Family Festival Marks UN Day of Peace in Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom – A melting pot of people – of all races, cultures, faiths, social backgrounds and different generations – joined a Family Festival and Peace Blessing in Birmingham on September 19, 2026, to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace. The event was co-sponsored by UPF-Birmingham and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). All 150 participants shared a belief in the value of the family and the home as the starting point for healing a divided society, and they came with the desire to renew their own hearts and lives, seeking the strength to love and forgive others.
Seven of the religious leaders who attended had previously participated in UPF events in Korea. Other distinguished guests included eight Christian ministers, three Imams, the co-founder of the first Interfaith Council in the United Kingdom, a former co-chair of the UK Interfaith Network, the interfaith chair of the Clifton Road Mosque, the chair of the Indian Ladies Club, a senior trustee of the Sikh Soho Road Gurdwara, the national secretary general of the Namdhari Sikh community, two city councilors and one former lord mayor.
The event began with beautiful prayers from seven different faith traditions, followed by an insightful presentation about the family as the school of love, where peace begins. Then everyone took part in the Interfaith Peace Blessing, symbolizing making a new start individually and all together. The ceremony created a beautiful atmosphere of holiness and purity. Four religious leaders – Father Abba, Mr. Jatinder Birdi, Mr. Nasim Pirmohamed, and Imam Pirzada – gave their responses following the ceremony.
Next was the presentation of six Exemplary Family Awards. One member of each family shared insights about maintaining a cohesive and happy family under the challenges of present-day society. Many young adults were present to support their parents, which was very touching.
The program concluded with everyone sharing a wonderful meal together, in an atmosphere filled with positive energy and happiness.
