World Interfaith Harmony is only the beginning

"Faith is often criticized as an instigator of conflict.  However, Global Peace Foundation and many organizations that promote interfaith cooperation, believe in the moral imperative of faith leaders to be catalysts for peace and social cohesion." (quoted from GPF article "Every Week is Good for Interfaith"  

I could not agree more with the assertion being made by the Global Peace Foundation in this quote. In spite of the negative stigma of religion in mainstream media as the cause of conflict, in our personal experiences most people recognize that faith is what brings us together, that bonds our families, that is the moral glue of our communities.

Interfaith forum at the Global Peace Convention 2013 in Malaysia

In truth, it is a shame that as people of faith we have allowed the politicization of our core beliefs in some radical circles to justify horrendous violence and hatred. That is why during this 'World Interfaith Harmony Week', it is a fitting time to come together as faith leaders and re-affirm the common core ethical principles and shared values that we all profess to be the true nature of faith as a vehicle for peace.

That is why I was so happy to read about the work of GPF in Nigeria with interfaith retreats that remind faith and youth leaders of our most essential identity as 'One Family Under God', which is the basis to overcome prejudice and misunderstandings between disparate groups. Let's continue this type of positive efforts that faith leaders are best at as the most genuine and accurate expression of faith. In truth, "World Interfaith Harmony" is only the beginning. It is having people of faith work together to create a peaceful world that should be our greater aspiration.