World Religion for Peace

See unitingforpeace.com/leaflets%20and%20flyers/2017/25-november-world-religions-for-peace.pdf for more information.

The relationship between world religions and world peace has become urgently topical. Contrary to secular expectations, recent decades have seen worldwide resurgence of faith - from Africa and Latin America to China and Russia. Western Europe is sole exception.

The role of religion within societies and globally is now very significant. Can it be a major force for human well-being, cooperation and compassion - above all, for peace. All the major faiths proclaim in their various ways the ideal of harmony - with all humanity, with nature, with the Divine. At their best they seek to advance this by inspiration and action.

Sadly, the great potential of religion to create community harmony and world peace is today weakened by negative forces. Misuse of faith for violent political ends, rising intolerance, sectarian conflict, extremism, terrorism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and persecution of Christians and minorities, are endemic. Yet the inter-faith movement was never stronger.

Can religious leaders and believers, with inter-faith cooperation, show the way for respectful co-existence, heal the wounds of mistrust, overcome divisions with the dynamic of reconciliation, and help create world peace?

Distinguished speakers representing a range of faiths will analyse these critical issues, propose answers to the misuse of faith, and advocate ways forward for the positive role of religions in building a more peaceful and sustainable world.

This conference is open to those of all faiths and none.

Speakers:
Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, President, World Congress of Faiths
Imam Monawar Hussain, Founder, The Oxford Foundation
Roy Sutherwood, Director, Jamyang Buddhist Centre
Mark Owen, Director, Winchester Centre of Religion, Reconciliation and Peace
Jacqui Daukes, Partnership Manager, Initiatives of Change
Anna Lubelska, Founder and Coordinator, The Peaceful Schools Movement
Vijay Mehta, Author, Peace Beyond Borders, Chair, Uniting for Peace