posted on February 12, 2013 By Lydia Nsubuga Min. of state for Elderly & Disability affairs and also Bbaale county MP, Hon. Sulaiman Kyebakoze Madada has stressed the significance of strengthening  interfaith harmony in the country. Madada revealed that world over, politics & the church are involved in the state formation thus one can not do without the other. He noted therefore, that there is need of an advocacy Uganda in particular that focuses on interfaith harmony dialogue if conflicts are to be avoided. He said that its imperative to know that conflicts are not bad if they are managed appropriately under the principles of dialogue which is open minded, compassionate, tolerance among others. This  was at a dinner in Katikomu Hotel Kayunga town to mark the Interfaith Harmony Week which started on Monday organised by Global Citizens International Kayunga. Meanwhile, the guest speaker, Prof. Ndebesa Mwangusya also emphasized the issue noting that Africa should teach the world interfaith dialogue …

Tuesday 12th of February 2013 MANILA, Feb. 12 (PIA) — The Philippine Embassy in London cited before Philippine and British audiences the country’s initiatives and achievements in the fields of interfaith cooperation and human rights promotion. A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs said that on February 7, the Embassy hosted its first ever reception commemorating World Interfaith Harmony Week. The gathering brought together leaders and representatives of different religions in the United Kingdom (UK), as well as UK government officials and members of the Filipino community with an interest in cooperation and understanding among faiths. In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the UK Enrique A. Manalo traced the Philippines’ long history and leading role in the promotion of interfaith cooperation within the international community, and recalled the country’s own direct interests and experiences in religious dialogue. “The Philippine Government views inter-religious dialogue as a vital component of the comprehensive effort to achieve a global culture of peace – …

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. UN Photo/Mark Garten 12 February 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today drew attention to the role of faith leaders in promoting female empowerment, noting that they can help address gender prejudices and support women’s participation in society at all levels. “People place extraordinary trust in their faith leaders, who have a far-reaching ability to help achieve lasting peace and promote the status of women,” Mr. Ban said in his message to a symposium held in New York. “As long as entrenched hatreds and gender bias remain, conflicts will simmer and women will suffer. Only when we achieve a fundamental change in mindsets can we realize true progress,” he added in the message, which was delivered by the Assistant Secretary-General for Intergovernmental Support and Strategic Partnerships of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), Lakshmi Puri. Mr. Ban stressed that women are often central to the life of faith-based organizations and possess enormous potential to promote …

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the Symposium on “The Role of Interfaith Dialogue in Peacebuilding and Women Empowerment”, delivered by Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary-General for Intergovernmental Support and Strategic Partnerships, UN-Women, in New York, today, 12 February: Peace, dignity and respect for others are core values common to all of the world’s great religions.  The United Nations is proud to uphold these values, including through our work to build peace and empower women.  I commend the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Peace Islands Institute for organizing today’s symposium on these important goals.  It is a fitting way to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week.   People place extraordinary trust in their faith leaders, who have a far-reaching ability to help achieve lasting peace and promote the status of women.  As long as entrenched hatreds and gender bias remain, conflicts will simmer and women will suffer.  Only when we achieve a fundamental change in mind-sets can we realize true …

2013-02-12 18:23:23.0 Floor 184 minutes Keywords: SPECIAL EVENT, SYMPOSIUM, ROLE, INTERFAITH DIALOGUE, PEACEBUILDING, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK, OIC | Listen: 

by Habeeb Alli 12 February 2013 Toronto – Given the number of interfaith discussions that seem to generate only documents and hot air, when I heard about the World Interfaith Harmony Week event taking place in Toronto, I thought it may be just another talkfest. Online bloggers and cynics were no help either. “Why bother to drive all the way to this Japanese Cultural Centre when there is a snow storm coming? Your Interfaith dialogues will not stop the death storm hitting Muslims across the Atlantic!” opined one such local blogger. However, as an imam, and a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, I am always looking for opportunities to highlight the many examples of faith being used to build peaceful, constructive relationships across artificial dividing lines, such as religion. Suddenly, I wanted to prove to this blogger and his fellow naysayers that there was practical value in this event.

By Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, trustee, 1Malaysia Foundation, Kuala Lumpur | letters@nstp.com.my  WHEN launching the World Interfaith Harmony Week celebrations at a secondary school in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin spoke on the need to foster unity among students of all races in schools. Indeed, the young generation must set the right example for preserving racial harmony and unity. In this regard, schools and other educational institutions must develop a conducive social environment and encourage communication and interaction among students of different races, religions and cultures. I have always advocated that to promote togetherness, students of different races must break down the racial divide and reach out to make friends with those from other ethnic groups by showing mutual respect and trust for one another. Conscious and committed efforts must be made by the heads of schools and teachers to help the future generation of Malaysian leaders to achieve this all important objective of building …

“The best religion is humanity”, was the powerful message delivered by Gift of the Givers founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman on 7 February in Cape Town. Following a proposal inspired by the Common Word Initiative and championed by King Abdullah II of Jordan, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) in 2010, which is observed every year during the first week of February. “What we are proposing is a special week”, said King Abdullah, “during which the world’s people…could express the teachings of their faith about tolerance, respect for the other and peace.”     Heeding the call to mark this important week of interfaith dialogue, the Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies hosted a breakfast at Café Riteve for local faith-based leaders and diplomats. In a country that is often plagued with division and difference, the gathering included a Sunni Imam, a Shiite Maulana, Progressive and Orthodox Rabbis, Anglican and Catholic Priests, diplomats and politicians, …

11 February 2013 – The Philippine Embassy in London cited before Philippine and British audiences the country’s initiatives and achievements in the fields of interfaith cooperation and human rights promotion. On February 7, the Embassy hosted its first ever reception commemorating World Interfaith Harmony Week. The gathering brought together leaders and representatives of different religions in the United Kingdom (UK), as well as UK government officials and members of the Filipino community with an interest in cooperation and understanding among faiths. In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the UK Enrique A. Manalo traced the Philippines’ long history and leading role in the promotion of interfaith cooperation within the international community, and recalled the country’s own direct interests and experiences in religious dialogue.

Baghdad, 8 February 2013 – To mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week (1-7 February), United Nations envoy Mr. Martin Kobler and a UN delegation participated in a series of visits to several holy places, including the shrine of Imam Hanifa Al-Aadham, Imam Khadum Shrine, Sayyidat Al-Najat Church and the temple of the Sabean Mandeans. The UN delegation was accompanied by some 30-40 Iraqi youth from different backgrounds, and worked closely with cultural and civil volunteer youth activist Ali Al-Makhzomy on changing perceptions about the role youth and religious leaders can play in promoting peace and harmony among the different communities in Iraq. “The youth, the future of this country, have a unique role in building peace through dialogue and an immense responsibility in working all together so that people of different faiths and beliefs feel stronger together in times of difficulty,” Mr. Kobler said. He also emphasized the responsibility of religious and political leaders in promoting peace and tolerance among different …

Happy New Year!  Happy year of the snake.  Here’s hoping it’s a king snake and not a cobra! New Years, of course, are very Interfaithy.  Every culture has one.  Every spiritual path either has a New Year of its own, or has adopted one.  And we here get to celebrate them all.  Last year, we built a service around the Chinese New Year.  This year we have another theme.  But it is good to remember the lunar new year, and to recognize it.  As Interfaithers, we recognize that there’s no one “right” date to start the year, no one “right” way to celebrate the new year, just as there is no one “right” way to pray about the new year. And I think it’s important to note, for posterity, that it’s not ambivalence.  It is notambivalence.  It is respect.  This is the foundation, this is the paradigm shift that is at the core of who we are: remembering our own traditions, …

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, February 9, 2013 (Washington Bangla Radio): Ontario’s first UN World Interfaith Harmony Week was celebrated with a special event at the esteemed Japanese Canadian Cultural Center involving some of the nation’s foremost religious leaders and in accordance with Resolution A/ RES/65/5 by the UN General Assembly calling for all nations to promote pluralism and  interfaith amity. The highly distinguished speakers included the most reverend Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick who was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI; Gerald Filson, former Chair of the Canadian Network on International Human Rights and Co-Chair of the Mosaic Management Group of Vision TV; Pundit Suraj Persad, Hindu Chaplain at the world famous Hospital for Sick Kids and University of Toronto; Dr. Raj Patil from the Jain Association of North America; Rabbi Teri Appleby who has won numerous awards from the Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles; Zoroastrian priest and author Dr. Jehan Bagli; Dr. Mir Baiz Khan (Ph.D. University of Toronto, MA, University …

LAHORE – The Centre for Public Policy and Governance at the Forman Christian College held a seminar in connection with the UN interfaith harmony week on “Designing a framework for Peace Education in a Pluralist Society”. The purpose of the seminar was to hash out ideas on how to deconstruct stereotypes in a post 9/11 world, to create deeper understanding of all people and a society that celebrates unity in diversity. Dr Amineh Hoti, a member of the UK Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education, was the keynote speaker at the seminar, along with FC Department of Religious Studies Chairperson Dr Hafiz Abdul Ghani and Naulakha Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor Dr Majid Abel. Dr Hoti gave an anthropological perspective on the issue of creating the ‘other’ and the creation and bastardisation of stereotypes that become counter-productive to peaceful co-existence in society. “This creates a need to try and understand people who are different from us and observe their culture, traditions, values and …

Wed, 06 February 2013

L-R: Natalie Mobini, Ahmed Youssef, Paul Taylor, Robyn Horton, and Amardeep Singh, who will speak in an interfaith forum at the National Multicultural Festival. Photo: Rohan Thomson A hundred years ago, most people in the Federal Capital Territory were Catholic or Protestant and the census of 1911 showed that 96 per cent of Australians identified themselves as Christian. But as we approach Canberra’s first centenary, it is clear that there is much more diversity among the faithful. Today about 60 per cent of Canberrans say they are religious and though Christianity is still the most prominent, with 55 per cent of the population identifying with a denomination, there is a growing number of members of other religious denominations. Increasingly harmony is coming with the diversity. Last year, Canberrans overwhelmingly backed the building of a mosque in Gungahlin after 30 residents had tried to block the development. There are now seven mosques in Canberra, adding to the religious landscape of churches, synagogues …

On 6th and 7th February 2013 Our Catholic parish, Protestant, Buddhist, and Muslim celebrated the pilgrim to the beautiful park of Pjnom Pram Py, Phnom Prek District, Battambang province for the peace and environmental. This pilgrim was celebrated in the three main proposes:  In this pilgrim there are 100 participates from Buddhist, and Muslim, Protestant, Catholic. In the first day we went the cave of the Phnom Pram Py to the know and to see about the beautiful environment, to make our heart to love the environment. In those pagada we also grown the trees and We also Share about the ways that we do for the environment according to the religious. In the Last we pray together for Our Hero King Norodom Sihanouk at the Phnom Pram Py.  

United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week was adopted on a proposal of King Abdullah of Jordan and takes place for the third year. Chief Minister of Penang gave an address on the occasion. The Chief Minister of Penang State in Malaysia, Lim Guan Eng, declared support to the effort of inter-faith harmony week, giving a speech on the occasion. Penang’s “CM” said that when there is respect for differences between faiths and thus harmony, people can prosper, as is the case for the past 226 years in Penang. Penang is one of the most prosperous regions of Malaysia and is a World Heritage City due to its history and preservation, and is a popular tourist destination. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that the awarding of the World Heritage City status to Penang by the United Nations was due in part to the harmony between the various faiths all of which have large numbers of followers in Penang: Islam, Buddhism, …

By SHAMIM MASIH Published: February 10, 2013 ISLAMABAD: Reformation for Empowerment and Alleviation of Poverty (REAP) and Youth Development Association (YDA) held a celebration to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week, observed annually during the first week of February. A major goal of the Week is to make the ongoing work of interfaith groups to be made more visible to the world around. The thousands of events organized by these groups often go unnoticed not only by the general public, but also by other interfaith groups themselves. In September 2010, His Majesty King Abdullah proposed the launch of the World Interfaith Harmony Week at the UN General Assembly, which adopted the initiative. Re-affirming that “mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace”, the UN General Assembly proclaimed “the first week of February of every year World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs”. The week serves as a voluntary occasion for people to express their …

UN World Interfaith Harmony Week held on first week of February  Written By Kula Saen on Saturday, 9 February 2013 | 05:54 Published on February 9, 2013 by TFP   ·   No Comments BANGKOK, 8 February 2013 (NNT) — The Universal Peace Foundation (Thailand) has held a seminar on the occasion of UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, which falls on the first week of February. This year, the interfaith campaign is held under the theme of inter-religious principles for strengthening families. A seminar has been held to discuss ways to strengthen family institution in a sustainable manner. The United Nations (UN) has declared every first week of February as UN World Interfaith Harmony Week since 2010, to promote the unity and cooperation among people of different religion beliefs. Academics and religious experts gathered to exchange views on different religious principles, focusing on how they could help strengthen family bond. It is believed that religious teachings are important foundations for strong family bonding. …

 World Interfaith Harmony Week was celebrated on Thursday 7 of February at the City Chamber of São Paulo thanks to the support of city Councilor Gilberto Natalini and the partnership of the interfaith leaders. Reverend Christian Lepelletier, UPF Vice-President was the MC and invited the following religious representatives at the main table from left: Disciple Robson Dias from the Makadesh Evangelical Community, Professor Sandra Santos, President of the São Paulo State Umbandist Association, Sheikh Mohamed Al Bukai, Director of the Islamic Affairs of the National Union of the Islamic Organizations in Brazil, Simão Ferabolli, President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), representing the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), Professor Samuel, President of the Brazilian Association of Religious Freedom and Citizenship representing the Adventist Church, Rabi Gilberto Venturas representing the Paulista IsraelitaAssociation, Bishop Marcelo Resende from the Liberal Catholic Church and the Theosophical Society, Reverend Mahesvara, representing the Hinduism and the Hare Krishna Movement, Ifa Boala representing the Yoluba African Traditional Culture, Pastor Nello Pulcinelli, from the Institute Thomas Helwys …

Jakarta – Under the auspices of UNDPI-Affiliate Anand Ashram Foundation Indonesia, youth from different sections and elements of society got together on the 1st of February to begin a week long celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, initiated by the Jordan Prince Ghazi and unanimously adopted by all UN member states. “Our theme this year,” explained Dr Wayan Sayoga, the foundation chairman, “is ‘Indonesian Youth Striving for Global Harmony’. This is well received by our NGO Colleagues, among others Indonesian Women’s Association for Global Peace (IWAG-P), Islamic Movement for Non-Violence (IMN), Centre for Vedic & Dharmic Studies, National Integration Movement (NIM), One Earth Integral Education Foundation, and One Earth School (OES).”

08 FEB 2013 04:06PM KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) — The spirit of appreciating and respecting the diversity in culture and religion must always be fostered among the young generation, specifically those who are still schooling. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said, such spirit was crucial to ensure stability and harmony towards achieving better and sustainable progress and development. “Appreciating and respecting the diversity in culture and religion is actually an important asset or advantage which we should be proud of, and continue to defend. “So, it is apt that the young generation be continuously imbued with the spirit of appreciating and respecting the principles of the Federal Constitution, understanding Rukunegara, understanding existing difference in culture, and appreciating and practising census and goodwill among them,” he said. He said this in his speech at a ceremony to launch the education ministry’s school-level World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seksyen 3, Bandar Kinrara near here today. …

Thu, 07 February 2013 18:07:20 The World Interfaith Harmony Film Festival, http://www.worldinterfaithharmonyfilmfestival.com/, has chosen philanthroper, designer, and entertainment entrepreneur Aerin O’Connell to host this years ceremonies scheduled from February 6th – 10th. The World Interfaith Harmony Film Festival is an annual event to be observed during the first week of February in conjunction with the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week. Organizer Renee DePalma has chosen Aerin for her esteemed entertainment background, as well as her philanthropy work across the world. Aerin recently traveled to Liberia, West Africa, and will be returning late this month along with the More Than Me Organization, www.morethanme.org. As their primary initiative, the More Than Me Organization and Aerin aim to remove little girls from the streets and place them into schools; Liberia being one of the world’s most dangerous slums in the world. Overrun by crime in this poverished region, one out of every four young girls are forced into a life of prostitution. Aerin and …

UN World Interfaith Harmony Week held on first week of February BANGKOK, 8 February 2013 (NNT) – The Universal Peace Foundation (Thailand) has held a seminar on the occasion of UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, which falls on the first week of February. This year, the interfaith campaign is held under the theme of inter-religious principles for strengthening families. A seminar has been held to discuss ways to strengthen family institution in a sustainable manner. The United Nations (UN) has declared every first week of February as UN World Interfaith Harmony Week since 2010, to promote the unity and cooperation among people of different religion beliefs. Academics and religious experts gathered to exchange views on different religious principles, focusing on how they could help strengthen family bond. It is believed that religious teachings are important foundations for strong family bonding. — NNT 2013-02-08   SOURCE

Feb-08-2013 04:05 Shamim Masih Salem-News.com Communal Love that can lead us to the attainment of “Global Harmony” Group photos of the participants with chief guest (ISLAMABAD) – Reformation for Empowerment and Alleviation of Poverty (REAP) and Youth Development Association (YDA) on Wednesday, February 06, 2013 held a celebration to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week, observed annually during the first week of February. Jamshed Khan giving vote of thanks A major goal of the Week is to make the ongoing work of interfaith groups to be made more visible to the world around. The thousands of events organized by these groups often go unnoticed not only by the general public, but also by other interfaith groups themselves. In September 2010, His Majesty King Abdullah proposed the launch of the World Interfaith Harmony Week at the UN General Assembly, which adopted the initiative. Re-affirming that “mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace”, the UN General Assembly …

Inspired by a resolution from United Nations from October of 2010 calling for the celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Culver City-based World Interfaith Harmony Film Festival offers screenings from February 6 to February 10 of films on themes of peace, non-violence, social justice, and environmental balance. Screenings are held at the Magnin Theatre at the Skirball Cultural Center at 2701 N. Sepulveda, at Sony Pictures Studios, and at the Imam Cultural Center at 3376 Motor Ave. Check the organization’s WEB SITE for more information about ticket price and venue. Here are some of the films being screened:     Wednesday February 6th (OPENING NIGHT) SHIFT OF THE AGES 6:00 PM Directed By Stephen Copeland 82 minutes Shift of the Ages reveals the story of the Mayan culture and its sophisticated prophecies of time, as told for the first time by the Grand Elder of the Mayan people, Alejandro Cirilo Perez Oxlaj. The film, shot over the course of seven years, shares …

Published on Thursday, 07 February 2013 05:00 Written by Alex Abutu,Abuja, Hope Abah, Makurdi, Chris Eze, Yenagoa, Eyo Charles, Calabar, Aliyu AbdulLateef, Ilorin, Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri, Aliyu M. Hamagam, Minna & Christiana T. Alabi, Kaduna Muslims and Christians in Kaduna State have demanded for legislation against hate speech that is capable of creating ethno-religious crises in the state. The two religions in their hundreds yesterday marched to the Kaduna State House of Assembly under the aegis of Interfaith Mediation Centre in commemoration of the World Inter-faith Harmony Week demanding for a ban on hate speech as well as other factors responsible of fuelling ethno-religious crises in the state. The group, comprising members of catholic cadets, boys’ brigade, and aid group of Christian and Islamic faiths among others in company of some religious leaders in a peaceful procession, marched from Leventis roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way to Lugard Hall premises. Speaking before the legislators at the house of assembly, leader of …

A Friendship Some Wouldn’t Think Could Happen Two students find a deep connection, and then put it to the test in a cookoff on Feb. 8.   Friedman (top) is a sociology major and Elzarka is studying political science. Photo by Bill Cardoni.   Drew senior Julia Friedman, the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor from Hungary, is president of Hillel, the Jewish student group. Sophomore Noran Elzarka, a Muslim whose family hails from Egypt, is president of the Middle Eastern Student Association. No matter. These days the two student activists are practically BFFs. “I think the basis of our friendship is we’re both passionate people who care about our community, our roots, our people,” Friedman says. “And we want to share that with others.” Elzarka has traveled many times to Egypt to visit family. Friedman spent three weeks in Israel in 2011 on a Drew International Seminar, then spent the Spring 2012 semester studying in Tel Aviv. And while they …

By: Our Staff Reporter | February 07, 2013 . 0   KHANEWAL – The Bethak-Pakistan in collaboration with AAP-Multan celebrated the World Interfaith Cultural Week to promote communication and trust among the believers of different religious for peace. A large number of people from Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu communities participated in the cultural festival here the other day. Programme started with the recitation of holy books of different religions and representatives from all the faiths were called on stage and a candlelight vigil was also held for peace and harmony in the society. On the occasion, Samuel Barkat, Francis Jacob, Amir Hussaini, Sarfraz Clement, and Mahinder Paul Singh spoke on different aspects of promotion of peace and harmony through interfaith dialogue, importance of diversity in religions, different cultures and ethnic groups and acceptance of each individual as a unique person. Shahzad Francis of Bethak explained the objectives of Interfaith Cultural Festival and different forms of interfaith dialogue taking place in the country among …

Two video poems produced by New Hampshire poet Mary Ann Sullivan about American Saints, “Saint Katharine Drexel” and “Saint Damien of Molokai,” have been chosen to compete in the Shorts Category for the 2013 World Interfaith Harmony Film Festival in Los Angeles. The annual event is observed during the first week of February in conjunction with the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week. The two films represent a new genre of poetry. Inspired by filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein, the digital video poems explore shots as moving hieroglyphs and ideograms. Digital poets often combine animated hieroglyphs with words to craft their poems, returning to an ancient form of writing: pictographs. But, unlike early Chinese, Egyptian and Greek hieroglyphs, these poetic symbols move. Sullivan has been crafting animated digital and video poems for more than a decade. Her first animated poems, “Shaking the Spiders Out,” was published by the British Broadcast Corporation online. Her video poem collaboration with Russell Goings and The Manhattan …

Film screening opens campus Interfaith Awareness Week By Aaron LesterHarvard Correspondent Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Photos by Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer “[Martin Luther King Jr.] was always committed to interfaith dialogue, toward the cause of building coalitions toward truth and justice for all of God’s people,” said the Rev. Jonathan L. Walton (left). S. Allen Counter (right), director of the Harvard Foundation, said the event “was an opportunity to teach the younger community about the Civil Rights Movement, and what whites, blacks, and Latinos accomplished together.” Transcendent songs of struggle and freedom filled the vast sanctuary at Harvard’s Memorial Church Monday night as part of a celebration of the life and message of Martin Luther King Jr. The event marked the start of the University’s third annual Interfaith Awareness Week.

February 5th, 2013 by  Rebecca Lindegren   World Interfaith Harmony Week promotes a global initiative that transcends tradition, religion, culture, and faith. Typically occurring during the first week of February each year, the event was developed as a resolution by the United Nations to promote peace between all people regardless of their faith. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution in October 2010, a month after a proposal by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan encouraged states to support messages of interfaith harmony, goodwill, and love regardless of where and how one worships. Those familiar with World Interfaith Harmony Week attribute much of its growth and success to King Abdullah II. His initial plan to unite two faiths soon extended his call beyond Muslim and Christian communities to include people of all beliefs, as well as those with no set religious persuasion. The event is recognized and celebrated the first week in February, but many activities begin in mid-January with some …

by Beth Stefanik, Reves Center for International Studies |  February 6, 2013 W&M President Taylor Reveley addressed conference attendees

Faith Leaders’ Statement 6th Feb 2013

Posted on February 6, 2013, Wednesday GOODWILL VISIT: Azman (second right) being briefed on the KBS village during the visit. KUCHING: Religious tolerance and harmony in Sarawak is indisputably the best model for the country, Interfaith Harmony Promotion Committee (JKMPKA) chairman Datuk Azman Amin Hassan says. Thus, it would not be a surprise if the state could score a perfect four in the one to four rating for its racial and religious harmony. Azman, who is also Unity and National Integration Department director general, disclosed this to reporters during his goodwill visit to the Kuching Buddhist Village at Jalan Batu Kitang near here yesterday. The event, which also involved representatives from the various religions and beliefs, was held in conjunction with the World Interfaith Harmony Week. He said although so far no official survey had been carried out in the state, through their observation the people in Sarawak had been able to live peacefully and harmoniously despite having the most number …

Published: 03/02/2013 01:18:08 PM GMT TORONTO – The Muslim community in Canada’s largest city of Toronto will be observing World Interfaith Harmony this week to help promote understanding between people of all faiths.“Toronto is one of the world’s most diverse (more) TORONTO – The Muslim community in Canada’s largest city of Toronto will be observing World Interfaith Harmony this week to help promote understanding between people of all faiths. “Toronto is one of the world’s most diverse cities in the world, and it is a perfect place to put these principles to work,” John Voorpostel, Chair of the Toronto Steering Committee organizing the week’s activity, told OnIslam.net. “This is why the theme of our first year’s celebration of this week is ‘Looking for Ways to Work Together’.” Toronto Muslims Preserve Environment Toronto Muslims Tackle School Drop-out The World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in October, 2010 as a way to promote harmony between all …

Wednesday February 6, 2013 By NIGEL EDGAR  nigeledgar@thestar.com.my KUCHING: The people are reminded that while Islam is the official religion of the country, Malaysians of other faiths can practise their religions freely. Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said this was only possible through the Barisan Nasional government and its policies that ensured all Malaysians, regardless of their race and religion, can live together in peace and harmony. He said for people of various religions living together in peace and harmony in the country was not a compromise but a necessity to ensure the smoothness of progress and development of the state and country. “Without harmony we cannot be prosperous. God created us with freedom but put up rules for us to follow for greater peace,” he said during the World Inter-Faith Harmony Week 2013 Goodwill dinner at the Kuching North City Commission near Petra Jaya here on Monday. According to the chief minister there is always a struggle …

In 2010, His Majesty King Abdullah proposed that the international community mark the first week of February every year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week.

by Jonathan Chia, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 6, 2013, Wednesday FOSTERING GOOD RELATIONS: Taib (fourth right) receiving a memento from Azman (second left). Also seen are Misnu (second right), Daud (third right) and Anglican Diocese of Kuching Assistant Bishop Rt Revd Aeries Sumping Jingan (right). — Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud says good inter-faith understanding is the key to creating mutual respect and harmony in our multi-religious society. “We must understand the teachings of other religions. A good understanding of the teachings of other religions will be able to help avoid sensitive religious issues being raised that may cause disharmony among the people,” he said during a dinner with leaders of various faith-based organisations here at Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Pentarama Banquet Hall on Monday. Taib said the government did not prohibit its citizens from practising their religion, adding that the people were free to choose any religion that they believe in and would …

by Sheila Covarrubias  Mayor Celso Lobregat has issued an executive order enjoining all schools, agencies and all people in the city to join and support activities for the World Interfaith Harmony Week set February 1-7. Issued on January 9, 2013, EO 488-2013 emphasizes the importance of dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people. Citing the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Lobregat in his executive order said that the moral imperatives of all religions, convictions and beliefs call for peace, tolerance and mutual understanding and that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace.

Students will come together to celebrate religious understanding and harmony FEBRUARY 5, 2013 by CAROLYN NEFF Events celebrating the second annual World Interfaith Harmony week will be held throughout this week on campus, lasting Feb. 1-7, which is headed by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Heading the events is University Chaplain Gary R. Brower. “My role as the University Chaplain is to provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to encounter different points of view and appreciate religious differences,” said Brower. “Interfaith Harmony Week is an example of this, of mutual understanding and dialogue.” According to Brower, World Interfaith Harmony week was proclaimed by the United Nation’s General Assembly in a resolution adopted in late 2010. “It is now a nationally observed event during the first week of February that came out of Jordan and was first observed in 2011,” said Brower. According to University Chaplain Rev. Gary R. Brower, last year’s first-observed World Interfaith Harmony Week was very well-received …

By Rachel Atwood – February 5, 2013 – News and Events, Tips and Advice This week is World Interfaith Harmony Week, which takes place the first week of February every year. During this week we take the time to promote mutual understanding between people of all religious and non-religious backgrounds in order to help create a more peaceful world. This year, people and communities will host 200 interfaith events throughout the world!  The week was proposed in 2010 by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the UN General Assembly, where it was unanimously approved for adoption. Read the United Nations resolution here.   Want to know what you can do to celebrate Interfaith Harmony Week and promote interfaith understanding? Here are some ideas: 1 – Attend an Interfaith Harmony Week event. 2. Learn about other religions.  There are many ways to learn about different religions. You can read books or online resources, ask your friends about their families’ religious traditions, or join an interfaith group in your community. If you …

Written By: Benming Zhang |February 4, 2013 | Speakers Lawrence Forman, Lawrence Wilkerson and Tamara Sonn answer questions in a panel discussion at a conference held Sunday in honor of World Interfaith Harmony week. PHOTO BY ANITA JIANG / THE FLAT HAT As schools all around the world celebrated World Interfaith Harmony Week, the College of William and Mary honored the week with a conference to further enhance the student body’s knowledge and acceptance of all religious beliefs. Sunday’s conference kicked off with opening remarks by I-Faith co-presidents Jess Yon ’13 and Audrey Makemson ’13 and a speech by College President Taylor Reveley. He highlighted how religion was as crucial as the drive for power and how ignorance in faiths could lead to dangerous paths. “This university takes the role of religion on human affairs very seriously,” Reveley said. World Interfaith Harmony Week was established in 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, which unanimously designated it the first week of …

RIMANEWS – Under the auspices of UNDPI-Affiliate Anand Ashram Foundation Indonesia, youth from different sections and elements of society got together on the 1st of February to begin a week long celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, initiated by the Jordan Prince Ghazi and unanimously adopted by all UN member states. “Our theme this year,” explained Dr Wayan Sayoga, the foundation chairman, “is ‘Indonesian Youth Striving for Global Harmony’. This is well received by our NGO Colleagues, among others Indonesian Women’s Association for Global Peace (IWAG-P), Islamic Movement for Non-Violence (IMN), Centre for Vedic & Dharmic Studies, National Integration Movement (NIM), One Earth Integral Education Foundation, and One Earth School (OES).”

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Monday attended a ceremony marking the World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Saturday, February 2nd-Guests from Jordan and the Middle East gathered at the King Hussein Club Saturday evening to celebrate the second annual occurrence of World Interfaith Harmony Week. Among them were distinguished members of Jordanian politics, including various ministers. Of note was the attendance of ministers of the Judicial Branch, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, the Minister of Political Development and Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. Other guests included Dr. Saleem Shareef, Dean of Middle East University and international invitees. Welcoming the guests were Father Nabil Haddad, Executive Director of the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Center and JICRC Board Member His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Hamdi Murad. Over a dinner of local cuisine, Father Haddad and Dr. Murad introduced the scheduled events of this year’s World Interfaith Harmony Week, explaining the focus on youth involvement. Guests were also treated to a movie detailing Jordan’s history of interfaith harmony and its status as a model of coexistence through …

  KUCHING: There will be a variety of events held around the city in conjunction with the World Inter-Faith Harmony Week 2013. It will be held by the Committee for Promoting Inter-Religious Harmony and Understanding Amongst Adherents Malaysia through the Department of National Unity and Integration Sarawak and the Islamic Information Centre (IIC). For the state level celebration in Sarawak, a series of programmes are designed with the main purpose of strengthening the spirit of unity and multi-religious understanding among people of various faiths. The programme will kick off with a dinner for leaders of various faith-based organisations here at the Pentarama, DBKU today. The guest of honour is Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and about 100 leaders from various faith-based organisations, cultural associations and government agencies are expected to attend. There will be a series of visits to a few organisations by youth and women members of various faith-based organisations. These include Kuching Buddhist Society Village, the Paediatric …

Sen. Loren Legarda INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – A bill recently passed in the Senate is seeking to foster “genuine understanding amongst people of different faiths and belief systems” by urging government agencies to hold interfaith activities during the first week of February every year. Senator Loren Legarda, author of World Interfaith Harmony Week Bill, said in a statement Monday that “this measure will greatly contribute to easing any conflict or tension caused by differing religious beliefs in the country.” The Philippines, the largest Catholic country in Asia, has long suffered from internal conflicts due to rebel secessionist groups. One group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has recently signed a peace framework agreement with the government.

Next week, the international community will be marking World Interfaith Harmony Week   designated by the United Nations to occur annually in the first full week of February where there will be a chance for the global community to promote harmony between all people and to establish a dialogue amongst the different faiths and religions in an attempt to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation.  This week comes on the back of a conference held at the UN in November 2008 organized by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Appropriately called ‘Culture of Peace’, it looked at the concept of creating a new environment by the promotion of Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace. The Saudi sponsored conference examined the need to build tolerant societies and durable peace by restoring values of compassion and solidarity and encouraging the promotion of dialogue amongst the different forums available in all cultures. The conference noted that achieving a culture of peace required effort …

By Ida Lim February 02, 2013 Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is seen at the Buddhist Maha Vihara during the World Interfaith Harmony Week. – Photo by Saw Siow Feng BRICKFIELDS, Feb 2 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak covered the places of worship of the nation’s five main religions centred in Brickfields today, in conjunction with the World Interfaith Harmony Week. Najib visited the Sri Sakhti Karpaga Vinayagar temple and the Buddhist Maha Vihara temple, where he spoke about the need to hold on to the three principles of moderation, respecting those of other faiths, and fairness and being considerate. He had started off at the Tamil Methodist Church this afternoon, before moving on to the Taoist Sam Kow Tong temple and the Madrasathul Gouthiyyah Surau – stepping foot in the compound of each place but only entering the house of worship of the last one. Najib handed over donations of RM30,000 to each house of worship. Malaysia …

WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK FEBRUARY 2, 2013 BY: D. ANDREW KILLE The first week of February is observed worldwide as World Interfaith Harmony Week. The impetus for creating this special time for celebrating interfaith relationships arose out of the work of the Common Word initiative five years ago. “A Common Word Between Us and You ” was a document developed by over 100 Muslimscholars, religious leaders and thinkers that sought to recognize the common ground on which Islam and Christianity are built. A number of noted Christian theologians responded, and a profound dialogue between the two traditions has continued. You candownload a pdf file which includes “A Common Word,” selected responses from Christian leaders, and a history of the statement’s impact over the past five years at the Common Word website. Following a proposal by King Abdullah II of Jordan, the United Nations unanimously adopted the resolution to declare the first week of February will be observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. Groups and individuals are encouraged to sponsor events …

KUCHING: The Promoting Inter-Religious Harmony and Understanding Amongst Adherents Malaysia committee through the Department of National Unity and Integration and the Islamic Information Centre (IIC) will host a variety of events here in conjunction with World Inter-Faith Harmony Week 2013. World Inter-Faith Harmony Week 2013 is an outcome of a United Nations (UN) resolution, proposed in 2010 by King Abdullah II and Prince Ghazi Mohammad of Jordan, calling on all UN member states to observe a worldwide week aimed to promote accord between all people. For the state-level celebration, a series of programmes have been designed to strengthen the spirit of unity and multi-religious understanding among the people of various faiths. The programme will begin with a dinner with the leaders of various faith-based organisations in Kuching at Pentarama, DBKU tomorrow (Feb 4). Around 100 leaders from various faith-based organisations, cultural associations and government agencies will attend the dinner, where Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will be guest of …

By: Special Correspondent | February 02, 2013 . 0 UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the followers of all faiths to work together to achieve common goals for peace, prosperity and physical and spiritual well-being. “We live in times of turmoil and transformation – economic, environmental, demographic and political. These transitions bring both hope and uncertainty. Our job is to ensure that hope wins, and our task will be made easier if the followers of all faiths collaborate in common cause,” Ban said, while kicking off an annual event known as World Interfaith Harmony Week. “Let us never forget that what divides us is minuscule compared with what unites us. Working together, we can achieve all our goals for peace, prosperity and physical and spiritual well-being,” he said in a message to mark the event. World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed during the first week of February, as decided by the General Assembly, which established the event in 2010 as …

FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said, the competition, organised by Jordan, has to date received participation from more than 40 countries who are members of the United Nations. “Malaysia may has a chance to wrest the first prize which offers US$25,000 (RM77,100) cash because of the characteristics of harmony practiced in the country for so long. “We are confident Malaysia will perform well, exemplary and supreme in line with its harmony and unity and this reflected a tolerant and open attitude in celebrating the diversity of race and religion,” he told reporters after launching a Goodwill Adventure in conjunction with WIHM, here, Friday.

By Zurairi AR February 01, 2013 KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 — Federal religious authorities today urged Muslims nationwide to respect non-Muslims, but warned against compromising their faith in tolerating other beliefs. Today’s message comes a week after last Friday’s sermon that warned Muslims of attempts by “enemies of Islam” to confuse them into believing that all religions are the same. In today’s sermon, in conjunction with World Interfaith Harmony Week here, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) urged Muslims to respect and protect the rights of adherents of other faiths.  “The most important lesson (in Islam) is that we are prohibited from treating others unfairly just because of religious differences,” it said. The sermon however said Muslims were allowed to “take action” if their religion was disputed or mocked, citing verse 60:9 from Quran: “Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion. “He forbids that …

“World Interfaith Harmony Week” launched by United Nations from February 1-7. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) – Feb. 1, 2013 – Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has urged Hindus worldwide to have dialogue with other religions during “World Interfaith Harmony Week” launched by United Nations (UN), which falls on February 1-7. In a statement in Nevada (USA) today, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, applauded the launching of “World Interfaith Harmony Week” by UN, saying that it was a “step in the right direction”. Rajan Zed stressed that despite our seriously different traditions, we should learn to live together in mutual trust and peace. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment and help us overcome prejudices passed on to us by previous generations. Zed pointed out that religion was a complex component of our lives and its broader and more inclusive understanding was needed. The UN General Assembly in 2010 resolved that the first week of February be devoted to spreading …

For billions of people around the world, faith is an essential foundation of life. It provides strength in times of difficulty and an important sense of community.  The vast majority of people of faith live in harmony with their neighbours, whatever their creed, but each religion also harbours a strident minority prepared to assert fundamentalist doctrines through bigotry and extreme violence. These acts are an affront to the heritage and teachings of all major religions.  They also contravene the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right of all to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.  It is imperative that the moderate majority is empowered to stand firm against the forces of extremism.  But, this can only be achieved through strong leadership. Next month at its forum in Vienna, the Alliance of Civilizations will continue its efforts to unite faiths and cultures.  Whether on the world stage or in their communities, religious and cultural leaders have a responsibility to …

  Namaste   It is said that there’s enough religion in the world to make men hate one another, but not enough to make them love. But what if religion were to become a common ground where shared religious and ethical values are celebrated? Perhaps, too far-fetched a dream for the world that we live in. Especially for Pakistan. For we do not unite in the name of God. We dissent, for God’s sake. Quite literally so. But this might be a good time to take a closer look at the possibilities of an inter-faith understanding, if nothing else. Tomorrow, we embark on the World Interfaith Harmony Week, celebrated in the first week of February each year. What does this even mean? And what does it mean for Pakistan in particular, a county ravaged by polarisations. We are divided in the name of faith — we are Muslims and Christians and Hindus; we are majorities and minorities; we are the …

URI North America is joining with Cooperation Circles and interfaith partners across the US for an Interfaith Call-in Day to Prevent Gun Violence Monday, February 4 As we celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week this week from February 1-7 what better opportunity is there to demonstrate national interfaith solidarity than to support this interfaith initiative designed to empower each of us to help cultivate a Culture of Peace in the United States.  Carol Hovis, Executive Director of the Marin Interfaith Council, a URI Cooperation Circle, clearly articulates the important timing of this effort and opportunities for involvement below. Please consider spreading the word through your organizations and networks and make the call yourself on February 4, 2013. The call-in number, which will be activated on February 4, is 1-877-897-0174. Check for additional resources at http://faithscalling.org. You can also contact your representatives directly or contact all legislaturesusing mail or email. I plan to call my members of Congress and ask them to support measures that will reduce gun violence …

http://news.wsiu.org/post/interfaith-harmony-week By JENNIFER FULLER WSIU Radio’s Jennifer Fuller talks with Father Bob Flannery of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, and Luke Tolley of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Tolley is the President of the Carbondale Interfaith Council, Flannery a past-president. They both preview the upcoming Interfaith Harmony Week and its significance.

Press Release January 28, 2013 Meanwhile, the Senate also approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 3276, an Act declaring the first week of February every year as “World Interfaith Harmony Week”, seeks to promote mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue among leaders and representatives of religious and secular organizations. The United Nations General Assembly (UN GA) proclaimed in October 20, 2010 the first week of February of every year as the “World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs,” through resolution A/RES/65/5. “The rationale of the UN resolution is a need to find genuine understanding among people of different faiths and belief systems. This finds resonance in the Philippines, a country that will certainly benefit from dialogues among leaders and representatives of religious institutions. The harmony we are pushing for is democratic, and built on effective communication and mutual respect,” Sen. Loren Legarda said. Senate Bill No. 3276 seeks to promote cooperation and genuine understanding among …

Tuesday January 29, 2013 Let’s enjoy living in harmony IKIM VIEWS ENIZAHIRA ABDUL AZIZ , SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICER CENTRE FOR SYARIAH, LAW AND POLITICS It’s not easy upholding peace and harmony in a pluralistic nation like Malaysia. Efforts have been taken by various parties, including the Government, NGOs and civil society entities, to minimise friction due to social differences, be it cultural or religious. MALAYSIA is a nation that is indeed unique and blessed. The uniqueness of this beautiful nation, among others, lies not just in its multiracial and multi-ethnicity background but also in its religious diversity. For Malaysians, their religions do not just shape who they are spiritually, but acts also as a major influence on their culture and social identities. Belief in God, as the first pillar of the Rukun Negara is an important principle that binds Malaysians together. From this, it can be understood that religion plays a crucial role in shaping the positive characters of individuals …

January proclaimed Interfaith Harmony Month in S.C.

By Joseph Walker, Deseret News Published: Friday, Jan. 25 2013 5:00 a.m. MST Lacee Harris of First Nations, shown here during last year’s Musical Tribute at the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle, will present a special “blessing ceremony” at the Utah State Capitol on the first day of Interfaith Month. A Quaker, an Episcopalian, a Mormon and a “none” (spiritually motivated but not religiously affiliated) were sitting around a table. No, really. They were. It wasn’t a joke awaiting a punch line, but a gathering of some of the hard-working believers who have key assignments in association with the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable’s annual Interfaith Month, which will fill the February calendar — and part of March — with events that celebrate the theme “Many Faiths — One Family.” “As a culture, we’re very good at misconceptions,” said Elaine Emmi, the Quaker at the table. “Interfaith Month is an opportunity to correct misconceptions and learn the truth about different religions from the people …

Written by Ruane Remy, The Catholic Register Friday, 25 January 2013 08:09 Fr. Damian MacPherson, the archdiocese of Toronto’s interfaith director, is on the steering committee for Toronto’s World Interfaith Harmony Week.- Photo by Sarah Florez Week promotes tolerance and peace among religions TORONTO – World Interfaith Harmony Week is coming to Toronto for the first time. The United Nations Initiative, which originated in 2010 and is meant to promote peace, love, tolerance and understanding among followers of all religions, will run Feb. 1-7 at various Toronto locations. The theme for Toronto will be looking for ways to work together. “It’s an important thing, not only for Catholics, but for all Christians to be exposed to and to become more aware of the importance of other religions in the world,” said Fr. Damian MacPherson, director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs for the archdiocese of Toronto. “In the absence of not knowing, generally suspicion arises.” MacPherson is on …

By Arianne Caryl N. Casas Wednesday, January 9, 2013 THE Davao City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday declaring the first week of February each year as World Interfaith Week in the city. In her privilege speech during the regular session, Councilor Pilar C. Braga said she received a letter dated January 2 from the Interfaith Harmony by Fr. Hermes Larry B. Sabus, SM, Ustadz Isa D. Tahas and Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla. The letter stated that some organizations met on December 27, 2012 to respond to the United Nations Resolution declaring 2013 as “Interfaith Harmony Links.” She said the groups decided to participate in the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 1-7, 2012 with the theme “Celebrating Interfaith Harmony for Love and Service to God and One Another.” The participating groups are The Bishop-Ulama Conference, Al-Qalam Institute and Theology Division of the Ateneo de Davao University, Ma’had Piapi Al-Islamie, Archdiocesan Center for Ecunumical and Interreligious Dialogue, Mindanao …

10/15/2012 17:54 PHILIPPINES MILF signs peace agreement with Philippine government, World Interfaith Harmony Week to be held in February Accession to the World Interfaith Harmony Week was voted October 8th. Confirmation coincides with today’s ceremony for the signing of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and Moro rebels. The initiative was sponsored by the National Ulema Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), the Catholic Church and Silsilah group for interreligious dialogue. It will be held on the sidelines of the construction of the new autonomous region of Mindanao. Zamboanga (AsiaNews) – The World Interfaith Harmony Week, (Wihw) will be held in the Philippines in February 2013. The confirmation appeared today on the website of the Philippine Senate. The Senate vote comes after the historic peace agreement between Islamist rebels and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed this morning in Manila. The document is a first step for the realization of the new autonomous region of Bangsamoro (Mindanao) and sets the stage for …

Religious tolerance, dialogue among Jordan’s most basic values — Judeh by JT | Sep 29, 2012 | 22:35 AMMAN — Religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue have always been two of the fundamental pillars of Jordan, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said on Thursday. At a discussion on civil society and human rights education as tools for promoting religious tolerance, which he co-chaired with Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi on the sidelines of the 67th UN General Assembly in New York, Judeh outlined Jordan’s efforts to preserve human dignity and renounce violence, extremism and hatred, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

QUESTIONS FOR H.R.H. PRINCE GHAZI OF JORDAN FOR SPECIAL FEATURE ON OXFORD ISLAMIC STUDIES ONLINE (WWW.OXFORDISLAMICSTUDIES.COM/): Prof. Tamara Sonn; College of William & Mary; January 23, 2012   Q.1. You are now Chief Advisor to H.M. King Abdullah for Religious and Cultural Affairs and have been Chairman of the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought for many years, and you have been deeply involved in promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation. You organized the Amman Message Initiative from 2004-2006. You were instrumental in launching the A Common Word initiative in 2007, and in the World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2010. These initiatives are unique in the history of Islam. What was your motivation for these initiatives? In the United Nations resolution establishing the World Interfaith Harmony Week, you refer to “the moral imperatives of all religions, convictions, and beliefs to call for peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding.” Encouraging those goals is really the challenge, isn’t it? Can you describe responses …

House passes bill declaring 1st Week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week Philippine Congress – House of Representatives By Lorelei V. Castillo The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill declaring every first week of February of each year as World Interfaith Harmony Week. House Bill 6148 authored by Reps. Maria Isabelle Climaco (1st District, Zamboanga City) and Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan) seeks to carry out the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in all places of worship worldwide based upon the foundational teachings of love of God and neighbor in accordance with religious traditions and practices. Deputy Speaker Climaco said the measure aims to promote peace via civil and non-violent dialogue among diverse faiths and religions. Climaco said for more than thirty years, peace in Mindanao has remained illusive owing to many factors, not only economic in nature but culturally as well. Climaco said the government exerts considerable effort to seek and …

Claudia Mende © Qantara.de 2012 Translated from the German by Michael Lawton Editors: Arian Fariborz, Lewis Gropp/Qantara.de At a recent conference in Germany looking at radical critics of Islam, there was consensus that it was about time that politicians and society looked more seriously at the growing defamation of Muslims. By Claudia Mende For a long time, nobody took hate propaganda against Muslims very seriously as a serious threat to democracy. That has changed, following the massacre in Norway by Anders Behring Breivik and the series of murders by the Zwickau NSU terrorist cell in Germany. Breivik’s shooting spree, which he justified on the basis of Islamophobic fantasies, and the far-right killings of immigrants in Germany both show the explosive potential of racism and anti-Islamic feeling in destroying social cohesion. Parties such as “Die Freiheit” (“Freedom”), the “Pro-” movement, or the citizens’ initiative “Pax Europa” work to paint a frightening picture of the alleged “Islamisation” of Europe: they refuse to …

Kuala Lumpur: UAE-based business magnate M A Yusuf Ali, who belongs to a village in Kerala, was Thursday presented with the prestigious Interfaith Harmony Award at a function in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. The award was handed over by Datur Azman bin Hassan, director general of Malaysia’s department of national unity and integration. The international Interfaith Harmony Award is the prime attraction of the International Seminar on Interfaith Harmony and Tolerance jointly organised by the International Islamic University, Malaysia, and the Kerala-based Madin Islamic Academy. In a release issued here, Ali said he wouldn’t be a true Muslim if he turned a blind eye to his neighbours who go to bed without food.

T K Devasia 2 March 2012 KUALA LUMPUR — UAE-based businessman M A Yusuff Ali was conferred with the prestigious Interfaith Harmony Award endowed with the United Nation’s Interfaith Harmony Week initiatives here on Thursday. Dato’ Azman Amin B Hassan, Director-General of Department of National Unity and Integration, Government of Malaysia, presented the award to him on the occasion of an international seminar on interfaith harmony organised jointly by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Kerala-based Madin Islamiyya Academy (MSA). Speaking on the occasion, Yusuff Ali said those who were creating communal strife were not true Muslims. He said that he would have ceased to be a Muslim if he had recruited only members of the community in his business establishments. “I have employed 27,000 persons from different communities from as many as 29 countries. I believe a true Muslim cannot go to sleep without feeding his hungry neighbour,” said Yusuff Ali, who is the only non-Arab member of …

IANS Mar 1, 2012, 07.58PM IST THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: UAE-based business magnate M A Yusuf Ali, who belongs to a village in Kerala, was Thursday presented with the prestigious Interfaith Harmony Award at a function in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. The award was handed over by Datur Azman bin Hassan, director general of Malaysia’s department of national unity and integration. The international Interfaith Harmony Award is the prime attraction of the International Seminar on Interfaith Harmony and Tolerance jointly organised by the International Islamic University, Malaysia, and the Kerala-based Madin Islamic Academy. In a release issued here, Ali said he wouldn’t be a true Muslim if he turned a blind eye to his neighbours who go to bed without food. “I employ 27,000 people of different nationalities in the nearly 100 shopping malls across the Gulf region without any discrimination,” said Ali, the lone non-Arab member of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Of his 27,000 employees, 4,000 come from …

STAFF REPORTER The Madin Islamic Academy at Melmuri here and the International Islamic University of Malaysia will jointly organise an “interfaith harmony seminar” in Malaysia on March 1. The seminar will be part of a UN initiative for Interfaith Harmony and Tolerance. Scholars from across the world will attend the seminar. Calicut University Vice Chancellor M. Abdul Salam; historian and former Vice Chancellor K.K.N. Kurup; and Madin Islamic Academy chairman Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari will represent India at the seminar. “The World Interfaith Harmony Week is not a call to water down one’s faith but to respect our differences and personal beliefs and to unite around the basic principles that people of all beliefs agree upon, and to understand that harmony can come only if we build upon a foundation of dialogues,” said Mr. Bukhari here on Wednesday. [nggallery id=21] SOURCE

Introduction to Speech at the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012 Good Evening Extinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen My name is Pramaha Thanat Inthisan. I am a Thai Buddhist monk residing at the temple Wat Thai Washington, D.C., in Silver Spring, Maryland. I am the representative from the Theravada tradition. Welcome to the World Interfaith Harmony week tonight. I’m glad that you are able to cerebrate the religions and cultures the we share as we create a path towards peace. Today the followers of the most compassionate religious leader have a special duty to work for the establishment of peace in the world and to show an example to other by following their Master’s advices. The Buddha said that “All tremble at punishment, all fear death; comparing others with oneself, one should neither kill or cause to kill. (Dhammapada 129) Peace is always obtainable. But the way to peace is not only through prayers and rituals. Peace is the result of …

Church of the Brethren Newsline February 22, 2012 The Church of the Brethren’s United Nations representative Doris Abdullah attended the 2012 World Interfaith Harmony Week at the General Assembly in New York. Church of the Brethren representative to the United Nations, Doris Abdullah, recently attended the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following is her report from the event: “The Committee of Religious NGOs (non-governmental organizations) at the United Nations did a wonderful job bringing together representations from the world’s five mainstream religious communities (Jewish, Christian, Islamic, plus Hindu and Buddhist) in addition to many of the smaller religious bodies (Shinto, Baha’i, Sikh, Native, and Traditional) around the theme ‘Common Ground for the Common Good.’ “The program highlighted the common ground spoken of by Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, president of the General Assembly, in the keynote address, and by William F Vendley, Secretary General of Religions for Peace. The world religions share common …

Religious youth from across Pakistan have committed to use the “peaceful” elements in Pakistan to counter violence in 2012. Representatives from different faiths gathered on February 20 in Lahore, Pakistan to celebrate the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012. At the end of the symposium the 28 participants from six cities expressed their commitment to uproot “all kinds of religious violation by upholding moral legitimacy”. “All religions preach love, sharing, and service”, said Muhammad Khurram to the Interfaith Youth in Action (IYA) group. The symposium met on the call of the United Nations about the World Interfaith Harmony Week during the first week of February 2012 in order to build peace, love and respect for all faiths. Referring to the different faiths and cultures in Pakistan, Karamat Jameel (Organization for Community Development Faisalabad) said that unity in diversity has not only to be maintained but to be strengthened as respect for other faiths is of global importance. “Youth is the strongest …

FEB 22 Posted by youthpeacecouncil Milan. On the 11th of February 2012 UPF of Milan and Youth Federation For World Peace Milan hosted the first event of the year 2012 for Peace Ambassadors in recognition of the Week of Interreligious Harmony, instated by the United Nations. The purpose was that of bringing together Peace Ambassadors from Milan and the surrounding area in order meet, share experiences and network – To feel ones identity as a UPF Ambassador For Peace, to inspire each other and to propose new ideas and programs for the upcoming year on this special occasion. The presence of 30 Ambassadors For Peace and a few new guests in the local UPF meeting point, created a great familiar atmosphere that permitted each participant to feel free to speak with others, share experiences and share contacts for future cooperation. There were representatives of many different religions, social workers and NGO representatives that all came together in this UPF event, …

By TAN EE LOO educate@thestar.com.my PETALING JAYA: Schools are the nurturing ground for national unity. There are plans to also use sports to foster ties among the young ones. “I hope schools will heed the call to promote harmony. Avoid touching on sensitive issues. Respect our differences and accept it as a heritage to be cherished,” Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said when launching the World Interfaith Week celebrations at SMK (P) Sri Aman here yesterday. Also present was Education director-general Datuk Seri Abdul Ghafar Mahmud. He urged teachers, parents and schoolchildren to appreciate the country’s diversity, with people of different backgrounds and religions. “We are a family under 1Malaysia,” Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said while reminding the people that the Malaysian society was unique. “There are not many nations like ours. There are countries where there is only one religion but with many cliques at war with each ot-her. “There are also countries with people …

UPDATED @ 05:58:12 PM 21-02-2012 By Clara Chooi February 21, 2012 PETALING JAYA, Feb 21 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed today that Malaysians have never fought one another over their racial or religious differences, insisting the country has long embraced racial harmony. The deputy prime minister, in his speech when opening the World Interfaith Week at SMK Sri Aman this afternoon, described this as a “special privilege” enjoyed by every Malaysian. “We have accepted this reality as our special privilege… that’s why in Malaysia, we have had this a long time… there are no fights, no war among us, no crises arising due to our diverse faiths… because we respect one another,” he told a crowd of hundreds of students gathered before him. Muhyiddin’s remarks today comes despite persistent reports of racial and religious conflicts in the country that increased significantly after the landmark Election 2008 — the stiffest contest in Malaysian history. With the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) …

Julia Suryakusuma, Jakarta At the beginning of this month, I received a circular about the second World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) announcing it had officially wrapped up, and had been a great success. The organizers reported over 260 events in over 40 countries but “it’s likely the total number of events will continue to go up … as we continue to find many events that were not posted to our site, indicating a large growth from last year”. The circular announced the highlights of the WIWH 2012. I read that it was celebrated for the first time at the UN. In the UK, the Interfaith Relations Committee (IFRC) held an event at the House of Lords that included many distinguished guests. In the Australian Parliament, over 100 religious, spiritual and community leaders were invited to a morning reception. In addition, they invited people to send in pictures from the events they attended to contribute to a photo gallery and to …

Posted on February 22, 2012, Wednesday LAUNCHING: Muhyiddin launching the school-level World Interfaith Harmony Week at SMK (P) Sri Aman in Petaling Jaya. — Bernama photo PETALING JAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the move to instill a deeper understanding on the importance of respect for one another, although from different religions, should begin from school. He said the country would be stronger when the people no longer see the differences among them. Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said the move would enable educationists, teachers, parents and students, to place greater importance on avoiding the sensitivities of the other communities. “On the other hand, we respect our diversity and accept it as a valuable heritage which cannot be found in other countries,” he said when launching the school-level World Interfaith Harmony Week at SMK (P) Sri Aman, here yesterday. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, and Education …

The World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN and henceforth the first week of February will be observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. The World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of The Common Word initiative. This initiative, which started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour, without nevertheless compromising any of their own religious tenets. The Two commandments are at the heart of the three Monotheistic religions and therefore provide the most solid theological ground possible. The World Interfaith Harmony Week extends the Two Commandments by adding ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour’. This formula includes all people of …

Maumere – To commemorate and celebrate the United Nations’ Interfaith Harmony Week 2012, the Catholic School of Philosophy (STFK) Ledalero held a national seminar entitled “The Role of Religions in Building a Multicultural Indonesia” on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 – Attending as the speakers are Anand Krishna and Dr. Philip Tule, SVD, and Dr. Paul Budi Kleden, SVD, as the moderator. In his introduction comments, the moderator Dr. Paul Budi Kleden, SVD, was linking February the 11th as the Day of the Catholic Church to Pray for the Sick Person in the World with the theme of the seminar today. He said that the nation’s of Indonesia and the world is in a state of pain that one reason caused by the disharmony relationship between some religions. That religion is often used as a tool of legitimacy of doing criminal acts that cause suffering of others. The first speaker, Dr. Philipus Tule, SVD, with a paper entitled “Religions in Indonesia …

Tuesday, 21 February 2012 11:57 WIB REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah General Chairman, Din Syamsuddin, achieves Muslim Figure Award 1433 H from Penang, Malaysia. The award is an honor and admission of his effort to present Islam through Muhammadiyah. The report from Muhammadiyah official website also says the award is granted to him related to his effort building the interfaith harmony. The award is signed by the Head of Penang Ihwal Islam, Dato H Abdul Malik bin Qasim. The award ceremony was witnessed by Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian prominent figure. In his speech, Anwar praises Muhammadiyah activity that has given a big contribution in Islamic world. He also mentions Din as international Muslim figure who has enlightening thought. “Muhamaddiyah enlightening ‘dawah’ brings resonance for Islamic development. It is also supported by Din’s consistency behavior on Islamic principles yet friendly to other faiths,” Anwar said. Valuable support The award is a form of appreciation for Din’s effort in spreading …

To His Excellency, Director of the Office of his Royal Highness Prince Ghazi With reference to this year’s celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, we would like to bring to your attention the following: The Agency of Religious Affairs in Kazakhstan organized a group of events in Mosques, Churches and in the only existing synagogue in Astana, with the following time sequence:  Friday, 3/Feb/2012 – The Assistant Mufti of the republic of Kazakhstan and Friday sermon preacher gave a speech in one of the biggest mosques in Astana, with the capacity of including more than 2000 worshipers. His speech was about the World Interfaith Harmony Week, where he explained to the worshipers about the Royal initiative adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.  A speech was given before the worshipers in the same mosque prior to the Friday sermon, shedding light on the initiative of His Majesty King Abdullah and the importance of tolerance amongst all religions, …

The Matheson Trust and The Woolf Institute | Last Tuesday 7 February The Matheson Trust and The Woolf Institute celebrated together the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012. On the grounds of St Edmund’s College, Cambridge, representatives of five major religious traditions joined us to share with the audience live performances of some of their most significant prayers and sacred songs. After a brief welcome and introduction by Josef Meri and Juan Acevedo, the different presenters gave voice to the Vedas, the Buddhist scriptures, the Torah, Christian hymns and the Qur’an for a truly exceptional and inspiring afternoon. This is an excerpt from the opening words: “The pitfalls of expression are always lurking in interfaith exchanges, and those engaged feel as if treading on thin ice lest they are misinterpreted and then misquoted and misjudged… how could it be otherwise, if what is involved is trying to express what is beyond words and even beyond language? “…music easily presents itself …

Posted by David D’Angelo | Thursday, February 16, 2012 | Category: Philippines, Trainings, War and Peace, Youth Issues | Silsilah is starting a new program for Muslim and Christian leaders of Mindanao to respond the request of formation as a concrete answer to the World Interfaith Harmony Week which was proposed by the United Nations and also implemented in Zamboanga City by the National Ulama Council of the Philippines(NUCP) in partnership with Silsilah Dialogue Movement and many other institutions and groups. This program envisions the possibility to conduct seminar-workshops for leaders, giving priority to professionals and teachers of different schools and universities. It will be done in a creative way to help them understand the importance of seeing the connection between each own faith and the interfaith challenge of today. They will be invited to understand that dialogue and peace are not only needed for progress, but also a challenge coming from a proper understanding of the message of Love …

As the UN General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to recognize the World Interfaith Harmony Week annually during the first week of February. During the 1st week of February 2012 the world celebrated 2nd world interfaith harmony week through out the world. With the strong motivation of Ms. Monica Willard URI Representative at UN, Pakistan Council for Social Welfare & Human Rights (PCSW&HR) also actively participated to celebrate the world interfaith harmony week. To celebrate this week PCSW&HR organized various awareness activities in which seminar at Social Welfare Services Complex Sialkot on the topic “Interfaith & Intercultural Harmony is Essential to Secure Peace” on 6th February 2012 and Orientation workshop at Govt. School Ajowali on 7th February 2012 for the community based groups formed by PCSW&HR at village level were main activities. In the seminar and orientation workshop hundreds of believer (both male & female) of different faiths in which Muslims, Christians, Hindus etc participated. The main focus of seminar …

By UPF – Israel Jerusalem, Israel – Celebrating the UN Interfaith Harmony Week, a group of key Ambassadors for Peace gathered in Jerusalem on February 12 – Several prominent academics joined the religious leaders in expressing their concern for the current state of affairs in the Middle East and the Korean peninsula. “Peace and stability can be attained when democratic freedom loving countries will demonstrate strength on one hand while showing benevolence towards their adversaries on the other,” said Mr. Jeremy Jordan, Secretary General of UPF-Israel. 4/7 He went on to give a report about UPF’s recent International Leadership Conference in Korea and the inspiration he had received from the speech given by the International President Dr. Hyung Jin Moon. Mr. Jordan also reiterated the vision of an interreligious council at the UN. Sheikh Samih Natur representing the Druze faith expressed his people’s readiness to join and support any interfaith initiative that can advance the cause of peace. Dr. Nurit …

THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2012 AUTHOR / SOURCE : UN Alliance of Civilizations welcomes World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012 The UN Alliance of Civilizations High Representative, President Jorge Sampaio, has welcomed the establishment of the World Interfaith Harmony Week from 1 to 7 February, 2012. On October 20, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously established the World Interfaith Harmony Week through the adoption of a Resolution upon an initial proposal by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan on September 23rd 2010. The UNGA Resolution on “World Interfaith Harmony Week” reaffirms that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of sustainable peace within and among societies and it proclaims the first week of February of every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs.

A TIO Report – Rev. Deborah Moldow Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 02:54PM A rare event took place in the UN General Assembly on February 7, 2012: religious and secular leaders from around the world gathered to affirm “Common Ground for the Common Good,” marking the close of the second annual World Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1-7). The program was hosted by the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. In his opening remarks, which followed the blowing of a conch shell and a flute by Taino indigenous Roberto Mukaro Borrero, he said, “We recognize and celebrate the values that are shared across religious traditions. These common principles form a common ground that unites us in our rich diversity.” Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro then noted that, “Only by finding common cause in mutual respect for shared spiritual and moral values can we hope for harmony among nations and peoples.” The diverse religious voices began with …

On Thursday, Febr. 9th, 2012 UPF-Austria held a Round Table discussion on the occasion of the „World Interfaith Harmony Week”. After the welcoming remarks from the President of UPF-Austria, Mr.Peter Haider, Dr. Ismail Nawaishe, a Vienna-based Medical Doctor from Jordan explained shortly about the religious situation in his counrty. It was His Majesty, King Abdulla II. bin-Al Hussein from Jordan, who introduced the idea of a „World Interfaith harmony Week“ for the first time. It was then accepted and supported by the United Nations. Dr. Nawaishe emphasized that in Jordan Muslims and Christians used to live together without conflict, visiting each other on religious holy days. Two Buddhist nuns, Ven. Mrao Yi and her collegue, from the Fo-Guang-Shan temple which had opened recently in Vienna, led a meditation for the audience. The beautiful recitations which they sung in 2-part harmony, were for peace in the world, as they explained. The first speaker was Mr. Ruwan Jeewantha Fernando, President of “The …

Muslim Council of Britain celebrates World Interfaith Harmony Week Dr. Mozammel Haque The Interfaith Relations Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) organised an event under the heading “Building Trust, Peace & Harmony through Interfaith Relations”, on Monday, the 6th of February, 2012 at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Sheikh of Cornhill. Lord Sheikh who chaired the event, welcomed the audiences including the Guest of Honour Princess Badiya El-Hassan of Jordan who presented a message on behalf of her father, HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan. Guest Speakers at the event were HE Mazen Homoud, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London and Professor Mohamed El-Gomati, OBE, President, Foundation for Science, Technology & Civilization. Mr. Abdul Rahman Shaibani, Deputy Head of the Saudi Embassy in London, also attended the event. Lord Sheikh Lord Sheikh said, “It gives me great pleasure to host and speak at an event which seeks to break barriers and build …

Belgium Article 16.2.2012

Najib meets with religious leaders at a fellowship in conjunction with ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’ at Seri Perdana today. BERNAMA PUTRAJAYA (Feb 15, 2012): Efforts to promote understanding and awareness through discussion, dialogue and also education are important so that the public understands clearly the differences and similarities between the various races in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak. He said the people should not be confused with what constituted cultural and religious beliefs. He cited as an example his attendance at the Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves recently, which according to him had been questioned by some quarters because he wore the ‘kurta’, a traditional Indian attire for men. “But they are not aware that in India, millions of Indians who are Muslims wear the kurta daily. Are they then not Muslims,” he said. He said this when addressing a gathering of religious leaders in conjunction with “World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012” at at his …

Newsdesk Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak met with religious leaders at the World Interfaith Harmony Week on Wednesday, with a straightforward message for Malaysians of all races, religions, and practises: Tolerance and understanding are the keys to a better future. In the wake of the furore over his attendance at the Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves recently, Najib was clearly extolling his 1Malaysia message, using the opportunity of numerous faiths gathered together for peaceful dialogue as his backdrop. It was a clever move, as it gave him the opportunity to remind both his audience and the nation that merely dressing in culturally traditional garb is not taking on another faith (wearing the ‘kurta’, a traditional Indian attire for men, is not a sign of Hinduism; as Najib said, “millions of Indians who are Muslims wear the kurta daily. Are they then not Muslims?”), and that the key to advancing as a people is to understand each other and our …

BERNAMA PUTRAJAYA: Efforts to promote understanding and awareness through discussion, dialogue and also education are important so that the public understands clearly the differences and similarities between the various races in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak meets religious leaders in conjuction with “World Interfaith Harmony Week” at Seri Perdana, in Putrajaya today. — Bernama picture 1 / 1 He said the people should not be confused with what constituted cultural and religious beliefs. He cited as an example his attendance at the Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves recently, which according to him had been questioned by some quarters because he wore the ‘kurta’, a traditional Indian attire for men. “But they are not aware that in India, millions of Indians who are Muslims wear the kurta daily. Are they then not Muslims,” he said. He said this when addressing a gathering of religious leaders in conjunction with “World …

BY ASHRAF PADANNA February 15, 2012 TRIVANDRUM: Eminent Indian businessman and the lone non-Arab member of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Yusuffali MA, has been selected for the maiden Indo-Malaysian International Interfaith Harmony Award. Yusuffali will receive the award, instituted jointly by International Islamic University, Malaysia, and Kerala-based Ma’din Islamic Academy, at the international interfaith harmony seminar to be held on the Malaysin university’s Gombak campus on March 1. A statement issued here on Tuesday said the Yusuffali was selected for the honor for his initiative to promote interfaith harmony to help ‘fortify unity in diversity’ in secular societies. The jury comprises Dr Robert Dixon Crane, former ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Prof Abdelaziz Berghout, deputy rector, International Islamic University, Malaysia, Richard Owen, editor, International Reportage, Hong Kong, and Syed Ibrahim Khaleelul Bukhari, chairman, Ma’din Islamic Academy, Kerala. “Yusuffali is the fittest for this award when we consider his great endeavors and social commitment. He’s a unique …

Submitted by admin4 on 14 February 2012 – 10:10pm Indian Muslim By IANS, Thiruvananthapuram : NRI business magnate M.A. Yusuf Ali has been selected for the prestigious Interfaith Harmony Award specially endowed with United Nations’ Interfaith Harmony Week initiatives and observations. Ali is one of Kerala’s most popular ambassador in the Middle-East on account of his hugely successful business empire and he has been credited with swinging the much-hyped Rs.1,500 crore mega Smart City Kochi IT project being built by Smart City Dubai, in favour of Kerala, when it appeared lost due to differences between the previous Left government and the Dubai promoter. The International Interfaith Harmony Week, United Nations initiative, seeks to spread the message of harmony and tolerance among the followers of religions, faiths and beliefs. The award will be presented to Ali March 1 at the International Seminar on Interfaith Harmony and Tolerance held in the International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak campus at Kuala Lumpur. This award …

Thursday, 09 February 2012 17:47 WIB REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEW YORK – A number of aggressions still occur around the world, the Muhammadiyah General Chairman, Professor Din Syamsuddin, admits. The differences of ethnics, religion, and culture become the reason to trigger the conflicts. However, differences are inevitable in our life. “The differences in religions, ethnics, and cultures will always happen. It is a fact of life. However, the difference is not a reason to live inharmoniously and not peacefully,” the Muhammadiyah General Chairman, Professor Din Syamsuddin, spoke in the World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012 in United Nations Headquarter, New York, US. Syamsuddin is invited by the head of general assembly to represent Islam world in delivering the message and perspective of religion. The presented topic is ‘Mediating the Conflict through Interfaith Dialogue’. He said when differences trigger the conflict, the solution to find peace becomes importunate. In this case, the importance of mediation to ease the difference and find the similarity is …

JC LISA PALMIERI BILLIG ROMA Religious leaders stress positive role of religions in creating a culture of peace Some remarkable contributions from world religious leaders were heard at the UN General Assembly last week. Their statements served to remind international diplomatic representatives accredited at the UN of the moral, spiritual foundations and the common responsibilities of their work. Two years ago, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution for the establishment of World Interfaith Harmony Week (1-7 February), thus paying tribute to the important contribution that interreligious dialogue can make to peace building. On February 7, the President of the UNGA, H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser presided over a session organized by religious and other NGOs, entitled “Common Ground for the Common Good.” All the world’s major religions were represented. Music, theater and art interspersed the speeches. Perhaps the most moving contribution was a performance under the direction of Mehr Mansuri of “The Children’s Theatre Company”, a group of very …

February 13, 2012 Is pluralism under threat in Indonesia? From the rising religious intolerance displayed by radical groups, it might seem so. Minority groups across the country have come under increasing pressure from such fringe groups as the government has stood by. With their backs against the wall, many groups are now pushing back. Over the weekend, residents of Central Kalimantan demonstrated in front of the Tjilik Riwut Airport to prevent leaders of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI ) from landing in Palangkaraya. The FPI leaders were scheduled to inaugurate the organization’s provincial branch in the city. The residents opposed the FPI’s violent stance against minority groups and its continual riding roughshod over the country’s laws and social norms. Despite the presence of such groups, pluralism is alive and kicking , according to a new survey conducted by the Syarif Hidayatullah University and the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR ). The survey says the vast majority of Indonesians — 95 percent …

JC Records recording artist James Cannings at United Nations General Assembly for World Interfaith Harmony Week Feb, 7, 2012. Posted by James Cannings on February 12, 2012 at 4:30pm JC Records recording artist James Cannings at United Nations General Assembly for World Interfaith Harmony Week Feb, 7, 2012. James was a guest of Susan Bastarrica — founder/organizer of Vigil 4 International Peace and Ecology Ambassador for Peace James Cannings performs at and is the musical director for these events. Last year Vigil 4 International Peace and Ecology, pursuant UN Resolution A/RES/55/282 in 2001, celebrated its 10th anniversary of sponsoring Peace Vigil concerts at Central Park Bandshell and in Prospect Park. At the UN last year, in recognition of. Ambassador for Peace Susan Bastarrica’s achievement, the NGO Committee on Spirituality Values and Global Concerns – “CSVGC ” presented to Ms. Bastarrica the Visionary Leadership for Spiritual Values Award. Photo: – Gary Spolansky Source

Written by Fred Hall Greensboro, NC — The National Conference of Community and Justice held its 2012 InterFaith tour in Greensboro. The tour brings together individuals from the Christian, Islamic and Jewish faiths to tour the three different houses of worship across Greensboro. The group visited Temple Immanuel, Saint Pious The Tenth Roman Catholic Church, and the Islamic Center. Organizers say the tour helps foster a better understanding of different religions by letting people see and learn first hand and not through the media. NCCJ’ s Anyrown Ambassadors also held a discussion about how to foster a better understanding from different faith groups. Source

Irawaty Wardany, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 02/13/2012 11:10 PM A As religious leaders celebrated what is known as World Interfaith Harmony Week here on Sunday, the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) Yasmin congregation was still prevented from holding religious services in their Bogor church. On Sunday, dozens of congregation members held a service, presided over by Rev. Ujang Tanusaputra, in front of the State Palace in a gesture seeking government help. “This is our way of showing our concerns for this country. We’ve been barred from our church for months. Our house of worship is sealed,” said GKI Yasmin spokesman Dwiati Novita Rini after the service. Bogor Mayor Diani Budiarto has banned the congregation from using the church for religious services due to permit application issues. The administration has defied a 2010 Supreme Court ruling guaranteeing the congregation’s right to hold services at the church. Dwiati said GKI Yasmin church had been sealed and locked since 2010 and the …

Sun, February 12 2012 21:18 | 295 Views Jakarta (ANTARA News) – Thousands of religious congregation representatives in Indonesia gathered at Nusantara Hall of Parliamentary Building in Jakarta on Sunday to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012 with the theme Diversity Creates Harmony in Indonesia. The religious congregation figures that led the delegations in the event were Chairman of Muhammadiyah (one of largest Muslim organizations), Din Syamsuddin, Representative of Catholic Religion, Andreas Sewangu, Representative of Hindu Religion I Nyoman Udayana, Representative of Buddhism, Philip Wijaya, Representative of Confucian religion, Wawan Wiratma, and representative of Christians. “On this occasion, we pledge that there is no religion in Indonesia that refuses diversity. Do not always look for what is different, but take our similarities to live in harmony and peace in Indonesia,” said Syamsuddin. The religious figures and the representatives of religions in Indonesia expressed their commitment to keep harmony in the society, nation and state under the Pancasila ideology. Din Syamsuddin …

Monday, 13 February 2012 11:22 WIB REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Thousands of religious congregation representatives in Indonesia gathered at Nusantara Hall of Parliamentary Building in Jakarta on Sunday to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012 with the theme Diversity Creates Harmony in Indonesia. The religious congregation figures that led the delegations in the event were Chairman of Muhammadiyah as one of largest Muslim organizations, Din Syamsuddin; Representative of Catholic, Andreas Sewangu; Representative of Hindu, I Nyoman Udayana; Representative of Buddhism, Philip Wijaya; Representative of Confucian, Wawan Wiratma; and representative of Christians. “On this occasion, we pledge that there is no religion in Indonesia rejects diversity. Do not always look for the difference, but take our similarities to live in harmony and peace in Indonesia,” said Syamsuddin. The religious figures and the representatives of religions in Indonesia express their commitment to keep harmony in the society, nation and state under the Pancasila ideology. Syamsuddin also said that the decision to choose the …

Feb 7 2012 (UN News Centre) — The President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser today stressed the potential of all of the world’s religions to promote global peace and stability, saying that faiths have common principles that can be used to bring about grater unity and harmony among people. “We recognize and celebrate the values that are shared across religious traditions,” said Mr. Al-Nasser at a General Assembly event to mark the end of the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week, which was established by Member States through a resolution adopted by the Assembly in 2010. “The common principles form a common ground that unites us in our rich diversity,” said Mr. Al-Nasser, noting that the UN was itself established in pursuit of universal values such as peace, freedom, human rights, dignity, and the oneness of humanity, which are also espoused by many of the world’s religions. “These principles have been translated by Member States into the Charter of …

February 1 to 7, 2012 has been a memorable week in more ways than one for Zamboanga City and its residents. Backed by a UN proclamation setting aside the first week of February every year to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony, several groups and organizations… began meeting late in 2011 to plan for celebrating the week in an appropriate manner and thus promote interfaith harmony Led by the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP) the several groups which included the Silsilah Dialogue Movement, the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, two universities, the Office of the ZC Mayor and several other government agencies and NGOs, formed a core working group under the coordination of Alih Aiyub, the Secretary General of the NUCP ZAMBASULTA and a professor in a state university in the city. Partners of the World Interfaith Harmony Week present during the LaunchingThe activities planned to make the first World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration in Zamboanga a significant one sought to bring …

Katherine MarshallSenior Fellow, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University The United Nations General Assembly began on February 11 to debate Syria’s prolonged and bitter tragedy of killing, after the Security Council, next door, failed miserably to find enough agreement among the world’s dominant nations to act. United Nations idealists believe that the General Assembly, as a body representing all the world’s nations, has the responsibility and the capacity to protect the vulnerable. Sadly such idealism is generally in scant supply these day and so these General Assembly debates have an aura of symbolism as the tanks mass in Syria. On February 7 in the same General Assembly Hall a very different group gathered in a very different spirit. It was inspired by what some might call an even more idealistic cause: interfaith harmony. For the first time World Interfaith Harmony Week was celebrated at the United Nations. Sikhs, Zoroastrians, Muslim imams, Christian bishops, Shinto priests, …

The World Harmony Run supports the goals of WIHW. The General Assembly… “Proclaims the first week of February every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) between all religions, faiths and beliefs.” – UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/65/5, adopted 20 October 2010 The World Harmony Run supports the goals of WIHW. SEE: UN Initiative /World Interfaith Harmony Week Wherever possible, WHR national and international team members join in local events which encourage interfaith harmony throughout the year. **** “Passing the Harmony Torch is a simple, tangible and powerful way to express love of one’s neighbour. Conveying this message of interfaith harmony and understanding in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship will surely help foster a culture of peace and a growing feeling of universal oneness.” ” -Davidson Hepburn, President of UNESCO General Conference (2009 -2011) – See YouTube video with English captions / subtitles: Source

The Seychelles Interfaith committee has taken a step further to better help address social issues and promote unity in the society through the launch of its council. The Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) was officially launched on Tuesday at the Le Relax Hotel, Anse Royale. Guests at the event included former President James Mancham, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, Minister for Social Development and Culture Bernard Shamlaye, principal secretaries, chairperson of Campaign for Awareness, Resilience and Education against substance abuse (Care), Sarah Rene, and Sifco members. The official launch of the council coincided with the world interfaith harmony week celebrated all over the world from February 1-7 annually. The week was proclaimed by the UN general assembly in the resolution adopted on October 20, 2010, in which it points out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established the World Interfaith Harmony Week. The General Assembly encourages all states to …

M. Din Syamsuddin, New York | Sat, 02/11/2012 | At a time when differences often lead to friction, and friction leads to conflict, the search for peaceful ways of resolving differences and conflicts has become imperative. In this regard, the significance of mediation as an instrument to resolve differences and find common ground cannot be overstated. The importance of the peaceful resolution of differences becomes even more evident when we look at the reality of the world where we live in today. While poverty, illiteracy, disease and injustice still present the most difficult challenges to humanity, we are also presented with the fact that violent conflicts and even wars continue to be the most devastating source of human suffering. History has shown us that violent conflict and war are the worst enemies of mankind. History also teaches us how violent conflict and war destroy not only communities and nations, but also civilizations. It is indeed disheartening to see that conflict …

The Text Of The Message Of His Excellency Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu Secretary General Of The Organisation Of Islamic Cooperation To The Special Panel Event Hosted On Monday, 6th Of February 2012 By The OIC Permanent Observer Mission At The United Nations Date: 07/02/2012 – View in: Arabic | French – Print “Excellencies, Distinguished Panelists, Distinguished Permanent Representatives, Participants from the Permanent Missions, UN Secretariat and institutions, Civil Society Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, On the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, I wish to convey my greetings to all who have contributed to the consensual adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution 65/5 proclaiming the first week of February each year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week. I would particularly like to congratulate the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser for the initiative that he took to organize a major special event to be held at the General Assembly tomorrow under the title of “Common Ground for …

February 9, 2012 5:43 pm In honor of World Interfaith Harmony Week, this video depicts fundamental similarities among the world’s religions. The World Interfaith Harmony Week, proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan, was adopted unanimously by the UN less than a month later. Celebrated the first week of February, it provides a platform—one week in a year—to promote the effective work of interfaith groups and concerned individuals in support of peace and tolerance. Source

By THE WASHINGTON TIMES Thursday, February 9, 2012 The role of religion in promoting links and dialogue across cultures and across continents moved into the spotlight earlier this month as the U.N. General Assembly marked the second annual World Interfaith Harmony Week. Springing from a 2007 initiative seeking common ground between Muslims and Christians, the week is designed to provide a platform where groups from all faith traditions can highlight their diversity, build ties across religions and stress the “common principles” that promote interfaith cooperation. Events this year were held around the globe, with more than 100 seminars, services and interfaith gatherings being organized in countries such from the Netherlands and Brazil to Jordan, Indonesia and Pakistan. In the United States, events marking World Interfaith Harmony Week were organized in Boston, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Omaha, Neb., among other cities. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the Qatari diplomat who currently serves as president of the U.N. General Assembly, announced Tuesday — …

By UPF – Austria Thursday, February 09, 2012 | Vienna, Austria – Two Buddhist nuns from the Fo Guang Shan temple, which had opened a year ago in Vienna, chanted the Heart Sutra to open UPF-Austria’s World Interfaith Harmony Week commemoration on February 9. They explained that this beautiful recitation was dedicated to peace in the world. After welcoming remarks by the President of UPF-Austria, Mr. Peter Haider, and the showing of a recently released video about UPF activities during the past year, Dr. Ismail Nawaishe, a Vienna-based medical doctor from Jordan, explained briefly about the religious situation in his country. It was His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein from Jordan who introduced the idea of a World Interfaith Harmony Week at the United Nations. It was then accepted and supported by the General Assembly shortly afterwards. Dr. Nawaishe emphasized that in Jordan Muslims and Christians traditionally lived together without conflict, visiting each other during religious holy days. …

Real dialogue started more than 1400 years ago by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Dr. Mozammel Haque Real dialogue started more than 1400 years ago by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said Lord Ahmad of Rotherham, Labour Peer at the VIP Event – Islamic Cultural Exhibition which was arranged as part of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012, on Tuesday, 7th of February, 2012, at the Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque. The Islamic Cultural Centre, London and Exhibition Islam jointly organised this VIP Event which was attended by members of Parliament, including Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, Lord Sheikh of Cornhill, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, Ambassadors of the Muslim Countries, representatives of embassies, members of different interfaith organisations, Many organisations in the United Kingdom celebrated UN World Interfaith Harmony Week on 6th and 7th of February. 2012. World Interfaith Week was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in a resolution: …

Wed, 08/02/2012 – 12:00am 8 February 2012 — In honour of UN World Interfaith Harmony Week Tony Blair, Patron of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, participated in a question and answer session on Twitter. We had great questions from all around the world. Here is a summary of the Twitter conversation: Tony Blair: Hi, this is Tony Blair + for interfaith harmony week I’ll be answering questions from here #AskTony twitpic.com/8h9boc Thank you to all of you who have already sent in questions. I’ll RT the question and then provide an answer #AskTony Question 1 to Tony Blair: @mssolidarity #AskTony How does interfaith work help conflict? Answer 1 from Tony Blair: @mssolidarity Understanding other religions and viewpoints helps break down barriers + avoid misunderstandings Q2: @HaleyHD How can we use new media to promote interfaith dialogue? #askTony A2: @HaleyHD We’re doing it now! Vital to use all the tools which connect people in the modern world Q3: @MoiraNash Why do …

The Rev. Arlyn Macdonald Universal Interfaith Church Montrose Posted: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 2:00 am This is World Interfaith Harmony Week, and I would like to take this opportunity to invite people of all faiths and spiritual paths to think about working with each other in new ways to create a community where each person’s beliefs are respected, and we work together for the common good. On Feb. 7, speakers from the world’s great spiritual religions and traditions were invited by United Nations General Assembly President H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulazez Al-Nasser to present a program to the General Assembly entitled “Common Ground for the Common Good.” Among the speakers were the Rev. Michael Beckwith from the Agape International Spiritual Center and H.E. Dr. Asha-Rose Megiro, UN Deputy Secretary-General. The program at the United Nations was one of many all over the world marking the Season for Nonviolence, a three-month period to learn how to better communicate with each other, resolve …

The text of the message of HE Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanogulu Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to the Special Panel Event hosted on Monday 6th Feb, 2012 by the OIC Permaneet Observer Mission at the UN headquarters in New York CLICK HERE TO READ TEXT

Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser LISTEN / DOWNLOAD World religions have the potential to promote global peace and stability, according to the President of the UN General Assembly. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser spoke at an event in New York on Tuesday to mark the end of the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week established by the General Assembly in 2010. He told the gathering, which brought together representatives of different faiths that millions of people around the world identify themselves as believers. Ambassador Al-Nasser said religions and the United Nations have a common ground. “This common ground includes respect for human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, affirmation of equal value of all human beings, the importance of compassion and service to others and universal aspiration for peace.” Source

7 February 2012 General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. The President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser today stressed the potential of all of the world’s religions to promote global peace and stability, saying that faiths have common principles that can be used to bring about grater unity and harmony among people. “We recognize and celebrate the values that are shared across religious traditions,” said Mr. Al-Nasser at a General Assembly event to mark the end of the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week, which was established by Member States through a resolution adopted by the Assembly in 2010. “The common principles form a common ground that unites us in our rich diversity,” said Mr. Al-Nasser, noting that the UN was itself established in pursuit of universal values such as peace, freedom, human rights, dignity, and the oneness of humanity, which are also espoused by many of the world’s religions. “These principles have been translated by Member States into the …

Intervention of the Holy See 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly Special Event World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012: Common Ground for the Common Good New York, 7 February 2012 Mr. President, It is my pleasure to add my voice to yours Mr. President and to that of Her Excellency Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, UN Deputy Secretary General and the other leaders speaking in today’s program to highlight the work being done by religious organizations and to promote ongoing efforts for achieving greater interreligious harmony. Today’s meeting is a reminder that the participation of religious organizations and openness to the Transcendent are not only a welcome reality in many parts of the globe but are a necessity everywhere if we are to address the challenges of our time. This reminder of the role of religious organizations within society is particularly important in a time when we increasingly see societal and governmental leaders denying the role of religious organizations or marginalizing …

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) — The president of the UN General Assembly (GA), Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, said here Tuesday that World Interfaith Harmony Week can help provide “firm building blocks” for a culture of peace. Al-Nasser’s statement came as he addressed the assembly during a special event to mark the final day of World Interfaith Harmony Week. The event was titled “Common ground for the common good.” “During World Interfaith Harmony Week, we not only affirm our own traditions, but reflect on the qualities and values of the traditions of others,” Al-Nasser said. “It is this spirit of mutual respect and cooperation that will afford us firm building blocks for the establishment of the culture of peace at all levels. ” The week for interfaith harmony, which began on Feb. 1, is a time set by the UN for inter-religious dialogue and promotion of understanding between faiths. The idea for the week was proposed …

SAYS COMMON CAUSE IN MUTUAL RESPECT FOR SHARED VALUES IS ONLY WAY TO UNITE NATIONS, PEOPLES Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro’s opening remarks at the special event on “Common Ground for Common Good” to mark the concluding day of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, in New York on 7 February: I am pleased to address this special event, and I thank the President of the General Assembly for hosting it. Let us also thank King Abdullah of Jordan for his continued efforts to advance inter-religious harmony — including the adoption, last year, of World Interfaith Harmony Week by the General Assembly, as well as the ongoing efforts in Amman to facilitate negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian authorities. Faith is the glue that often bonds communities and cultures around the world. Yet, too often it is used as an excuse to emphasize difference and deepen divisions. Only by finding common cause in mutual respect for shared spiritual and …

“On the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week 07 February 2012 Special event to mark the concluding day of the World Interfaith Harmony Week (1–7 February 2012) Running time: 03:14:58 Source

02 February 2012 5th Civil Relations Group Military joined the celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week at Ateneo de Davao University headed by Lieutenant General Arthur Tabaquero on February 1, 2012 – The Ateneo Theology Division and Al Qalam Institute welcomed the response and support of the military in attending its symposium that focused on “Celebrating Harmony among the People of God’. Lt. Gen. Tabaquero shared that the mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute an important dimension in culture of peace and help for working partnership in various undertakings to create united and solid efforts for community against ignorance, violence and terror especially among the less privileged ones. Different people of various religious sectors responded the call on peace promotion as they signed the commitment for peace tarpaulin for actively participate the eradication of culture of violence and silence and change them to a Culture of Dialogue which founded on love and spirituality. Further, the United Nations Organization recognizes and …

FEB 13 Posted by youthpeacecouncil By Robin Marsh Tuesday, 07 February 2012 Last night Universal Peace Federation -UK held a meeting in Parliament to remember the Holocaust, to examine the dynamics of forgiveness, reconciliation and remorse. This was held to comemorate the UN’s World Interfaith Harmony week. There were many precious contributions and stirring testimonies.Chaired by Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, President of World Congress of Faiths, the event featured presentations by Marina Cantacuzio, founder of the Forgiveness Project, Jack Lynes, Chair of Harrow Bereavement Care and a leading member of the Jewish community for interfaith, Shaykh Dr Hazim Fazlic, a Bosnian Imam now in Birmingham, Ruth Barnett, a Holocaust & Genocide Educator as well as a Kindertransport child, Jack Corley, Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation-UK and Sukhbir Singh who introduced the Forgiveness Charter on behalf of Bhai Mohinder Sahib Singh, spiritual leader of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha – Birmingham UK. Imam Dr Abduljalil Sajid JP attended the meeting …

Tue, 07 February 2012 The ‘week’ is held in recognition of the fact that Islam and Arab Islamic culture abound with the values of fairness, justice – By Abdulaziz al Jahdhami – MUSCAT — As per the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Rapprochement and Human Harmony week was organised by the Sultan Qaboos Centre for Islamic Culture. The opening ceremony was presided over by Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammed al Salmy, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, at Al Bustan Palace Hotel yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, Al Salmy said that the disagreement among cultures and religions do not reach the level of a world problem that requires conferences and seminars as it is the case with Muslims and Islam. “This is mainly attributed to the fact that Muslims constitute one fifth of the world population and the fact that many of them stick to their religious and cultural manifestations whether they are in their own countries or abroad. …

by admin on February 6, 2012 Harmony amongst religions seems like a no-brainer, but unfortunately conflict in the name of religion seems to be at the root of many of the challenges our world faces! In October of 2010, acting on a proposal by HM King Abdullah II of Jordan, the U.N. General Assembly designated the first week in February as “World Interfaith Harmony Week.” The idea is that promoting and celebration interfaith harmony in the international community is the best place to start promoting harmony for all. ”Love of the Good, and love of the neighbor” — this is the underpinning message of the week. This year marks the second annual celebration worldwide, with hundreds of gatherings, meals, forums, events, and celebrations taking place all over the globe. Euphrates encourages you to visit the website to learn more about the reasons behind the declaration, as well as the many different ways to commemorate the ideal of harmony amongst faiths …

POSTED AT: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2012 05:17:56 PM AUTHOR: FRANCIS X. CLOONEY, S.J. Cambridge, MA. This is Interfaith Awareness Week at Harvard, as part of World Interfaith Harmony Week; only in part by coincidence we have scheduled a rich variety of events at the Center for the Study of World Religions. After the week is over, I will reflect on some of what happened and I’ve learned during it, but for now, I would like to catch up on two testimonies to interfaith awareness that remind us how everything depends on the persons who make learning across religious boundaries — awareness, dialogue, comparative theology, however you express these matters. They are occasioned by the death last summer of Franz Josef Van Beeck, SJ, and in December, of Kenneth W. Morgan. The first link is to The Elijah Interfaith Institute in Jerusalem. Take a look at the website, and you will see that its founder and director, Alon Goshen-Gottstein, has created …

Written by: Alia Raffia Ullah 2012-02-06 07:51:51 Share this article on 1 1 IslamOnline.net_London The Islamic Cultural Centre and The London Central Mosque hosted an inspirational exhibition during the World Interfaith Harmony Week, which is taking place during the first week of February 2012 – Muhammad (peace be upon him) – A Mercy to Mankind is a brand new permanent exhibition held at the Islamic Cultural Centre and the London Central Mosque, open to the general public from the 4th February until the 8th February. This is a free event that aims to inspire the British Muslim community. Exhibition Islam Exhibition Islam is an independent, non-profit making registered charity. Launched in the UK in 1993, the organization specializes in encouraging and developing a greater understanding of Islam in both the domestic and international arenas. Through the use of diverse educational resources that are delivered through specialist ‘museum style’ exhibitions, Exhibition Islam creates contemporary spaces that enable visitors to unearth the …

Chirendra Satyal, Kathmandu, Nepal February 6, 2012 Gathering calls on now-secular country for greater peace-building efforts Jesuit Father Bill Robins lights candle at the interfaith program Religious leaders marked World Interfaith Harmony Week for the first time in Nepal yesterday with a gathering that called for greater efforts to forge a lasting peace and for the country to abide by secular principles. “We pray that all can learn to give and receive forgiveness after all the violence we have been through,” said Jesuit Father Bill Robins at the start of the gathering at the national academy hall in Kathmandu. The gathering was jointly organized to mark the special UN week, which ends tomorrow, by Religions for Peace and the United Peace Federation. Around 300 people attended the event during which a message from the president of the UN General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, was read out. “We have become a secular country and our behavior should reflect this so that …

Published: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 9:02 p.m. MST By Molly Farmer, Deseret News SALT LAKE CITY — Alan Bachman hopes the scene of local Jews and Muslims literally breaking bread Sunday will be a type for other gatherings the world over. “The Jewish and Muslim communities here have always had a great relationship,” Bachman said. “Hopefully, this is a microcosm for the world.” The feast was part of a month-long event put on by the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable — which Bachman chairs — to promote “love, harmony and understanding among all faith traditions.” More than 20 events will be held at places of worship throughout the valley to encourage increased religious understanding among the state’s many faiths. See all 11 photos | Click to enlarge Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Jews and Muslims come together to make traditional cuisine as part of the Interfaith Roundtable at Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. From the …

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2012 The World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, on October 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN and henceforth the first week of February will be observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. The World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of The Common Word initiative. This initiative, which started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour, without nevertheless compromising any of their own religious tenets. The commandments are at the heart of the three Monotheistic religions and therefore provide the most solid theological ground possible In Brisbane this event was celebrated on Sunday February 5th at the Multi-Faith Centre at Griffith University hosted by the Queensland Jewish Community …

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2012 This week is the second time World Interfaith Harmony Week is being celebrated. http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/ As the website states, “The World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of The Common Word initiative. This initiative, which started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour, without nevertheless compromising any of their own religious tenets.” This week is a reminder of the importance of spiritual hospitality, making room for others in our hearts and minds, as we strive to be peacemakers in our communities. I will be involved in two programs this week as part of World Interfaith Harmony week. One is for Canterbury School parents and the other is open to all who are interested. Hopefully I will see you at either the open house or the movie. Canterbury School parents are invited to an …

Masophy Kengoo – Study Secretary Women’s Desk The Student Christian Movement of India in collaboration with Visthar organized a Public Lecture as part of the International Harmony Week at the SCM programme Center on 4th February 2012.The International Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan. Just under a month later, onOctober 20, 2010, it was unanimously adopted by the UN and henceforth the first week of February will be observed as a World Interfaith Harmony Week. The World Interfaith Harmony Week extends the Two Commandments by adding ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbor’. This formula includes all people of goodwill. It includes those of other faiths, and those with no faith.The world Interfaith Harmony week provides a platform – one week in a year- when all interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill can show the world what a powerfull movement they …

By Julie Muhlstein, Herald Writer The Rev. Steven Greenebaum has a collection of books representing different faith traditions. His Living Interfaith Church meets the second and fourth Sunday of each month in the cafeteria of Lynnwood’s Alderwood Middle School. LYNNWOOD — On one Sunday, members of the Living Interfaith Church will learn about actions in the United Nations General Assembly. On another, the topic will be Abraham Lincoln. Those aren’t subjects churchgoers typically encounter at Sunday services. At Living Interfaith, which meets two Sundays each month at Alderwood Middle School, members have come to expect themes that broaden their horizons. The Rev. Steven Greenebaum started the church in 2010 by holding services in his Lynnwood home. At the root of his mission is the idea that there is no single “right” spiritual answer. “None of us is there to convert or convince anybody,” Greenebaum said Thursday. “We’re there to celebrate our common humanity and learn from each other.” On different …

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH FEBRUARY 3, 2012 12:16:00 PM In celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, an interfaith conversation between five local religious leaders will be held Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium on the Mississippi University for Women campus. The event is free and open to the public. Part of MUW’s International Series, the discussion will explore world religions’ core teachings on violence and how to overcome it. “The conversation will address not just armed conflict and terrorism, but also local problems like gun violence, domestic violence, and child abuse,” said Kim Whitehead, who co-directs the series and will moderate the panel. “We will explore what these traditions say about both the roots of violence and the possibilities for nonviolence.” Panelists will include Rev. Tom Bryson of First Presbyterian Church, Columbus; Linda Campany, former Zen monk; Ghanshyam Heda, MUW faculty and leader in the India Association of Memphis; Seth Oppenheimer, student rabbi at Congregation B’nai Israel, …

Sat Feb 4, 2012 12:38AM Ivaylo Spasov, Press TV, Sofia It’s not “tolerance” when you say “I don’t mind Muslims, but I don’t want to see them pray publicly”… This message was delivered in a forum in Sofia, dedicated to interfaith harmony. In scholars’ view, “tolerance” has turned into a shallow word with no real applications. This representative of the governmental department for religious issues tells Press TV there is no interfaith tension in Bulgaria and that this is one tolerant society. Experts, however, doubt it. In addition to addressing common messages, spiritual leaders urge this “power” to be focused also on common efforts to fight modern-day atrocities. Gramatikov, a monk who has been ordained a deacon, says religion is not a gap but a bridge between people. He insists that, despite their different beliefs, in the end, people are judged by their deeds. And as actions speak louder than words, in less than a month Bulgaria has hosted an …

By Debra Chong February 02, 2012 KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 – For the second year running, Putrajaya is marking an international week-long celebration of religious harmony with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak hosting a luncheon for Malaysia’s multi-religious national leaders. The luncheon, as announced today by National Unity and Integration (NUID) Minister Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon (picture), appears to have replaced a week-long series of school programmes aimed at fostering better religious understanding among students, which was to be the highlight of the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week that started yesterday. “The highlight will be a lunch hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for major religious leaders on 15 February 2012,” Koh said in a statement today. The school initiative, mooted by members of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHST) had won the approval from Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last month. Muhyiddin, who is also in charge …

Healing the World was the theme of an event at London Central Mosque that brought together different faith groups during World Interfaith Harmony Week A Dharmic panel discussion with Yann Lovelock, Ajit Singh, and Kiran Bali at London Central Mosque Photo © Dr Richard Boeke Interfaith organisations came together in London on 1 February for an afternoon of discussion and learning as part of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week. First observed in 2011, the week is an annual event to foster dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among all people regardless of their faith, and was proposed in 2010 by HM King Abdullah II and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan. Hosted by the London Central Mosque, the theme of the 1 February event was ‘healing the world’. Two separate panels discussed what this means from their own religious perspectives. A panel of representatives from the Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, included Rabbi Jackie Tabick, who discussed …

By The Post-Standard Editorial Board In explaining the need for World Interfaith Harmony Week, Jordan’s Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal noted that “the misuse or abuse of religions can be a cause of world strife, whereas religions should be a great foundation for facilitating world peace.” In October 2010, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for its member states to hold events during the first week of February to challenge “forces of division that spread misunderstanding and mistrust, especially among peoples of different religions.” Sunday, more than 200 Central New Yorkers gathered at Syracuse’s Temple Society of Concord to celebrate religious diversity and share faith traditions. Muslims, Hindus, the Moorish Society, Roman Catholics, Jews, Bahai, Sikhs, pagans and others spent a few minutes each sharing a skit, scripture, music or poetry to illustrate aspects of their beliefs. The event was put on by Interfaith Works of Central New York and Women Transcending Boundaries. It showcased the earnest, …

URI Cooperation Circles around the planet marked World Interfaith Harmony Week, celebrating diversity and cooperation amongst people of different faiths with candle lighting ceremonies, music and song, prayers, festivals, interfaith visits, symposia, roundtables, and other events.  Below is a brief report and photos from some of the events: UNITED NATIONS Photo courtesy of United Nations/Paulo Filgueiras Monica Willard, URI representative at the UN, and President of the Committee of Religious NGOs for the UN, was a lead organizer in this year’s official UN observances of WIHW.  Speaking at the special "Common Ground for the Common Good" event at the UN (pictured) on February 7th, Monica addressed the assembled interfaith leaders, UN delegates, and distinguished guests, focusing on this year’s themes of interfaith harmony’s role in four main areas: conflict mediation; disaster preparation and relief; sustainable development; and revitalizing the UN. Debra Bernstein, URI’s acting Executive Director also attended the event. 

Feb 2nd, 2012 by Colin. religionnerd.com Sufi meditation in Lodz, Poland, dialogue workshops in Jerusalem, and a conference in Abuja, Nigeria, to create a national inter-religious policy–these are just three of the hundreds of interfaith events that will take place over the next seven days across six continents as part of the second annual World Interfaith Harmony Week. The UN now recognizes every first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week, an initiative introduced by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the UN General Assembly in September 2010 and unanimously adopted by that body in under a month. Both King Abdullah II and his wife, Queen Rania, have been among the most outspoken leaders on interfaith dialogue and peace; their hometown of Amman, Jordan, will host a number of interfaith events in the coming days. Inspired by the A Common Word initiative, World Interfaith Harmony Week has significantly expanded its reach in a short time. Throughout the week, hundreds …

Lobregat speaks before the World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration in ZC (Video) Source

→ Staff Correspondent Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique speaks at a discussion on ‘Interreligious Harmony and Bangladesh’ at TSC auditorium in the city on Wednesday. The Department of World Religions and Culture in association with the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue of Dhaka University hosted the event. sun photo The essence all religions is the same, each containing the great message of peace and harmony, speakers said at a discussion on Wednesday. They said the creator is one and all creations are similar to God. The Department of World Religions and Culture in association with the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue of Dhaka University hosted the discussion at TSC auditorium to mark The World Interfaith Harmony Week. Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, DU vice-chancellor, was present at the programme as the chief guest. He said, “It seems that we are living in a primitive era, as brother kills his own brother while wife her husband.”Human’s external …

Written by GINA Wednesday, 01 February 2012 22:18 – President assures at Interfaith Week – Religious channel to be prioritised THE Guyana Government, for the second year in succession, has responded with loyalty to the United Nations global call for countries to host a suite of activities in early February to mark the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week. President Donald Ramotar has an emblem pinned on his shirt on arrival at the National Culture Centre yesterday. Yesterday, members of the different religious faiths converged on the National Cultural Centre to launch Guyana’s programme of activities. The launch, which was attended by President Donald Ramotar, featured prayers and reflections from the Hindu, Rastafarian, Christian, Muslim and Baha’i faiths, singing of the national song, “O Beautiful Guyana” and remarks on the occasion. Guyana holds the reputation as a country highly tolerant of religious diversity, and according to President Ramotar, is setting the precedent for other countries where devotion to faith comes …

Lobregat enjoins support to Interfaith Harmony week Posted on Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines/01 February 2012 by Sheila Covarrubias– Mayor Celso Lobregat today reiterated his call on all offices and agencies in the city to actively participate in the activities of the celebration, a directive he issued through Executive Order 434 and signed 4 January. Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat reaffirms his commitment to interfaith harmony and support to the celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week during its launching program Wednesday afternoon highlighted by the signing of the pledge of commitment at a local hotel. JOEY BAUTISTA Displaying harmony and unity, people representing different faiths, culture and beliefs this afternoon converged at a local hotel to launch the World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration in Zamboanga spearheaded by the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP) Zambasulta chapter. Mayor Lobregat along with Archbishop Romulo Valles, Basilan Ulama Supreme Council President Dr. Bongcael Tabasan, DILG Regional Director Paizal Abutazil (representing …

Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing world interfaith harmony week. (YOUTUBE link) Source

Guyana joins 28 other countries in observing Harmony Week — weeklong series of activities planned from today GUYANA is among 29 countries in the world observing United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, from February 1st to 7th annually. This event goes a long way towards ending religious war, violence and crime, and strives to ensure that people will be able to live in safety and peace, and have food to eat. To commemorate this event, the Interfaith Harmony Committee has, once again, organized a series of events, beginning with a breakfast at the National Cultural Centre this morning during which there will be an address by His Excellency President, Donald Ramotar. According to the co-chair of the committee, Pandit Chrishna Persaud, the agenda for this event is the same as last year, with a few additions. Alluding to the importance of the occasion, he said, “We are following the same pattern, with a few additions. Harmony week activities commence today. …

Major Interfaith Initiative to be Held at London Central Mosque Faith organisations will come together in London this week in a bid to end anger and hate among different religious groups. (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) – Faith organisations will come together in London this week in a bid to end anger and hate among different religious groups. The “Healing The World” event will see representatives from different religious organisations discussing the sources of hate in an attempt to create better interfaith relationships. The event will take place on 1 February 2012 at The London Central Mosque, from 12.30pm until 5pm. Charity – the World Congress of Faiths has organised the event in conjunction with the International Association of Religions Freedom. The event is also supported by Religions for Peace and the United Religions Initiative. It will be officiated by Rabbi Jackie Tabick (Jewish), Rev Peter Owen Jones (Christian), Imam Abduljalil Sajid (Islam), Kiran Bali MBE (Hindu), Yann Lovelock (Buddhist) and …

By Hindustan Times – Blogs – Just Faith The promise of Second World Interfaith Harmony Week In the week beginning today, 106 events in as many cities will bind the world of faith, religion and spirituality together. Under the aegis of World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), people, organisations and cultures will join hands to convert differences of faith into harmonies. From Bangalore, Mallapuram and Aligarh in India to cities in Poland, Israel and Seychelles, WIHW will have people walk, talk, pray and serve together — they will hold workshops, offer community services and share meals. This is the second such week, the first one was in the same time, last year. I learnt seven lessons from that week: Lesson 1 from Indonesia: shun violence Lesson 2 from South Africa: trust the leadership of children Lesson 3 from India: engage, talk, create spaces for dialogue Lesson 4 from Saudi Arabia: embrace diversity Lesson 5 from Canada: Donate generously — your organs, …

The World Interfaith Harmony Week Posted by Online on Feb 1st, 2012 // No Comment MANILA, Philippines — To promote dialogue and civility among the world’s religions, the United Nations, through an initiative proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan, kicked off the first World Interfaith Harmony Week in February 1-7, 2011. The proposal highlighted Muslims, Christians, and Jews for their participation and for making up 55 percent of the world’s population. The resolution, however, was drafted to exclude no one. The observances are meant to reaffirm that “mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace,” according to the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly. The week is an opportunity for interfaith advocates, religious and government leaders, and people from all walks of life to celebrate the common ground they share as people of faith, and take a united stand against any form of violence in the name of religion. Most religions have …

PRESS RELEASE Jan. 31, 2012, 10:57 a.m. EST United Church of Canada Marks World Interfaith Harmony Week TORONTO, ONTARIO, Jan 31, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Canada is not immune to the poisonous influence of religious bigotry, persecution, and hatred, says The United Church of Canada’s Moderator, Mardi Tindal. “Incidents of vandalism that target places of worship or other religious sites are reminders that work still needs to be done to build bridges of understanding here at home as well as internationally,” says Tindal. Tindal made her comments in conjunction with the start of World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 1. In October 2010, the United Nations declared the first week of February World Interfaith Harmony Week. The UN resolution encourages all states to voluntarily support the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship. When the resolution was first introduced to the United Nations General Assembly, …

Sarah Ford Staff writer Published: Monday, January 30, 2012 Religious Life at DU will host events beginning tomorrow and ending on Feb. 9 to celebrate Interfaith Harmony Week, a tradition recently established by the United Nations to spread awareness about students of different faiths. University Chaplain Reverend Gary Brower has outlined several events that DU will host in celebration of Interfaith Harmony Week, which are aimed at getting students of both religious and non-religious backgrounds involved. “We want to highlight inter-religious themes,” said Reverend Brower. “These provide opportunities fostering understanding and respect for people who are different.” Events for the week, which have been extended through next week to accommodate for students’ absences during Winter Carnival, will include volunteer opportunities at the African Center, a poster viewing in the chapel and a dinner discussion for several students with the Chaplain. Other possible events have yet to be announced. The poster viewing, planned to take place on the Feb. 9, will …

Faith organisations will come together in London this week in a bid to end anger and hate among different religious groups. The Healing The World event will see representatives from different religious organisations discussing the sources of hate in an attempt to create better interfaith relationships. The event will take place on February 1 at The London Central Mosque, from 12.30pm until 5pm. It will be attended by Rabbi Jackie Tabick, Rev Peter Owen Jones, Imam Abduljalil Sajid (Islam), Kiran Bali MBE (Hindu), Yann Lovelock (Buddhist) and Ajit Singh MBE (Sikh). The event is part of World Interfaith Harmony Week, which works to promote forgiveness, compassion and oneness among different faiths. Charity the World Congress of Faiths has organised the event with the International Association of Religions Freedom. They have also received support from Religions for Peace and the United Religions Initiative. The event is free to attend and all participants are asked to register with the World Congress of …

From staff reports Published: Monday, January 30, 2012 at 10:45 a.m. Cecilia St. King, Peace Troubadour, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Thomas Auditorium at Blue Ridge Community College in conjunction with World Interfaith Harmony Week. The United Religions Initiative of Henderson County, a member of the United Religions Initiative global interfaith network and Blue Ridge Community College will celebrate the first World Interfaith Harmony Week, Wednesday through Feb. 7, with a concert featuring Cecilia St. King, Peace Troubadour, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Thomas Auditorium, Blue Ridge Community College. Facts Want to go? What: Concert featuring Cecilia St. King When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Bo Thomas Auditorium, Blue Ridge Community College Admission: Free; love offering Information: 828-435-1337 , gprichard19@gmail.com First proposed by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan, the week was established by the UN General Assembly in October 2010 in recognition of the importance of “mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue” for peace. URI, an organization founded on …

UNITED NATIONS: Press Release Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith, President of the Association for Global New Thought and Founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, will be speaking on Tuesday, February 7th, at the United Nations General Assembly. Rev. Michael joins speakers from the world’s great religious and spiritual traditions called together by General Assembly President, H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, to celebrate the importance of World Interfaith Harmony Week, taking place during the 15th Annual Season for Nonviolence (SNV). Everyone is invited to view the LIVE UN Webcast (free). I am sharing today the press release and the link to both the United Nations webcast and the statement about World Interfaith Harmony Week, in order to highlight the way on which the Seasons for Nonviolence (of which Rev. Beckwith is co-chair) works with the United Nations to build a culture of peace worldwide. It is a job for all of us. World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event to …

Published: Monday, January 30, 2012, 2:00 AM By The Post-Standard Follow Editor’s note: This story was written by contributin writer Julie McMahon Syracuse, NY — The theme of Sunday night’s World Interfaith Harmony Assembly was simple. “We can live in harmony,” were the words of an original song by Joan Hillsman, director of Syracuse’s chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. “Sing it to your neighbor,” Hillsman called out, and the audience of diverse religious backgrounds complied, smiling. “Unity is what we’re striving for,” said Sister Pat Bergan, of St. Lucy’s Roman Catholic Church in Syracuse. “The more we can be together and celebrate, the richer we are,” she said. In celebration of 2012 World Interfaith Harmony Week, Central New Yorkers of faiths spanning Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and others gathered together at Temple Concord in Syracuse. Rabbi of the synagogue, Daniel Fellman, hosted the celebration. It was organized by Interfaith Works CNY and Women Transcending Boundaries. The evening’s …

Submitted by Kevin Zeese on Sat, 01/28/2012 – 14:00 Tale of Two Breakfasts and How Religious Leaders Are Joining the Struggle for Economic Justice Dear Friends, While the 1% attend the National Prayer Breakfast for the Rich and Famous, the 99% Will Pray, Reflect and Draw Attention to the Marginalization of Millions Suffering Economic Despair. Washington, DC, January 28, 2012 – As plans are being made at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Dupont Circle for the elaborate invitation only National Prayer Breakfast, organized by The Fellowship Foundation, a conservative Christian organization more widely known as “The Family”, just a few blocks away a humble gathering of interfaith clergy, lay leaders, faith-based social justice advocates and members of the Occupy Movement are simultaneously finalizing their plans for an alternative interfaith People’s Prayer Breakfast.

By ISABELLE | Published: 24 JANUARY 2012 Message from the United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations on the World Interfaith Harmony Week, From 1 to 7 February 2012 Dear Friends, The UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) seeks to reduce tensions across cultural divides that threaten stability and peace among and between communities and societies. The Alliance welcomes efforts by states, civil society, and other actors to build trust and respect among diverse communities – including among religions. We therefore welcome the UN General Assembly’s unanimous adoption on October 20th, 2010, of a Resolution establishing the World Interfaith Harmony Week, upon an initial proposal by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan on September 23rd 2010. We note that the intent of the resolution is to be broad and inclusive, bringing together people of all religions, faiths, and beliefs. We urge members of the Alliance of Civilizations, partners, civil society organizations, faith communities, universities, youth, and other sectors to …

United Nations, New York http://www.interfaithharmonyweek.info/ Source

URI has issued an updated and expanded tool card to encourage people to take action for this year’s World Interfaith Harmony Week, February 1-7. World Interfaith Harmony Week was established by the UN General Assembly in 2010 in recognition of the importance of “mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue” to peace. URI, an organization founded on the principle of enduring interfaith cooperation for peace and justice, participated actively in the inaugural observance in 2011 and has called on its more than 530 member organizations to participate again this year.

United Nations, New York, 22 December 2011 On the Occasion of the start of the 40-Day Countdown to World Interfaith Harmony Week: 1-7 February 2012 As the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations, it is my privilege to draw your attention to the resolution that the Assembly adopted in 2010 reaffirming that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and proclaiming the first week of February every year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs. The Week was first observed in February 2011.

ucanews.com reporter, Beijing Hundreds of Catholic faithful in Beijing have prayed for religious harmony in a delayed celebration of the United Nations’ World Interfaith Harmony Week http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/.

Lily Zakiyah Munir, Zamboanga City, The Philippines Opinion www.thejakartapost.com At a ceremonial dinner with some 150 guests, mostly aleemat (women ulama) from Mindanao, a Christian priest told the audience about his experience of feeling peaceful among Muslims in Mindanao. The priest was passing the Muslim majority area, Jolo, and discovered that he was the only Christian aboard the boat. Looking like a stranger, he was greeted by a Muslim Tausug. They chatted. Then came another, and another man, who greeted him. The priest continued his story, that he slept soundly in the boat knowing that he was the only Christian there.

www.ugm.ac.id After the success of the youth interfaith gathering event entitled Youth, Religion and Disaster with students representatives from religious organizations from each campus as the participants on February 12, 2011, as the final event of the World Interfaith Harmony Week activities (WIHW), CRCS held a music concert entitled Concert for Harmony. The concert in the Koesnadi Hardjosoemantri Cultural Center, Saturday (26/2) aims to promote messages of peace and the spirit of inter-religious dialogue which is the soul of WIHW. The committee intentionally presents the students with different religious backgrounds, with the hope of improving interfaith cooperation among young people, especially students.

www.sun2surf.com PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the government deserve our highest accolades for launching, a fortnight ago, the first celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week. The various programmes held marked an initial step that needs to be expanded and given greater in the coming years. World Interfaith Harmony Week is an outcome of a UN resolution, proposed in 2010 by King Abdullah II and Prince Ghazi Muhammad of Jordan, calling on all UN member states to observe a worldwide week aimed to promote accord between all people.

Zenkai Taiun Michael Elliston www.sweepingzen.com I was recently honored by an invitation to participate in a panel presentation following a luncheon at a local church. It was in recognition of the United Nations resolution establishing World Interfaith Harmony Week, hosted by Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta (FAMA), featuring a “distinguished panel…made up of Archbishop Wilton Gregory, Ambassador Andy Young, Rabbi Analia Bortz, Tayyibah Taylor, Brother Shankara, Taiun Michael Elliston and moderated by Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley.” Speaking on such a panel can be a bit intimidating, especially with limited time and to a large audience in a major Christian church, and in the context of a culture which harbors great misconceptions regarding Buddhism. Not that I found myself in entirely unfamiliar or hostile territory. As it happened, I had met Ambassador Young at the UN many years ago, when he performed the wedding ceremony for Arthur Ashe and his bride Jeannie, my wife’s best friend from childhood. Of course, he …

www.thestaronline.com KUALA LUMPUR: The objective of the United Nations Interfaith Har­mony Week is to turn the tide against the inter-religious tension, mistrust, dislike and hatred in the world. Ambassador of Jordan, Maher Ahmad Lukasha, said the language of the UN resolution – initiated by King Abdullah II of Jordan in September last year – excluded no one, of any religion or of no faith.

www.oicun.org On 3 February 2011, the OIC Mission to the UN in New York held a Special Event titled “The Role of Faith Based Organizations and Interfaith Initiatives in Development, Reconciliation and Peacebuilding” at the UN Headquarters on the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. In his message delivered by HE Ambassador Ufuk Gokcen, Secretary General of the OIC, Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu hoped that the observance of the World Interfaith Harmony Week would serve peoples of all faiths and beliefs to coexist in peace, harmony and goodwill.

The Jordan Times AMMAN (JT) – Interfaith specialists and clerics on Tuesday explored different means of fostering dialogue among the followers of the Abrahamic religions. The symposium, held by the University of Jordan (UJ) in cooperation with the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, marks World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Proposed by His Majesty King Abdullah and adopted by the UN General Assembly in October, World Interfaith Harmony Week seeks to spread a message of interfaith harmony among followers of Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

Thomas Lee The Malaysia Chronicle Penang has become the first state in the country to establish a state executive council portfolio to handle religious matters relating to the non-Islamic religions like Buddhisms, Christianity, Sikhism, Taoism and Hinduism. The high-profile Exco Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee is headed by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng himself, with Deputy Chief Minister (II) Prof Dr P. Ramasamy as the deputy chairman.

By UPF – Japan Tokyo, Japan – A commemorative event of the United Nations’ annual “World Interfaith Harmony Week” was hosted by UPF-Japan on January 29 in Tokyo as an opening program of Ambassadors for Peace Council Meeting. After the moderator’s introductory remarks on the World Interfaith Harmony Week and its significance, Rev. Taishu Nara, a Shinto priest who led the programj, blew a stone whistle which was a ritual for inviting the gods and offered a purification prayer. Then, Mr. Kumar Raiv, a research scholar of the Hindu Cultural Exchange, prayed for peace, and Rev. Nichiko Yoshida and Rev. Jiei Shizuka, who are Buddhist monks, chanted a sutra harmoniously. Rev. Toru Miyahara, a Christian Pastor, read verses from the Revelation of the New Testament and offered a prayer for welcoming the Lord at the Last Days.

By UPF – Moldova Chisinau, Moldova – A round-table discussion on “Interfaith cooperation as the important instrument of establishing the culture of peace in Moldova” initiated by the Universal Peace Federation took place on February 2 in Kishinev. The event was connected to the World Interfaith Harmony Week, declared by the UN General Assembly to be celebrated yearly in the beginning of February.

By UPF – St. Lucia Anse-la-Raye, St. Lucia – St Lucia is a predominantly Christian country. Ninety-nine percent of the people are Christians, and the other one percent consist of Hindus and a few Muslims. About 75 percent of the Christians are Catholic and the rest belong to several Protestant denominations. In St Lucia, there is not a conflict of religions “per se” but rather a conflict of Christian denominations which have traditionally seen each other as rivals and do not cooperate together to address the problems of the country. On January 6, six youth representatives of four different religious denominations met together to prepare for the February session of Interfaith Harmony Week. They prepared the agenda, the program, and the organization of the meeting.

By Dr. Michael Balcomb, Director of Communications, UPF Seoul, Korea – As events in Egypt moved toward their climax half a world away, UPF convened an International Leadership conference in Seoul in honor of the first United Nations week of interfaith harmony. The program considered models of peaceful transitions to democracy, with a special emphasis on the often-neglected responsibilities of religious and spiritual leaders to defuse long-standing tensions between different ethnic and minority groups in the days and months following abrupt political change.

Bernama KUALA LUMPUR — In US railroad parlance, a mallet is a very large and powerful steam locomotive. And in the railroad industry, a locomotive that goes off the rails is a pretty disastrous thing for various reasons, economically as well as a loss in reputation. Recently, it appears that John Malott, the former US ambassador to Malaysia, had gone off the rails when he claimed that race relations in Malaysia “are worse than at any time since 1969”.

thesundaily.com The government must be congratulated for celebrating the inaugural UN World Interfaith Harmony Week which began on Monday. Even so it would have benefited far greater number of people in the country had it been organised on a bigger scale nationwide, given wider publicity and involve more religious leaders than the normal motley of interfaith promoters. Considering that it is important to racial harmony and national unity more thought and planning should have been put into the organisation of the event. Maybe next year’s celebrations would take care of the shortcomings of this year’s celebration.

malaysia.news.yahoo.com Kuala Lumpur (The Star/ANN) – One of the most moving images during the massive protests in Egypt that led to the ouster of Hosni Mubarak was how the country’s majority Muslims and minority Coptic Christians came together as Egyptians first, just as they did during the protests against British colonial rule in 1919.

YUEN MEIKENG thestar.com.my PETALING JAYA: Religious groups agreed that moderation is the way forward in a multi-religious country like Malaysia and support the Prime Minister’s proposal to promote peace and harmony during this World Interfaith Harmony Week and form a global movement of moderates.

Himanshu Bhatt thesundaily.com The move, made in conjunction with the United Nation’s World Interfaith Harmony Week, is aimed at improving the handling of matters related to religious communities that include Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs, Taoists and Hindus. The idea was presented by Deputy Chief Minister (II) Prof Dr P. Ramasamy to the weekly state exco meeting, and approved last week. Lim also noted that the new portfolio marks the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week this week.

Rahim Kanani huffingtonpost In a recent interview with Ruth Turner, Chief Executive of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, we discussed the significance of World Interfaith Harmony Week, the work of the Faith Foundation, ways in which we can engage difference, and more.

thestar.com.my PUTRAJAYA: Extremism in any faith – be it among Muslims, Christians, Buddhists or Hindus – will leave a negative impact on the community, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

Bernama PUTRAJAYA, Feb 14 (Bernama) — Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today that extremist understanding of religion rather than difference in beliefs is a cause of tensions in a country.

By Nur Syuhada Shamsuddin PUTRAJAYA, Feb 13 (Bernama) — Tomorrow, Malaysia will for the first time celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week as put forward by the United Nations (UN) with various programmes prepared, including a meet-and-greet session with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and religious leaders here.

bernama.com KANGAR, Feb 13 (Bernama) — The good values in every religion generates the basis to harmonious living and strong binding for unity, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk T. Murugiah. “There should not be any criticism directed at any religion as it could cause differences and destroy the harmony,” he said when speaking at the 2011 World Interfaith Harmony Week programme at the Arau matriculation college here last night.

Prof. John Kurakar URI Central committee conducted an All Kerala Interfaith Harmony weeks Open Quiz Competition at Karickom International Public School on 12th February,2011.

geneva.usmission.gov Diplomats, UN Officials and Civil Society Share Experiences at Event to Mark World Interfaith Harmony Week Geneva, February 7, 2011 The Permanent Missions of the United States of America and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan jointly sponsored a panel discussion on the occasion of the first World Interfaith Harmony Week, as proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in November 2010.

thestar.com.my PUTRAJAYA: For the first time, Malaysia will celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week on Monday as put forward by the United Nations (UN) with various programmes prepared, including a meet-and-greet session with the Prime Minister and religious leaders here.

syracuse.com Event showed Syracuse as place to embrace diversity of faith To the Editor: On Jan. 30, more than 300 Syracusans gathered to celebrate during the first World Interfaith Harmony Assembly of CNY, which included song, dance, readings, prayers, poetry, stories and chants from many faith traditions.

Iligan.gov.ph ZAMBOANGA CITY ¬–Different religious leaders here, Christian constituents and Muslim women leaders and peace advocates hailing from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao gathered together for an “Interfaith Harmony Solidarity Dinner” held at the Garden Orchid Hotel last Monday to observe the United Nations-declared “World Interfaith Harmony Week”. Amina Rasul-Bernardo, the lead convenor and president of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), revealed that 2011 is the first celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, which takes place every first week of February, after the passage of a UN resolution in October last year sponsored by King Abdullah of Jordan.

His Beatitude THEOPHILOS III Patriarch of Jerusalem 02 February 2011, Your Royal Highness, Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad Bin Talal Honourable and Distinguished Guest, It is a great honour for us, the Council of Churches in Jordan, to be amongst you today in this holy site celebrating the “World Interfaith Harmony Week”.We affirm our deep appreciation for the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah the Second to this great initiative. We hold dearly His Majesty’s and the Hashemite Kingdom’s continued heritage and commitment to freedom of worship and for progressing the bridging and understanding between faiths.

Passionists International To mark the first ever World Interfaith Harmony Week, the committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations hosted an interfaith breakfast on 3 February 2011 in cooperation with the UN Department of Public Information. Kevin Dance of Passionists International is a member of the Executive Committee.

UN Alliance of Civilisations A rapt audience of hundreds of people packed the ECOSOC Room for the UN premiere screening of the documentary film “Out of Cordoba: Averroes and Maimonides in Their Time and Ours” on the evening of February 3, 2011. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in partnership with the UN Department of Public Information organized the screening event in honor of World Interfaith Harmony Week. Directed by Jacob Bender and produced by MLK PRODUCCIONES of Malaga, Spain, “Out of Cordoba” has received awards at several international film festivals.

UN Alliance of Civilisations On February 3, 2011, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) participated in a United Nations interfaith breakfast, organized by the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, in partnership with the UN Department of Public Information at the Salvation Army International in New York City.

RCIMedia The Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta (FAMA) held its first luncheon event of 2011 on February 2nd at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The focus was on the themes of World Interfaith Harmony Week, celebrating the recent resolution passed by the United Nations.

ucanews.com BANGLADESH: Teachers and students at Dhaka University‘s department of World Religions and Culture marked a successful United Nations Inter-faith Harmony Week February 1-7 with poster displays and discussion meetings.

Archdiocesan Ministry of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs The United Nations launched the first World Interfaith Harmony Week today with a broad range of activities around the world, including interfaith breakfasts, film screenings and talks featuring the active participation of civil society, UN entities and other intergovernmental organizations.

CNN iReport The first UN World Interfaith Harmony Week [1st week of February] was marked by hundreds of events taking place all over the world. King Abdullah of Jordan, who first proposed the idea in September, 2010, held a lunch with senior religious figures from Jordan and the Holy Land.

Capital Ethiopia News On the occasion of the 16th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, under the theme of “Towards Greater Unity and Integration through Shared Values” Interfaith Peace-building Initiative (IPI) and United Religions Initiative of Africa (URI) called for the African Union and its 53 member States to celebrate the first World Interfaith Harmony Week. Both organizations also call upon different religions leaders in Africa to organize interfaith harmony prayer throughout Africa and to promote the teaching of the Golden Rule to make this happen.

As the first World Interfaith Harmony Week concludes, here are some initiatives that people the world over contributed to. As part of a globalisation of culture, there are some truths of each religion that need to be highlighted and put into a wider and more contemporary social context. To me, this initiative is a start that we must strengthen. As I tracked interfaith developments across the world, I learnt seven lessons that all religions across the world would do well to follow: Source: Hindustan Times.

The Jakarta Post Ridwan Max Sijabat Religious leaders and government officials called on the public to end prejudice and stop religious violence at the start of a religious harmony week on Sunday, when three Ahmadis were killed. The chairman of Muhammadiyah, the nation’s second-largest Muslim organization, Din Syamsuddin, made the call during the official opening of World Interfaith Harmony Week at the Jakarta Convention Center on Sunday, following an attack by 1,500 people on members of the Ahmadiyah faith, in which there were three killed and five seriously injured in Cikeusik in Pandeglang, Banten.

Ministry of Hajj Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Jeddah, Rabi Al-Awwal 02, 1432 H Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed great pleasure to note that the international community is observing the World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 1-7, 2011

Anatara News Ruslan Jakarta (ANTARA News) – Hundreds of adherents of different faiths all over the country celebrated World Interfaith Harmony Week at the Senayan indoor stadium here on Sunday. “The event is the formal agenda of the UN aimed at campaigning for the importance of harmonious life among adherents of different faiths,” Chairman of the Presidium of the Inter-Religious Council (IRC) for Indonesia Prof Dr Din Syamsuddin said in his address to the event.

The Daily Sun The World Interfaith Harmony Week begins today with a view to building peaceful relationships among the adherents of the world’s religions. From now on, first week of February will be observed as the World Interfaith Harmony Week across the globe every year.

The Tribune Kathy Hanson Emily Hull’s shy remark broke the ice for an interfaith circle of about 15 women who met for the first time Saturday in the kitchen of the Darul Arqum Islamic Center of Ames.

America FRANCIS X. CLOONEY, S.J. Cambridge, MA. In case you haven’t noticed, we are now entering the 12th annual Interfaith Harmony Week, an initiative celebrated (sometimes with slightly different names, such as Interfaith Awareness Week) around the world to notice, celebrate, and deepen the awareness we have of people of faith traditions other than our own.

www.demorgan.be Prime Minister Yves Leterme in Antwerp this morning a breakfast meeting attended by leaders and representatives of Christian, Jewish and Islamic communities of our country. “I want to emphasize the importance that I and the authorities of this country committed to creating spaces for interfaith encounter,” said the prime minister.

WAM: Emirates News Agency WAM JEDDAH: Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, or OIC, in a statement on the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, said the OIC is committed to engender a culture of harmony among peoples of diverse religious faiths, civilizations and cultural backgrounds. We took the lead in pioneering Dialogue among Civilizations at the United Nations as early as 1998 to promote intercultural and inter-civilizational understanding and mutual respect for diversity.

The Gazette By Harold Kasimow “The alternative to peace is disaster. The choice is to love together or perish together. Let the love of life have the final word.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel As a person deeply committed to promoting interfaith dialogue as a path to peace, I was thrilled to learn that King Abdullah II of Jordan proposed the idea of an annual World Interfaith Harmony Week.

UN Dispatch Interfaith Week: Yesterday, the UN Committee of Religious NGOs and DPI hosted an “Interfaith Breakfast” as part of the first annual World Interfaith Harmony Week, intended to highlight global interfaith understanding, and allow religious leaders a space to promote mutual understanding.

Manilla Bulletin  MANILA, Philippines – Recognizing the need for dialogue among various faiths and religions in enhancing mutual understanding, harmony, and cooperation among people, the United Nations adopted a consensus resolution in October 20, 2010, proposed by Jordan proclaiming the first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Arab Herald World Interfaith Harmony Week marked at Baptism Site AMMAN (Petra) – HRH Prince Ghazi, the Kings special adviser and personal envoy, on Wednesday attended a celebration marking World Interfaith Harmony Week, organised by the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Centre. During the ceremony, at the Baptism Sites convention centre, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Secretary General Mohammad Roud highlighted the Kingdoms experience in reinforcing the values of security and coexistence among people of varied faiths and nationalities residing in Jordan.

Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions The UN General Assembly in 2010 unanimously passed a resolution to recognize the World Interfaith Harmony Week annually during the first week of February. The world is currently celebrating its first IHW with meetings, devotions, the publication of academic papers & of religious statements, & with special press coverage in a number of countries.

Hotklix In Indonesia, a country with the largest number of Muslims in the world, the World Interfaith Harmony Week was held on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at Istora Senayan, Jakarta. The event was held with the aim of building religious harmony in a world without violence. The event was attended by a number of national leaders and religious figures, including Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin; politicians PDIP, Taufik Kiemas, Secretary General World Conference on Religion and Peace, William Vandley, Reverend Supriadi; Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops Conference, Mgr. P Mandagi; Parliament Chairman Marzuki Alie; Chairman of DPD Irman Gusman, including Henry Wiriatma (Confucius), I Dewa Putu Sukardi (Hindu), Philip Wijaya (Buddha).

Huffington Post Rev. Charles Gibbs Executive Director, United Religions Initiative More than a century before religious extremists brought down New York’s Twin Towers, the opening act of a new era of terror, a visionary Hindu leader spoke these words to the first ever Parliament of the World’s Religions on September 11, 1893: “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood … “

clericalwhispers Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said it was “vital” to promote inter-religious and intercultural dialogue “in times when there are many who seek to divide people of faith”.

Claudio Carvalhaes The annual observation of a world-wide Interfaith Harmony Week has been scheduled for the first seven days of February beginning in 2011.

Bangor Daily News Rev.Becky Gunn Harmony week an opportune time to shed hostility In a world where there is much rancor, incivility and downright hatred, we have the opportunity to respond to that negativity with civility, love and harmony. Most of you have no idea that this week is World Interfaith Harmony Week.

indiavision.com New Delhi – The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), an autonomous body with the Ministry of Home Affairs, organized an Inter-faith harmony dialogue here on Thursday.

Richmond-Times Dispatch Rev. William L. Sachs, Ph.D “In a world of hatred and mistrust only the world’s religions can help.” So declared the United Nations General Assembly last fall when it passed an unusual resolution. Although it has not received adequate notice, the resolution declared that the first week of February each year will be World Interfaith Harmony Week.

The India Post Hindus have applauded the launching of “World Interfaith Harmony Week” by United Nations (UN). Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that “it was step in the right direction”.

The Witness – South Africa Julia Denny-Dimitriou A NEW international initiative to promote peace and harmony between different religious groups has inspired pupils from a local Muslim school to treat a group of senior citizens to high tea. To mark the newly inaugurated World Interfaith Harmony Week, 17 Grade 9 pupils from Nizamia Islamic School in the CBD visited residents of Padca’s Riverside Park Home on Bulwer Street yesterday.

USCatholic.org Guest blog by Sue Stanton Interfaith Harmony week celebrates the good of religion and of dialogue on both a local and global scale. Guest blog by Sue Stanton “There’s a bomb in your basement,” the raspy voice on the phone told a little girl, “and it’s about ready to go off.” In one sentence, my childhood dissolved. The United States had just elected a Catholic president and we Catholic kids were under siege from a local school board. Tensions ran high and rhetoric soon followed culminating with a protest march led by my mother; a target for one man’s sick and twisted brand of patriotism.

Associated Press of Pakistan LONDON, Feb 03 (APP)-The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) Thursday warmly welcomed “World Inter Faith Harmony Week,” which was announced by the United Nations General Assembly last October and termed it as the most practical vehicle to achieve religious harmony.

Kaieteur News – Guyana As observances for World Interfaith Harmony Week continue, individuals from the various religious groups came out in their numbers yesterday for the ‘Harmony Walk’.

newswire.ca Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Lutheran leaders join Trillium Gift of Life Network in urging registration of consent

Morocco News and Press Reviews Respect for diversity and peaceful dialogue are essential if the human family is to cooperate globally to face shared threats and seize common opportunities

www.mcb.org.uk Farooq Murad, the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), stated, “at a time when discord and religious tensions are being stoked, this week provides faith groups globally an unprecedented opportunity to embark upon a powerful project of working together towards unity and the common good. This will be the most practical vehicle for our journey together to achieve harmony, respect and cooperation among people around the world”.

The Huffington Post The United Nations kicked off the first “World Interfaith Harmony Week” on Tuesday (Feb. 1) to promote dialogue and civility among the world’s religions.

World Alliance of YMCAs Dear friends, We want to share with you this message from the UN Secretary General and highlight the observance of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. YMCA worldwide wants to contribute to a peaceful coexistence of people of different faiths and especially create meeting places for young people to come together to learn from one another and grow deeper understanding and mutual trust and friendship.

Associates Press of Pakistan LONDON, Jan 29 (APP)- Founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran International Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri speaking at the World Economic Forum in Swiss resort town of Davos has underscored promoting of inter-faith harmony for tackling terrorism. This year international terrorism was on the agenda of WEF where the experts discussed ways of combating it.Qadri spoke on the topic ‘The Reality of Terrorism’ at a discussion on Saturday.John Chipman, Director-General and Chief Executive, UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) introduced Dr Qadri’s Fatwa on terrorism and asked about its impact at the global level and in the Arab world.

Organisation of the Islamic Conference Message of the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week. It gives me great pleasure to note that the international community is observing the World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 1-7, 2011 – As Secretary General of the OIC, I take particular pride that the initiative came from the Head of an OIC Member State, His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, during the ongoing 65th session of the UN General Assembly. On behalf of the OIC, I issued a statement welcoming this visionary initiative and called on all to observe the week in a befitting manner.

Jordan Times AMMAN (Petra) – HRH Prince Ghazi, the King’s special adviser and personal envoy, on Wednesday attended a celebration marking World Interfaith Harmony Week, organised by the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Centre.

Johann Earle Guyana Chronicle Online PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of the Office of President, yesterday inaugurated World Inter-Faith Harmony Week in Guyana.

UNITED NATIONS, February 1 (Xinhua) The United Nations launched the first world interfaith harmony week on Tuesday, which will include the participation of UN entities, civil society and intergovernmental organizations, according to UN officials. In November 2010, the UN General Assembly dedicated the first week of February to promoting the message of interfaith harmony and tolerance amongst religions. “Respect for diversity and peaceful dialogue are essential if the human family is to cooperate globally to face shared threats and seize common opportunities,” he said. “That is why efforts by states, civil society and other actors to build trust among communities and individuals lie at the heart of so many United Nations initiatives,” Ban added.

Beliefnet The United Nations kicked off the first “World Interfaith Harmony Week” on Tuesday (Feb. 1) to promote dialogue and civility among the world’s religions.

Timothy Bancroft-Hinchey Pravda.Ru The United Nations Organization has launched its first Interfaith Harmony Week with numerous activities held around the world to comemmorate the event, involving intergovernmental organizations and UN entities. After centuries of communities taking the precepts of their religions in vain, the world can, and must, grasp this opportunity at a time when insecurity and violence threatens to engulf the Middle East.

Richard Yeakley (ENInews/RNS) 2 February 2011 New York (ENInews). The United Nations has inaugurated the first “World Interfaith Harmony Week” to promote dialogue and civility among the world’s religions. The observances are meant to reaffirm that “mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace,” according to a resolution passed by the U.N. General Assembly.

San Francisco, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) February 02, 2011 As popular uprisings roil the Middle East and North Africa this week, a revolution of a different kind is just beginning to take shape. Tuesday marked the start of the first annual United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, February 1-7 – Crowded amidst a dizzying array of UN days, weeks, month, even decades, this designated week stands out as the first global-level acknowledgment of the importance of interfaith cooperation and understanding to world peace and prosperity.

In 2010, HM King Abdullah II and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan called on the United Nations to create World Interfaith Harmony Week. The resolution was unanimously adopted and this year marks the first annual celebration of interfaith harmony, throughout the first week of February. The celebration seeks to promote dialogue among all people regardless of their perspectives and to build momentum for interfaith initiatives worldwide.

The annual observation of a world-wide Interfaith Harmony Week has been scheduled for the first seven days of February beginning in 2011. One of the groups that has endorsed the initiative was a global consultation of Muslim and Christian organizations addressing the topic “Transforming Communities” in November 2010. The consultation was convened at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva and was jointly sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the World Islamic Call Society and A Common Word. The Transforming Communities conference members agreed to support and commit themselves to promote the initiative.

Christian Today Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said it was “vital” to promote inter-religious and intercultural dialogue “in times when there are many who seek to divide people of faith”. The first seven days of February were designated World Interfaith Harmony Week by the UN at the proposal of King Abdullah II and Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan.

UN News Centre 1 February 2011 – The United Nations launched the first World Interfaith Harmony Week today with a broad range of activities around the world, including interfaith breakfasts, film screenings and talks featuring the active participation of civil society, UN entities and other intergovernmental organizations.

Associated Press of Pakistan UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 1 (APP): The United Nations launched the first World Interfaith Harmony Week Tuesday with a broad range of activities around the world, including interfaith breakfasts, film screenings and talks featuring the active participation of civil society, UN entities and other intergovernmental organizations. The UN General Assembly in November resolved that the first week of February be devoted to spreading the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship… based on love of God and love of one’s neighbour or on love of the good and love of one’s neighbour, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions.

New Kerala United Nations, Feb 2 : The UN has embarked upon the first World Interfaith Harmony Week with a wide range of activities across the globe, including India. “The first World Interfaith Harmony Week is an opportunity to focus global attention on the efforts of religious leaders, interfaith movements and individuals around the world to promote mutual respect and understanding between followers of different faiths and beliefs,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message as the week began yesterday.

Jordan Times AMMAN (JT) ––– His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday underlined the country’s commitment to enhancing concepts of tolerance, love and coexistence among followers of different religions, stressing the important role places of worship play in entrenching the concepts. King Abdullah made the remark during a meeting with several Jordanian Muslim and Christian leaders on the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

www.china.org.cn China’s five national religious associations gathered in Beijing on January 28 to issue a Joint Declaration on Promoting Religious Harmony. Representatives from the Buddhist Association of China, the Taoist Association of China, the Islamic Association of China, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and the China Christian Council spoke in support of the declaration. The declaration follows a UN General Assembly decision last year to declare the first week of February every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week. Representatives from China’s religious groups all expressed their belief in harmony and peace at the meeting.

The Californian Can we be more open-minded to those proclaiming a different faith or no faith at all?Have we ever treated others who have different beliefs as adversaries undeserving of respect and dignity? Can you imagine knowing and living in a community or a world where love dominates and is manifested as interfaith harmony?

Newszglobe.com The World Interfaith Harmony Week is a worldwide initiative created to foster harmony between both, people of the same faith and those of different faiths Proposed in 2010 by HM King Abdullah II and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, the World Interfaith Harmony Week will fall on the first week of February of every year with the aim of promoting harmony between all people regardless of their faith.

The Hindustan Times All over the world there is a struggle taking place within and about religion. Sometimes it results merely in  prejudicial words. Too often it erupts in violence and acts of shocking extremism. The essence of the struggle is this: are people of religious faith prepared to regard those of a different faith with respect and dignity and love? Or do they rather regard them as enemies simply because they don’t share the same faith or religion as them? In each of the main religions such a struggle is being waged everywhere. The outcome of such a struggle has immense implications for all of us.

Guardian All over the world there is a struggle taking place within and about religion. Sometimes it results merely in harsh or prejudicial words. Too often it erupts in violence and acts of shocking extremism. The essence of the struggle is this: are people of religious faith prepared to regard those of a different faith with respect and dignity, and yes, even love; or do they rather regard them as enemies? Are they "open" to the other or "closed"? Do they want to live in harmony with those different from themselves?

Daily Times All over the world there is a struggle taking place within and about religion. Sometimes it results merely in harsh or prejudicial words. Too often it erupts in violence and acts of shocking extremism. The essence of the struggle is this: are people of religious faith prepared to regard those of a different faith with respect and dignity, and yes, even love; or do they rather regard them as enemies? Are they "open" to the other or "closed"? Do they want to live in harmony with those different from themselves?

People’s Daily Online China will provide more support for the country’s religious communities in their international exchanges and communications, said Wang Zuoan, director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs. Wang made the remarks at the 2011 national conference on religious work held in South China’ s Hainan Province on Monday. The administration will actively support religious circles in China to promote the concept of religious harmony during the first World Interfaith Harmony Week, which has been recognized by the United Nations and will be held in the first week of February, Wang said. Additionally, Wang said that the country is working to streamline the social security system to further benefit religious personnel. Source.

URI Charles Gibbs and Yoland Trevino sent a letter to H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan on December 17 thanking him for his leadership in creating a UN-sponsored World Interfaith Harmony Week on the first week in February, and pledging the support of the URI network. The week was established by United Nations resolution in October. Like the International Day of Peace, Interfaith Harmony Week will be an opportunity for URI CCs and like-minded organizations around the world to organize events to promote and celebrate interfaith peace and understanding. URI staff will produce a toolkit to share ideas and resources with members and friends. Stay tuned! Source.

SufiNews By DPI Staff Reporter, *GA Adopts Consensus Resolution Proclaiming First Week of February Each Year “World Interfaith Harmony Week”* – United Nations News and Media Division – New York, NY, USA / Wednesday, October 20, 2010 First Week of February Each Year proclaimed World Interfaith Harmony Week Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad, Personal Envoy and Special Adviser to the King of Jordan, introduced the draft resolution on World Interfaith Harmony Week (document A/65/L.5).

Jordan Times AMMAN (Petra) – His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday underlined Jordan’s commitment to enhancing the values of tolerance, love, coexistence and fraternity among Muslims and Christians.

BRUSSELS – Imam Yahya Pallavicini gave a speech on behalf of the European Muslim Leaders during the meeting with the Council of Europe President Van Rompuy and with the European Jewish Leaders where he urged everyone to further work on interfaith harmony activities.

Jordan Times Following is the full text of the Declaration on Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue signed by the European leaders in the presence of His Majesty King Abdullah:

AMMAN (JT) –– His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday stressed the need to activate interfaith dialogue to build bridges of tolerance and understanding between cultures, a Royal Court statement said.

Jordan Times AMMAN (JT) – His Majesty King Abdullah met on Wednesday with King Albert II of Belgium and discussed ways to increase Jordan’s cooperation with Belgium and the EU. Discussions also focused on the latest regional developments, mainly the Middle East peace efforts.

Interfaith Society Judy Lee Trautman writes: I recently received an email from HRH Prince Ghazi of Jordan, the personal envoy of HM King Abdullah II, that imparted wonderful news of a resolution of the United Nations to designate the first week of February every year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week. Hopefully NAIN member organizations will want to support this wonderful week. Indeed, we ought to celebrate the spirit of this week every day. Here is the text of the email:

Committee of Religious NGOs: World Interfaith Harmony Week World Interfaith Harmony Week, February 1-7 Love of God & Love of the Neighbour or Love of the Good & Love of the Neighbour World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on UN General Assembly Resolution A/65/PV.34 for a worldwide week of interfaith harmony.

UN Alliance of Civilizations The UN Alliance of Civilizations High Representative, President Jorge Sampaio, has welcomed the establishment of the World Interfaith Harmony Week from 1 to 7 February, 2011.

Interfaith Foundation Rev. Peter Dewey writes: The United Nations has declared the first week in February each year to be the World Interfaith Harmony Week . I have only just heard about it from our friends in the USA connected with One Spirit and the Mystic heart Community. They are arranging  in the US to convene some form of get-to-gether at a social level in various towns and have selected the 3rd of February as the special day for the joint activity. We have been asked if we could also lead an interfaith activity on that day too. They are going for Interfaith Harmony Breakfasts where people of all faithe are invited to come. It would be good if we could also be inspired to do a similar project although it might be more practical from our point of view to run an Interfaith Coffee Morning with beverage, biscuit, cake and fruit. Some might even go for a party in Starbucks! A universal Service is an additional posssibility. I feel …

European Union @ The UN Mr. Chairman, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union on the resolution A/65/L. 5 entitled “Interfaith Harmony Week” that was just adopted. The European Union would like to extend its thanks to the delegation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for the constructive spirit in which it has led the consultation process on this resolution, as well as for its readiness to incorporate in the resolution a number of suggestions put forward by the EU.

Initiative for a UN Decade of Interreligious Cooperation for Peace

International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Education The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously established, the first week in February, as the World Interfaith Harmony Week. The resolution was first proposed by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan on September 23rd 2010 – Prince Ghazi later introduced it and explained it to the U.N. assembly. The operative text of the Resolution says, remarkably:

http://www.taghribnews.ir/ United Nations created World Interfaith Harmony Week to be held each year in the first week of February. The United Nations Annual World Interfaith Harmony Week goes a long way towards ending religious war, violence and crime.It means that people will be able to live in safety and peace and have food to eat. There is a saying, “It is time to stop worrying and do something about it.” World Interfaith Harmony Week is the idea of Jordan’s King Abdullah and Jordan’s Prince Ghazi.

Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation by Edd K. Usman MANILA, Philippines – On the initiative of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Nations General Assembly has unanimously proclaimed the holding of the “World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs” to be observed yearly on the first week of February starting in 2011. In support of the effort to achieve world peace, the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) headed by Amina Rasul, has joined the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in hailing the UN General Assembly resolution establishing the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW).

www.illumemag.com : Vanessa Gomez Brake In October, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution deeming the first week of February each year to be ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week.’ The initiative was proposed by King Abdullah of Jordan and co-sponsored by 29 other countries. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad delivered the King’s proposal in September, encouraging all states to “spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship…to each according to their own religious traditions or convictions.” Citing Gallup Poll findings in a recent international survey on religion, Prince Ghazi spoke of how 53% of Westerners have “unfavorable” or “very unfavorable” opinions of Muslims. Additionally, he told of how 30% of Muslims worldwide hold negative views of Christians. The General Assembly agreed that there is an urgent need for engagement among “different faiths and religions in enhancing mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people.” The proposal specifically highlighted Muslims, Christians and …

en.bdtodaynews.com Ref: Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu hailed the passing of the UN General Assembly Resolution proclaiming the first week of February each year as the World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Herald Malaysia Online

www.uri.org The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on October 20, 2010 creating “World Faith Harmony Week” to be held on the first February of every year. The resolution was introduced by Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad, the Personal Envoy and Special Advisor to the King of Jordan, and coordinator of A Common Word, a group of Muslim scholars dedicated to promoting dialogue and understanding between Muslims and Christians.

Reuters: Tom Heneghan The United Nations General Assembly passes a stack of resolutions every year and many of them go all but unnoticed. One such document just approved in New York established a new World Interfaith Harmony Week. High-minded resolutions put most news junkies to sleep, so it’s probably no surprise this one got such scant media coverage (see here and here). But there’s more to this one than meets the glazed-over eye.

AMMAN- The United Nations General Assembly adopted on Wednesday an initiative launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II to hold “World Interfaith Harmony Week” on the first week of February of every year.

www.opposingviews.com : Karen Fish Bravo! Yesterday October 20, 2010, 10/20/10 the United Nations created World Interfaith Harmony Week to be held each year in the first week of February. If your lawn has weeds and you mow your lawn, the weeds will always come back. Unless you get down on your knees with your $2 weeder and pull out the roots of the weeds, the weeds will always return. Yesterday the United Nations took a huge step towards everlasting world peace.

Kuwait News Agency UNITED NATIONS, Oct 21 (KUNA) — The UN General Assembly late Wednesday adopted a consensus resolution, proposed by Jordan, proclaiming the first week of February of every year “World Interfaith Harmony Week” among all faiths and beliefs.

UN Radio: Dianne Penn The King of Jordan is proposing annual observance of a World Interfaith Harmony Week to promote tolerance among different faiths. Dianne Penn reports.

The Jordan Times NEW YORK (Petra) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh on Friday stressed the importance of the draft resolution proposed to the UN General Assembly by His Majesty King Abdullah to set up an annual World Interfaith Harmony Week.