NEWS

WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK

From THE SECRETARY-GENERAL, United Nations

MESSAGE ON THE OBSERVANCE OF WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK

New York, 1-7 February 2011
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. These partners play an indispensable role in supporting United Nations efforts for peace.
In proclaiming this observance, the United Nations General Assembly encourages all States to use the first week of February to spread "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".
Respect for diversity and peaceful dialogue are essential if the human family is to cooperate globally to face shared threats and seize common opportunities. 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, from the Alliance of Civilizations to our wide-ranging work to protect human rights, promote social cohesion and build a culture of peace.
The Week will be marked by a broad spectrum of activities around the world. In New York, the observance will include interfaith breakfasts, film screenings and talks featuring the active participation of civil society, UN entities and other intergovernmental organizations.
I look forward to continuing to work with people of all faiths to rise above the tensions and misconceptions that so often divide us, and find the path of harmony and dignity for all.


The World Congress of Faiths is encouraging all its members to hold some event and report back with stories that can be posted here.
We know that many of our members always contribute massively to the UK Interfaith week in the autumn, but this is such a good idea shared by many different nations, your executive feel it would be a real shame to let it pass us by.
So, can you see if you could invite a friend or two of a different faith tradition than your own to either breakfast, lunch or dinner during that first week of February and perhaps share something from your different faiths over the meal and maybe even tell them something of the work we in the World Congress do and persuade them to join us!
Please do write and tell us about the meal, and perhaps send us a photo for our web-page.
I have registered our interest and support for this week with the World Interfaith Harmony organisation and I look forward to hearing about your shared meals

Jackie Tabick

 

 

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