A panel event will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, 6 February 2012 by the Permanent Observer Mission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the United Nations. The event will be open to all Permanent and Observer Missions to the United Nations as well as Civil Society Organizations. A similar panel event was organized last year by the Permanent Observer Mission of the OIC, and this year's event will build upon last year's event to highlight the importance of faith and interfaith-based peacemaking and reconciliation efforts around the world. The World Conference for Religions of Peace, the Tanenbaum Center, International Center for Religions and Diplomacy, and the Center on World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution (CRDC) at George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution are among the supporters of this event.
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INTERFAITH AMIGOS IN THE BAY AREA. The Interfaith Amigos — Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon and Imam Jamal Rahman—started working together after 9/11 - Since then, they have brought their unique blend of spiritual wisdom and humor from Seattle to audiences in the US, Canada, Israel-Palestine and Japan. Their first book, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith (Skylight Paths, 2009), brought the Interfaith Amigos international attention with coverage from the New York Times, CBS News, the BBC and various NPR programs. They have recently published a new book, Religion Gone Astray: What We Found at the Heart of Interfaith (Skylight Paths, 2011). Known for their unique blend of spiritual wisdom and humor, Imam Jamal Rahman, Pastor Don Mackenzie and Rabbi Ted Falcon openly address the usual taboos of interfaith dialogue — the “awkward” parts of each tradition — in order to create a more authentic conversation. They will be teaching a workshop Sunday, 5 Feb at 11:00 am co-sponsored by Temple Isaiah and San Ramon Valley Islamic Center at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, CA.

As a part of World Interfaith Harmony Week, PRISM (Programs Religious Interfaith and Spirituality Matters) the umbrella organization for the religious groups at the University of Pennsylvania, hopes to host an interfaith discussion that is open to the general public. The purpose of the event is to promote dialogue between interested parties and encourage others to learn more about interfaith. Donuts and bagels will be served. It will be held at the Women's Center (near the compass).

The Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship is holding weekly Sunday 10 a.m. interfaith services at 635 California Ave., Venice, CA. Take Lincoln Blvd. to California Ave. which is north of Venice Blvd. Turn toward the ocean and park on the street. Go thru the gate on the left of the home into the garden. It is a wonderful setting for the event, and it honors all faiths.

Universal Peace Federation in Novosibirsk is pleased to invite you to a roundtable on "Interfaith Cooperation as a tool for building a culture of peace in Russia. The need for new view of value 'on the World week of interreligious harmony, proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations at the beginning of February each year. We invited ambassadors for peace, members of social organizations, religious organizations, cultural, science, education, media representatives and all interested people who love harmony. The program includes: 1. presentations of successful inter-religious cooperation 2. presentation of the concept of the Interreligious Council of the United Nations proposed the Universal Peace Federation in 2000. 3. discussion 4. Tea Party Theme of your presentation send mail [email protected] Modern era characterized by profound shock and serious loss. Do not stop the wars and conflicts, the world is full with countless manifestations of evil, such as terrorism, destruction, arson, kidnapping, murder, drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual depravity, family breakdown, injustice, corruption, oppression, conspiracy and slander. There is no mutual trust between people, falls the authority of parents, teachers, governments, diminished personal worth, forgotten traditions and lost respect for life. What is the cause of these shocks and losses? It lies in breaking down traditional notions of value. What caused the destruction of the traditional concepts of values? One reason is the clash of religions and philosophies, which in itself accelerates the destruction of values. Existing values ??back to the various religions and philosophies. Consequently, if differences of opinion in religion and philosophy people inevitably begin to consider these values ??as a purely relative term. Also in the eyes of modern man, who tend to judge the world by the standards of science and traditional religious virtues have lost the power of persuasion. The teachings of traditional religions, which are either contrary to science, or have no relationship to it become unacceptable to modern man, inclined to rely on science. Watching the process of destruction of traditional values, we come to the conclusion that the emergence of a new view of value. This new view of values, above all, must be able to cover all the basic doctrines of religions and philosophies. It should also be able to overcome materialism and atheism. Moreover, it should not only cover the science, but also to direct its development. We hope you will join us in February. Ready to answer your questions by phone +7913-704-04-10. We look forward to your positive response.

Universal Peace Federation Tel: 020 7262 0985 Email: [email protected] Web: www.upf.org.uk 5:30 pm 6th February, 2012 Committee Room One, House of Lords Chaired by Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, President of World Congress of Faiths Marina Cantacuzio, Founder of Forgiveness Project Jack Lynes, Chair of Harrow Bereavement Care, Leading member of the Jewish community for Interfaith Shaykh Dr Hazim Fazlic, Bosnian Imam now in Birmingham Ruth Barnett, Holocaust & Genocide Educator Kindertransport child) 'Praise the Lord, all people' says the Psalmist and calls for praise from trumpet, lute and harp. 'Interfaith Harmony Week' suggests a picture of different faith traditions joining together in harmony, like the many instruments of an orchestra, in praise of the Holy One. Sadly, too often religious differences have caused disharmony and, worse, they have contributed to much suffering, to genocidal brutality and to the Holocaust. Apology, Forgiveness and Reconciliation between faith communities is, therefore, an essential step towards Interfaith Harmony. At this meeting, we shall hear how much has been achieved in recent years - for example in the new relationship between Jews and Christians. We shall also consider how much still needs to be done. If faith communities are learning to overcome past hostility, they have a vital contribution to make to healing the wounds of conflict and enabling former enemies to live together. At this meeting we shall also hear how in some places religions, acting together, are contributing to peace and reconciliation. We shall also consider the lessons to be learned and how these can be applied in other troubled areas. RSVP to confirm your place. Yours sincerely, Robin Marsh Secretary General 07956 210 768 Margaret Ali Director 07723024750

Meeting of Interfaith Initiative Centre County – Email [email protected] for details. WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND LOOKS VERY GOOD! (Though it’s always good to have eventualities covered, and in case of surprise blizzard that day, an email will be sent out and meeting postponed till the next evening, same location!) Conversations at meeting: Report and discussion on ideas for an interfaith panel on Healing, Forgiveness, Justice, Grace; discussion of organizational goals/objectives for Interfaith Initiative; and more. Newcomers welcome! Come join us!

Tibetan Monks to create an Interfaith World Peace Sacred Sand Mandala at Christ Church Cathedral From Tuesday, Jan 31st through Saturday, February 4th Interfaith Paths to Peace and Christ Church Cathedral will host the visiting Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery as they create a Sacred Sand Mandala, along with offering items handmade by Tibetan refugees available for purchase. Sponsors include Christ Church Cathedral Interfaith Paths to Peace The Thomas Merton Institute for Contemplative Living Dr. Muhammad Babar Compassionate Louisville St. William Catholic Church and The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University Interfaith Paths to Peace will be hosting visiting Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery as they create an Interfaith World Peace Sand Mandala at the Christ Church Cathedral, in Bishops Hall, located at 425 S. 2nd Street. This free event is open to the public from Noon to 4:30pm on Tuesday, and from 9:00am to 4:30pm Wednesday through Friday. The five-day long event will begin Tuesday, January 31st, commemorating the birthday of Thomas Merton, who opened the doors to East-West spiritual dialogue, with an Opening Ceremony from 12 Noon to 1:00 PM. The Closing Dissolution Ceremony will be on Saturday, February 4th from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. The Monks will also be offering various crafts and gifts - many that are fair trade items made by the monks and the Tibetan refugees they support - for sale throughout the event. The "Mandala" - which means "world in harmony" - is Tibetan sand painting, an ancient Tibetan art form for which the Monks of Drepung Gomang are renowned. This Interfaith World Peace Mandala invokes dialogue and the work of nonviolent peacemaking and compassion - thereby promoting the well-being of all sentient beings. The creation of the sand mandala begins with an Opening Ceremony where tour leader, Geshe Nawang Tsondu, and the monks chant powerful prayers for peace, compassion and healing, accompanied by the music of cymbals, drums and flutes. After the design for the mandala is laid out, the time consuming and delicate process of placing millions of colored sand grains onto the intricate design begins - a process at which the monks will work 8 hours a day for 4 days. At the Closing Ceremony, which includes prayers and chanting, the mandala will be deconstructed - symbolizing the impermanence of all things - and visitors will be able to take home some of the blessed sand. After the Closing, the remaining sand will be ceremonially dispersed into the Ohio River to spread the prayers for world peace and the compassionate energies of the mandala throughout the world. Throughout the week visitors will also be able to purchase unique items the monks will be offering for sale - including jewelry, shawls, gemstone beads, ritual items, and other objects c many created by the displaced Tibetans and by monks from the Monastery. "We are happy to welcome the monks back to Louisville," says Terry Taylor, the Director of Interfaith Paths to Peace. "This is not only a way to help the monks in preserving their traditions and way of life, but an opportunity for the people of Louisville to get a first-hand taste of the threatened Tibetan culture." This new group of Drepung Gomang Monks are on tour throughout the United States to share the compassion and wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism, to demonstrate the artistic accomplishments and culture of the Tibetan people, and to generate funds to feed and educate the 2000 monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery in India. For more information about the Drepung Gomang Monastery, the tour and their mission, please visit www.gomang.org. For more information about our local Tibetan dharma center please visit www.drepunggomang.com or the center at 411 N. Hubbards Lane.

Daniel Pearl Yahrtzeit Harmony for Humanity Concert In recognition of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of his death with Yahrtzeit candle and Yizkor Prayer On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 7:00 to 8:30 PM In the Sanctuary At The Santa Monica Synagogue 1448 18th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 Speakers to include: Ross Altman Reading from At Home In the World by Daniel Pearl Dr. Stephen Sideroff of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Ethics a cooperation circle of the United Religions Initiative who will offer a commemorative reading composed by Judea and Ruth Pearl in honor of Daniel Guest Artists: Jill Fenimore on Fingerstyle Guitar w/ Harmonica by RA Jeff Gold Singer/Songwriter Larry Hanks and Deborah Robins Singers of Old American Songs Carol McArthur on Keyboards and Guitar Mike Perlowin on Pedal Steel Guitar Phee Sherline on Hammer Dulcimer Canyon Ellen Singer/Songwriter April Wayland on Violin Paul Zollo Singer/Songwriter Daniel Pearl was a Wall Street Journal reporter on assignment in Pakistan in early 2002; he came to tell the clear-eyed story of those who lived in that region of the world; he was kidnapped by militants and killed on February 1, 2002. His legacy has reached across cultural divides and built bridges of understanding and compassion through music, lecture series and guest scholarships reaching out to those most in need of his spirit of tolerance and what he has come to represent: Harmony for Humanity. The Daniel Pearl Foundation sponsors World Music Days every October, his birth month (October 10, 1963), to foster a respect for people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. On this, the 10th anniversary of his death, we take time to pause and reflect, to light a candle in his memory, and say a prayer that such an act may never happen again. We sing and make music in the hope that his uncommon spirit and singular courage may continue to light the world. The World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on United Nations General Assembly Resolution for a worldwide week of interfaith harmony. It was proposed in 2010 by HM King Abdullah II and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan. The World Interfaith Harmony Week falls on the first week of February of every year and aims to encourage programs to promote interfaith and intercultural understanding between all people regardless of their faith. The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Ethics is committed to the promotion of a culture of peace and its foundational values of equality, justice, love, compassion, and mutual respect. Its humanitarian programs are aimed at the resolution of conflicts, the elimination of prejudice, and the broadening of perspectives. It encourages the study of faith-based sacred texts and heritages as part of the interfaith dynamic that is at the core of this endeavor. It also emphasizes the personal nature of this process by recognizing that what is created in the outside world is a reflecton of one's inner world. Free and Open to the Public--No Reservations required An Altman/Fenimore Concert Production All Rights Reservered

120 Egyptian people will retreat in Ain El Sokhna to pray for peace that springs for the individual hearts and spread world wide. Workshops will be conducted. The retreat starts on February 10 till Feb 13