Lima, Peru—UPF-Peru organized a forum to celebrate UN World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 11, 2017. Thanks to congressman Dr. Yonhy Lescano Ancieta the meeting could be held at the Peruvian Congress.
Representatives of four religions, along with Dr. Trevor Jones, president of UPF-Peru, and Mr. Lescano and his wife, Mrs. Patricia Contador, a lawyer by profession, presented at the event.
The forum opened with a song from Mr. Jean Carlos Soto, the “Cantante del Rosario,” who sang “Alleluia.”
Then, each of the speakers shared their thoughts on the theme of the Week, based on their own experiences. Dr. Jones shared some words from UPF Founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon, and all the attendees were given a copy of Rev. Moon’s speech, “The Responsibility of Religious Leaders to Construct a Culture of Peace.”
Following the presentations, a short video featuring words from the Pope on interfaith harmony was shown. The event continued with the Water of Life Ceremony. The religious representatives as well as representatives of different cultures were given a vessel of water and, one by one, they poured water into a common vessel, “symbolizing the unity of religions and cultures, recognizing each one, not by its uniqueness, but by its common destiny.”
The program concluded with the appointment of 17 new Ambassadors for Peace. The appointees were from all areas of society and included a former government official, members of various NGOs, lawyers, teachers and doctors.
The room was filled to capacity with about 250 attendees, some of who had to stand due to lack of space in the room.
The entire program was broadcast live by the congress’ TV channel.
After the event ended, Dr. Jones was escorted to a local TV station, where he was interviewed about the work of UPF.