Get Involved…Faith/Spiritual Groups

“The time has come for religious leaders to cooperate more effectively in the work of healing wounds, resolving conflicts and pursuing peace. We must be peacemakers, and our communities must be schools of respect and dialogue with those of other ethnic or religious groups, places where we learn to overcome tensions, foster just and peaceful relations between peoples and social groups, and build a better future.”

– Pope Francis

 Religious communities are the largest civil institutions in the world, claiming the allegiance of billions, spanning race, class and national divides. A peaceful world is only possible with the collaboration of the world’s religious communities.

We hope that religious and spiritual communities of all beliefs see the Art of Peace as a powerful opportunity to pray or meditate on peace, to build fellowship and greater interfaith respect, and to put faith into action in service to the local and/or global community. Your place of worship, or you as an individual, are welcome to join in this expression of solidarity by participating in the Art of Peace in whatever way is most appropriate to your tradition.

We urge you to ask your place of worship to consider making PEACE the center of their services/practices between September 21 (the International Day of Peace) and October 2 (the International Day of Nonviolence). 

“I appreciate any organization or individual people who sincerely make an effort to promote harmony between humanity, and particularly harmony between the various religions. I consider it very sacred work and very important work.” 
– The Dalai Lama

 List information about the Peace Festival in your congregation’s program and in communications, newsletters, social media, etc. You can promote peace by spreading the word about the Art of Peace;

  • Consider using the all-inclusive adaptation of prayer of St. Francis – found on this website – at any gathering you may have during the Art of Peace;

  • Collaborate with other spiritual/faith groups to create an interfaith dialogue program during the Art of Peace;

  • Put together a booklet of peace prayers and share these with the congregation;

  • Organize an Interfaith Prayer Picnic with other faith groups;

  • Organize a peace vigil;

  • Plan an Interfaith Walk and Rally for Peace;

  • Devote extra time to community service, either individually or with other members of your faith community;

  • Organize a book and prayer group with books about peace and non-violence;

  • If your faith group has a choir, consider learning and performing songs about peace;

  • Plan a “Moral Action on Climate” rally. Bring attention to Pope Francis’s call for climate justice through faithful action. It is easy to forget, but advocating for climate change is a way of bringing about peace;

  • What better way to talk about peace than in an event that brings people together? Consider having a “Feast for Peace” during the Peace Festival. Having a meal together encourages group participation and good conversation;

  • Consider “planting” a Peace Pole.  These poles have the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in various languages written on them and are recognized as an international monument to peace. Planting a Peace Pole as a congregation or community is a physical testament to your dedication to peace building.

We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.”
– Kofi Annan