Seoul, Korea—In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) and the Korean Religions Association co-hosted a cultural festival on May 24 at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul, Korea.
More than 1,000 people of different faiths participated in the 2019 Religious Peace Cultural Festival.
The president of the Korea Religions Association, Mr. Hyeon-Yeong Lee gave remarks in which he said: “Culture has the power to unite everyone as one. Moreover, it has the power to express our sentiments and heal the heart. This cultural festival provides an opportunity for us religious believers to come together as one and enjoy a day of happiness with our families and friends.”
In her speech, UPF-Korea president, Mrs. Yeon-Ah Moon, said: “the IAPD [can] become [a] central [initiative] that supports the peace movement.”
The president of the Kwanum Order of Korean Buddhism, Mr. Hongpa Sunim, delivered congratulatory remarks, in which he said: “A cultural event…that demonstrates the importance of the role of religion and religious believers in this age and promotes religious harmony will serve as a significant stepping stone to creating a unified Korea.” Afterwards, a congratulatory poem was recited by Jong-Woo Go, the Buddhist ritual Yeongsanjae was carried out by the Taego Order, and “Patriot Yu Gwan-sun” was performed by the HyoJeong Cultural Arts Troupe composed of multicultural students from Sun Moon University.
The program concluded with members of the Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea presenting medals of peace to leaders from the religious realm who have worked hard for religious peace.
The Religious Peace Cultural Festival will be expanded and developed into an annual event of religious harmony.