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Interfaith Harmony Week Celebrated in Switzerland
Written by UPF - Switzerland
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Bienne, Switzerland - In commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week recently proclaimed by the UN General Assembly (February 1-7), UPF-Switzerland with other partners held an interreligious gathering Bienne, near the capital, Bern. The day-long conference included a series of lectures drawn from the UPF International Leadership Program program given in an innovative style in both French and German by pairs of lecturers from the different regions of Switzerland. Swiss Ambassadors for Peace from the religious communities provided very insightful introductions to each presentation.
The program included a water ceremony in which representatives of different religions or philosophies, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Animism/African tradition, and Avatar/free thinking, poured water into a bowl symbolizing the unity of the different religions. The purpose of this ceremony was to set a condition for all to go forward together as a unified and powerful current centered on a vision for unification.
The culmination of the day was a very festive marriage renewal or “Blessing” ceremony designed to highlight the pivotal role of marriage in creating a culture of peace. Many participants spoke of their profound experiences and personal realizations during the program.
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