On the 16th of February 2023, the Southern Africa Branch of HWPL (Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light) hosted a scripture dialogue (World Alliance of Religions Peace (WARP) Office) with religious leaders from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique. The event was held with the intention to celebrate and raise awareness of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week. It was supported by 58 participants, 28 of which were religious leaders representing Islam, Christianity, Bramah Kumaris, Hindu and Buddhism. Amongst the participants were Moulana Shafiek, Head Imam of Westridge Mosque in South Africa, Belinda Westcott, Brahma Kumaris, National Coordinator, Sheikh Ishmail Asima, President of Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, Reji Maistry, Co-ordinator of World Hindu Foundation. All participants were invited to speak on the World Interfaith Harmony Week theme, ' Harmony in a World in Crises: Working together to achieve Peace, Gender Equality, Mental Health and Well-being, and Environmental. The participants were divided into various break-out rooms and had to consider what their holy scriptures say concerning the topics included in the theme i.e Peace, Gender Equality, Mental Health and well-being and Environmental Preservation. After the discussions in the breakout rooms concluded, participants presented the outcome of their discussions in the main room where religious leaders were given an opportunity to engage more on the topics presented. Most participants showed a lot of interest in the topic of “Gender Equality”. They shared that we need to have more female religious leaders in the media as a way to raise awareness. One of the participants asked ‘’Since all religions beautifully state that we are all equal in God’s eyes then how can religious leaders practically make sure that we live according to this?” The leader used the example of the Taliban where women are being prohibited to go to school. Rev Mauricio from Mozambique emphasized that we should not just speak about peace and equality, but should be more practical and used the example of Jesus Christ who cared about people showed this by feeding the hungry and healing the sick. Participants also shared practical ways to implement what was discussed in the meeting such as attending each other’s religious festivals and events to share the culture of peace, planting earth worms for environmental preservation, starting conversations with a smile to show consideration for the other person’s soul. Some comments from the participants: Moulana Shafiek Nolan/Westridge Mosque/Head Imam: “Thank you everybody for sharing, super pleased that I was a part of this lovely platform.” -              Mrs Rubina Ghoor/Ansari Qadiri Rafai Tariqa/Member: “Media loves to spread disunity. Where in the media are we featured today? This is the reality of the world. We as leaders are doing the best we can with the capacity we have. Change one person and the world changes. That person is each one of us. So, I am very hopeful. I am so glad that we can learn the truth in this platform. Thank you HWPL” -              Yashika Singh/SABC Religion/Acting Head “Congratulations HWPL for the great work and effort in bringing religious leaders together to discuss issues that affect our society today.”

---