This first week of February is World Interfaith Harmony Week, a resolution unanimously adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2010.
World Interfaith Harmony Week focuses on promoting peaceful and harmonious relationships between people of different religions, faiths and belief systems. We are called in a special way this week to be inclusive and to help build a society where all belong, regardless of their race, colour or creed.
Behind this call to awareness is the understanding that all the major religions of the world can agree on; the love of God and the love of neighbour. 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 goodwill. It includes those of other faiths, and those with no faith. And for this week at least there is one phrase that echoes across the world, “let us never forget that what divides us is minuscule compared to what unites us. Working together we can achieve world peace, prosperity as well as physical and spiritual well-being” (Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General).
Interfaith Prayer for Peace
O God, you are the source of life and peace.
Praised be your name forever.
We know it is you who turns our minds to thoughts of peace.
Hear our prayer in this time of crisis.
Your power changes hearts.
Muslims, Christians, and Jews remember, and profoundly affirm,
that they are followers of the one God,
Children of Abraham, brothers and sisters;
enemies begin to speak to one another;
those who were estranged join hands in friendship;
nations seek the way of peace together.
Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these
truths by the way we live.
Give to us:
Understanding that puts an end to strife;
Mercy that quenches hatred, and
Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance.
Empower all people to live in your law of love
Amen
– Unknown author
