This age of globalization needs more kind, peace workers and enlightened people in each faith who can examine their sacred writings and traditions and identify the aspects that can benefit all humanity as well as those that preserve each religion’s identity. The UN designated the first week of February every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week. We call on people of all faith to honor the universal peace in a way that encourages understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of all faiths for the well-being of our communities and peace in the world.

Activities of the Programs

Invite representatives of different faiths to offer prayers (See sample readings from various faiths.

Organize a ceremony with representatives of different faiths. Invite performers from various traditions to offer music or dances.

Host a Forum

Study sacred texts (choose a theme from World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts).

Show and discuss a video (sample documentaries about interreligious understanding and reconciliation).

Work together to meet a community need.

• Invite representatives of different faiths to offer prayers (See sample readings from various faiths.
• Organize a ceremony with representatives of different faiths.
• Invite performers from various traditions to offer music or dances.
• Host a forum.
• Study sacred texts (choose a theme from World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts).
• Show and discuss a video (sample documentaries about interreligious understanding and reconciliation).
• Work together to meet a community need (see examples of Religious Youth Service projects).

Resources

• The UN Web page on the World Interfaith Harmony Week
• The backgrounder about World Interfaith Harmony Week
• Statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.