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Interfaith Cooperation during Peace Tour in Norway
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Oslo, Norway - The Global Peace Tour in Norway combined four elements in an ambitious outreach to the opinion leaders in Oslo and across the nation.
The first part was the leadership seminar in the Parliament, organized in cooperation with the adviser on foreign affairs of the Progress Party. The invited speakers included the deputy leader of the Peace Research Institute, Oslo, and President Yong Cheol Song, Chair of UPF in Europe.
The contents of the International Leadership Conference and the subsequent debate were very well received by the group of 30 selected leaders. One stood up and praised the UPF for re-introducing God into the peace process and into the public arena, from where He is normally excluded, despite Norway’s deep religious traditions.
The second part was a meeting between President Song and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Carl I. Hagen. The third element was a dinner followed by an evening interreligious peace event, held in partnership with the Dialogue for Peace foundation. Religious leaders from the major faiths stood side by side on stage to open the evening by giving their prayers and blessings.
President Song delivered the keynote address, and the vision of “One Family under God” was very well received. Afterwards, many of the 200 in attendance reported that the vision of peace came alive, and six new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed.
For the keynote address and more information about the peace tour, click here.
Photos by Ole Toresen