For reflection: excerpts from the sacred writings of the world's religions on the themes of peace, serving others, unity and community, and ideal society.

UPF's peace conferences have been enriched by speakers from various religions. The following presenters describe elements of their traditions that contribute to inner peace and better relations with others.

Buddhist

"How Can We Address the Root Causes of Conflict," by Junsei Terasawa, Buddhist Monk, Nipponzan Myohoji in Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia

Christian

"Need for Multidisciplinary Dialogue," by Rev. Marcus Braybrooke, President, World Congress of Faiths, United Kingdom
"The Joshua Generation," by Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, President Emeritus, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, USA    
"Repentance and Forgiveness," by George Augustus Stallings, Jr, Co-President, American Clergy Leadership Conference

Hindu

"A Paradigm Shift," by Shrivatsa Goswami Acharya, Sri Radharamana Mandir, Vrindavan, India
"Let the World Be Our Family," by Deepak Chopra, physician and author

Jain

"Making Peace a Reality," by Dr. N.P. Jain, Former Ambassador of India to the UN, European Union, Nepal, Mexico and Belgium    

Jewish

"Waging Holy Peace," by Rabbi Justus Baird, Director, Multifaith Education, Auburn Theological Seminary, New York, USA
"Promoting Interreligious Understanding," by Dr. Shuki Ben-Ami, Theologian and Author, Israel
"Reconciliation," by Baruch Shalev, President, ISSI, Jerusalem, Israel
"Removing the Curse of the Cross," by Dr. Andrew Wilson, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Unification Theological Seminary, Barrytown, USA  

Muslim

"We Must Make a New Start," by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, Prime Minister, Malaysia, 1981-2003   
"Before Heaven and Earth, the Only Solution Is a Just Peace," by Dr. Hamdi Murad, Jordanian Interfaith Co-existence Research Center
"Vision of the 'Other' in the Qur'an," by Imam Abdul Jalil Sajid, Muslim Council for Religious and Racial Harmony, UK; Executive Committee member, European Imams and Religious Leaders Council; International Secretary, Executive Committee of World Congress of Faiths
"Need for More Inclusive Approaches," by Prof. Dr. Din Syamsuddin, Chairman, Muhammudiyah, Indonesia

Shinto

"A Shinto Priest Seeks Reconcilation in Israel," by Rev. Shoshu Murei, Priest, Takamitamanomiya Shrine, Japan

Sikh

"Nanakian Philosophy and World Peace," by Prof. Devinder Singh Chahal

For background materials on a proposal for an interreligious council at the UN, click here.