Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The World Interfaith Harmony Week proclaimed by the United Nations found deep resonance in the hearts of peace-loving Malaysians when a culturally diverse gathering observed an interfaith open house at the headquarters of UPF-Malaysia on February 19. The theme was "Love of God and Love of the Neighbor."
Intended to promote understanding and harmony among various religions, the half-day event drew members of Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Sikh, and Baha'i congregations for prayer, songs, video-viewing of “Creating a Family of Faith” and discourse. Co-organizing the event with UPF Malaysia were the Malaysian Interfaith Network and the Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship of the Pure Life Society.
The President of UPF-Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr. Devaki Krishnan, welcomed the 80 participants for UPF-Malaysia's kick-off program in 2011. UPF-Malaysia Committee Member Dr. John Gurusamy served as the Master of Ceremonies and led the participants in singing interfaith songs.
Seven faith representatives, Dr. Amir Farid, Rev. Thomas George, Mr. Siva, Ven. Kalyanawansa and Dhamminda, Mr. Lim Teng Kau, Mr. Harcharan Singh, and Mr. T.K. Lee recited prayers before the event highlight, an illuminating 30-minute talk on the future of interfaith in Malaysia and the world by Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship Chairman Dr. Amir Farid, who in his PowerPoint presentation also acknowledged the work of UPF Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon in advancing interreligious harmony.
After his talk, the discussants Ms. Sekina Joseph, Mr. Joachim Ng, Rev. Thomas George, and Gurumahan Parajonthiar gave insights, which appeared in the STAR newspaper the following day. Before the gathering adjourned for brunch and networking, participants adopted a resolution to launch an international interfaith conference with the theme “The Significance of Interfaith for Peace and Development” scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur in July 2011.