Towards Universal Peace: the role of the Individual, World Interfaith Harmony Week

MiLTON, a celebration in honour of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, was held on Sunday, 5 February 2023 at Brisbane Bahá’í Centre of Learning. This year’s theme was Towards Universal Peace: the role of the Individual. The following passage from the Holy Writings of the Bahá’í Faith inspired this:

‘…religion should be the cause of love and agreement, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a message of peace and goodwill to man from God.’ – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The event began with a welcome to the country and introductory remarks by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr Shayan Saberi. Ms Jonty Bush MP delivered the welcome address, followed by a spectacular musical performance by the ever-talented Golbarani Family. Next, the following Faith representatives read messages from their respective faiths; ChristianReverent David Baker, HinduSwami Atmeshananda, Muslim- Habib Jamal, Jewish- Mrs Gail Paratz, Bahai- Ms Shabnam Muhajer, Pagan- Mrs Linda Ward, Sikh Amandeep Gill. The concluding remarks were by Mr Michael Berkman MP. The event concluded with refreshments and networking.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted World Interfaith Harmony Week on 20 October 2010. It takes place the first week of

‘…r E ligion s H ould b E t HE caus E of lov E and agr EE m E nt, a bond to unify all mankind for it is a m E ssag E of PE ac E and goodwill to man from g od.’ –‘a bdu’l- b a H á

February every year. The resolution ‘reaffirms that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace’. It further ‘encourages all States to support the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill.’We hope that everyone can work towards universal peace: the role of the individual – you be the change in 2023.