Watch “Levels of Dialogue: Religious Experience in an Interfaith Context”

In this session, recorded on 13 November 2023 during Inter Faith Week, the British Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom, in collaboration with the World Congress of Faiths, embarked on a deep exploration of interreligious dialogue’s dynamic tension between the unique characteristics of different faiths and their universal connections.

The event, held via Zoom, provided a platform for participants to engage with the complex interactions between various religious origins, developmental paths, belief systems, and spiritual practices, highlighting the potential for a familial resemblance among diverse faith traditions.

Featuring a keynote by the Reverend Canon Dr. Alan Race, Chair of the World Congress of Faiths and editor of Interreligious Insight, this recording offers invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by interfaith dialogue.

Dr. Race, a retired Anglican priest-theologian with an extensive background in the theology of religions and interreligious dialogue, shares perspectives from his latest book, My Journey as a Religious Pluralist (Wipf and Stock, 2021), enriching our understanding of how religious experiences and dialogues intersect with the broader quest for mutual understanding and respect among faiths.

Join us in this recorded session to explore the intricate landscape of interfaith dialogue, where the particularities of each religion meet the universal quest for spiritual connection and understanding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzH6Yo58Gxg

BV Foundation Commemorates International Day of Peace 2023

Summary
The BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony, a member group of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), hosted a special event in honor of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2023. The event was conducted at SVVP Degree College in MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, under the chairmanship of Prof. Prakasa Rao.

Lighting the Lamp of Peace
The day began with the time-honored tradition of lighting a lamp to signify the commencement of the celebrations. Dr. K. Jagadeshwara Rao, the Principal of SVVP Degree College, served as the chief guest for the occasion. A multi-faith prayer session was conducted to unite all attendees in a solemn commitment to peace.

Advocating for Global Harmony
The focal point of the event was a series of speeches highlighting the critical need for fostering global peace. Prof. Prakasa Rao took the audience on a historical journey, elaborating that the International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 1981. The goal behind this designation is to promote nonviolence, peace, and ceasefire among nations and individuals worldwide.

This Year’s Theme: End Racism and Build Peace
The current year’s theme resonated strongly with the audience, emphasizing the necessity to “End Racism and Build Peace.” Prof. Rao stressed that maintaining social harmony is of utmost importance, especially in an era where antisocial elements are disturbing the peace through violent activities.

Allocating Resources for Peace Over War
The speakers also discussed how nations often allocate extensive budgets for defense at the expense of vital sectors such as healthcare, food security, social welfare, and education. They argued for a reevaluation of priorities, emphasizing the significance of peace for societal wellbeing.

A Standing Ovation for UNO’s Efforts
Dr. K. Jagadeshwara Rao applauded the relentless efforts made by the United Nations to uphold peace despite numerous challenges. He suggested that educational institutions have a pivotal role to play in sensitizing the youth about methods to maintain global peace.

Taking the Peace Pledge
The event concluded with all attendees taking a pledge for peace, thereby symbolizing a collective commitment to promoting harmony across communities, nations, and religions.

For more information on upcoming events and how you can participate, please contact the BV Foundation at [email protected].in.

Visakhapatnam Commemorates Hiroshima and Nagasaki

by Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, IC Member, IARF and Chairman, BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony Member Group

VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA – From August 6th to 9th, 2023, the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) in collaboration with the BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony conducted a series of commemorative meetings at various schools and colleges across Visakhapatnam. These meetings marked the somber anniversaries of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bomb explosions, aiming to educate and inculcate a quality mindset among the public, with special emphasis on the student community.

Under the guidance and coordination of Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, IC Member and chairman of the Foundation for Peace and Harmony, these annual meetings have been successfully held to shed light on the tragedies of August 1945. This year, it commemorated the 78th anniversary of the devastating nuclear attacks which took the lives of at least 129,000 innocent individuals, marking a dark day in global history. This stands as the sole instance of nuclear weapons being employed in warfare.

Speakers at the commemorative meetings highlighted the peaceful applications of atomic energy. Through comprehensive PowerPoint presentations, the importance of nuclear power, application of non-conventional energy resources, and the necessary safety measures were emphasized. Attendees were informed about the potential benefits of nuclear energy in societal development, such as cost-effective methods to desalinate seawater, medical uses like MRI scans and radiotherapy, among other treatments. However, they also emphasized the essential need for proper nuclear waste management to prevent the severe hazards posed by radiation and toxins.

A strong message resonated across all sessions: while nuclear energy has the potential to propel societal advancements, the devastation caused by nuclear bombs and the consequential radiation cannot be ignored. To reinforce this message and promote peace, a PEACE pledge was undertaken by students at every meeting.

Complementing the series of meetings was a powerful photo exhibition, which offered attendees a visual journey through the tragic events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Documentaries depicting the historical events and their aftermath were also screened, making the significance of the incidents even more palpable.

In these trying times, initiatives like these underscore the importance of peaceful coexistence and the prudent use of powerful resources. The dedicated efforts of organizations like the IARF and BV Foundation serve as a beacon of hope for a world aspiring for peace and harmony.

by Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, IC Member, IARF and Chairman, BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony Member Group

Human Rights Day Observed by the Visakhapatnam Branch

On Saturday, December 10th 2022, the BV Foundation for Peace and Harmony and the India Chapter of the International Association for Religious Freedom Visakhapatnam Branch organized a special meeting to mark World Human Rights Day. The event was held at the SVVP VMC Degree and PG Courses seminar hall in MVP Colney, Visakhapatnam. The purpose of the meeting was to educate degree and PG students about human rights and their role in protecting them.

Prof. Narava Prakasa Rao, International Council Member of the IARF, presided over the meeting. He emphasized the need for young people to be aware of various issues and to act responsibly in safeguarding their rights. He also emphasized that today’s youth are not useless, but rather their potential is underused. If they are motivated and their potential is utilized properly, they can make significant contributions towards building a just society.

The chief guest of the event, Prof. A. Rajendra Prasad, former Vice Chancellor of Nagarjuna University, called on the students to become change agents and work towards protecting human rights. He also emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of the Human Rights Act of 1993 and for the framing of rules under the Act to make it an effective law. He pointed out that the most vulnerable sections of society, such as children and women, often have their human rights violated and therefore there is an urgent need to increase awareness of human rights among these groups.

A debate competition was also held among the students on this occasion. Other attendees at the event included Dr. K. Rajesh, Principal of the Degree college, Sambasiva Rao, Principal of the Junior college, Dr. Appa Rao, NSS Coordinator, Dr. Ganesh Babji, Mrs. Syamala, and others.

Statement by IARF Kenya Chapter concerning current events in the country

Our Kenya Chapter has released the following statement regarding the troubling events taking place in the country. We join them in prayers and hope for a peaceful conduct of elections and national reconciliation later on. You can read more about the situation in Kenya here.

Protesters in Nairobi.

1st August 2017
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) Kenya Chapter condemns in the strongest terms possible the continues killing of innocent prominent persons that are great developers for this nation. As the IARF community, we appeal to the president and the security agencies of this country to be sincere and tell Kenyans and the whole world why this is happening under their watch. These killings of innocent people or anybody else to serve the interests of some individuals should not be accepted under any circumstances. We are still mourning our lost heroes whom we laid to rest a few weeks ago, and similar events brining still more great losses continue to happen in our country. “Should we say hell has dropped from heaven to the earth called Kenya?” As an IARF community whose main agenda is to preach peace among the religions of the world, we strongly condemn the ’assassins’ who carry out such acts of cowardice. We strongly believe that this is not ‘ethicist war’, but one being waged by people who do not value human life, and who pretend to be rulers. We therefore ask religious leaders to come together and preach peace, and also to advise our community members to do the same. Let us share the sorrow of the loved ones who have been affected by these killings. We support the Kenyan people and its leaders, and commiserate with them during this time of loss, anguish and pain. We also call upon all Kenyans to exercise restraint and patience as we pray for peace for Kenya. We are also praying for security agencies who are currently investigating these killings which have taken our people hostage. We call upon all our religious leaders to ceaselessly pray for peace for Kenya, and also in other parts of the world.
Lawrence Adera Secretary,
IARF Kenya Chapter

British Chapter meeting: EME Conference and Week of Prayer for World Peace

Watch our “Conference at a glance” video

On Thursday 20 October, at Essex Unitarian Church in Kensington, London, the British Chapter and the Peace Commission of the IARF hosted a report on the August Europe and Middle East IARF Conference in Macedonia, Religion and Conflict Prevention.

Speakers were former IARF International Council member Dr. Shlomo Alon from Israel and Derek McAuley, chair of IARF Europe and Middle East. Here you can learn more about the conference.

After a tea break, participants sat in a circle and each did a reading from the 2016 Week of Prayer for World Peace, 16 -23 October.

The British Chapter Annual Meeting will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, 10 December 2016 at Essex Hall. IARF President, Wytske Dijkstra, will be present and the speaker will be John Kinahan.

(Photo courtesy of Rev Sarah Tinker)
20161020_140221700

Training of Trainers in Human Rights and Interfaith Peace

On the 24th and 25th of October the Kenya Chapter of IARF held a training event concerning human rights and interfaith peace. Here you can read the full report (PDF, 1MB).

Pakistan Chapter’s Peace Day Celebration

Briefly about IARF Pakistan:
IARF Pakistan strives to promote peace and harmony among Islam and minority religions, including many Christians, Bahai, Sikh and others. Bahai and Sikh have proper relations and coexist well with Muslims, but there are tensions between the Muslim and Christian communities. We organize peace meetings with representatives of all faiths to discuss and promote tolerance and peace.
Please direct your inqueries to Dr. Jefferson Tasleem Ghauri at iarfpakistan[at]yahoo.com. Pakistan on map

Celebrating the UN-established International Peace Day on 21 September, IARF’s Pakistan Chapter held a meeting with several speakers representing the countries diverse religious and spiritual traditions to share peace-building experiences and reflect together on how religions and denominations can contribute to creating and maintaining peaceful coexistence in a spirit of tolerance and dialogue, so much needed in that part of the world and many others.

The guests included:

Fr. Amir Shehzad Lakshman (Orthodox Church)
Rev. Victor Khayrat (Roman Catholic Church)
Rana Muhammad Awais (Islam)
Qari Mehtab Alam (Islam)
Edwin Gul (Secular)

Independence Day Event in Pakistan

On August 14 2015, Pakistan Independence Day, the Pakistan Chapter of the IARF held an all-day programme for women and children. IARF Pakistan staff members, Robson Ayub and Hanook Yasir, delivered several presentations and moderated a discussion with the participants. The topics taken up included issues of vital importance for the people of Pakistan, such as religious coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect among various faith communities and groups in society, matters of key significance to the mission of IARF. The event met with much interest and was well attended. Below you can see several photographs taken at the meeting.

Introductory Inter-Faith Meeting in Mombasa, Kenya

Date: 25th July, 2015

Host: Hamis Juma Kitenje

Presiding IARF Kenya Chapter Officials:
Rev. Lawrence Adera, Secretary;
Bishop Martin Mwambu, Treasurer

In attendance were:

Hamad S. Mwakilesho – Kikoneni in Kwale county coast Region
Tsuma E. Jembe – Chibana Kaloleni in Kilifi County coast Region
Janet N. Mwaburi – Kilifi county
Timson Maneno – Tana River county
Anderson Chai – Malindi -Mombasa Technical University
Athmani Mwanzeje Ali – Mariakani Region
Nicanori Kiriga – TaitaTaveta county
Hamis Juma Kitenje – Mombasa County (Host)

Agenda:

Prayers from religious groups
Introduction:- IARF Kenya Chapter officials, Host and Interfaith Delegates
Presentation from IARF Kenya Chapter officials
Views from the interfaith delegates
Way forward (full participation of region)

The meeting started at 11:45 AM with a word of prayer from Hamad, a Muslim, and Bishop Mwambu representing Christians, and Niconari of traditional belief. We received and accepted an apology from Sigh, Rahma, Saida (Muslim women and Bohra community representatives) and Baha’i brothers.

Rev.Lawrance, Secretary IARF Kenya chapter, introduced and gave a brief but complete history of IARF internationally and locally, its objectives and main focus. He told the representatives from all the counties of Coast region of the need to embrace IARF objectives and join hands in fulfilling IARF mandate in the region and beyond.
He noted that, Mombasa being a very volatile region and notorious for inter-religious conflicts, IARF Kenya Chapter activism in the area is an ideal venture, hence a need for firm IARF representation.

Bishop Martin Mwambu highlighted on the history of Kenya chapter formation and the force that drove us to be where we are as a chapter in Kenya. He briefed the participants on the achievements of the Kenya chapter so far and the already ongoing TOT programs. He also touched on the activities that we do, and the positive feedback.

Views / Opinion From Participants

All participants were happy and appreciated IARF presence in Kenya and in particular our visit which they described as long overdue. They desired such introductory meetings to be held across all the counties of Coast region in the shortest time possible.

Government organs and civil society should be informed and also be involved or send representation in all IARF activities. e.g Office of the County commissioners, Governors, Senators, Muslim caucus and inter-religious society leaders, civil society and other interested organizations with similar vision and objectives.

There was also a need for the involvement of youths /students of universities, colleges, and Secondary Schools because they are the most affected, easily influenced, and easy targets of agents of doom.

A youth delegate, Mr Hamad, requested for a close working relationship with IARF Kenya chapter because of the organization’s good repute. He believes IARF Kenya chapter will bring about the required change and transform youths into responsible, educated and cautious citizens on human rights issues, and earn everlasting peace..

They agreed to work hand in hand with IARF Kenya chapter to realize the much desired peace and co-existence of all humanity regardless of race, tribe, religion, or colour, and therefore to organize or participate in all human rights education and peace forums.

There was much need for women representation for such activities, as they are also potential instruments of peace and quick avenues in reaching the affected women in the region.
We noted that there was urgent need for peace sensitization meetings and training on human rights in the following areas:

Tana River
Garissa
Lamu
Likoni

(These are hot spots of inter-religious conflict)

Summary

There is an urgent need for sensitization on peace programs in the region mostly in the identified inter-religious conflict hot spots.
There is need for full government agencies’ involvement in all IARF Kenya chapter activities in the region.
Security has been very elusive due to rampant religious youth radicalization and countless warlike groupings making security a major challenge for the government.

Hence proper IARF Kenya chapter introduction and objectives should be very clear to the government, security organs and all relevant departments. A call for a closer IARF Kenya chapter and government working relationship.

Much efforts and energies should be directed towards this region of Mombasa to enhance a quicker co-existence between Muslims who are the majority and other minority religions to avoid future conflicts which can easily degenerate into fully fledged war, like what Kenya almost experienced in 1997 where over 100,000 people were displaced in Mombasa alone, who even to date have not been fully resettled.
It was in this region that a student was suspended from school for not attending Christian mass, and there is a case to that effect in court of law. Churches have been burnt down and mosques have also been attacked in retaliation. There is a lot to be done in this region.
There was evident passion in the participants and in them we saw strong, energized people who exhibited seriousness and zeal in helping IARF Kenya chapter realize its goal and objectives in our advocacy for peace and human rights education, and elimination of inter-faith disharmony. Because of that we are happy IARF officials now.
Finally we also resolved that a courtesy call to the county commissioner, Governor and senator should be done as soon as possible and IARF activities kicked off without further delay.
In the corridors of justice it is said justice delayed is justice denied and in IARF Kenya chapter corridors we say Peace, sensitization and human rights education delayed in Mombasa is peace denied in Mombasa.
The meeting, which was punctuated with applause, drinks and lunch, was very vibrant and ended on a positive note after about 4 hours 45 minutes.

The participants enjoyed a group photo at the end.

At exactly 3.00 pm afternoon the meeting was closed with a prayer from Timson Maneno from Tana River County.

This report was compiled & prepared by:

Rev. Lawrence Adera

IARK Kenya chapter Secretary

And with the approval of the treasurer as the actual and factual true representation of what transpired.