Global Interfaith Program Links Happiness to Spirituality
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IAPD – The first Global Interfaith Prayer for the Nation and the World: “Spirituality and the Principles of Happiness” was sponsored by the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) on June 25, 2026. Participating in the virtual program were 65 people from different parts of the world.
Three faith leaders shared their thoughts about the principles of happiness. Patriarch George A. Stallings, Jr., a board member of the World Clergy for Leadership Conference (WCLC), moderated the program.
Rabbi Michael Shevack, a board member of the Association for Progressive Judaism and Israeli-Palestinian Confederation, joined the program from Paris. In a humorous introduction, he stated that happiness is a habit and can be induced by faking it, which can lead to genuine happiness. Rabbi Shevack then highlighted the more profound expressions of happiness in Judaism, induced by such practices as honoring one’s parents, performing acts of kindness, and maintaining the sacred vows of marriage. He concluded with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the contrast between unhappiness and happiness, in offering happiness to God.
Imam Arif Huskic, of the Common Word Alliance Ministry and Spirituality Centers for Humanity, emphasized that principles of happiness are applicable to all, without regard to religious background, race or nationality. He stressed shared common values: faith, compassion, service, justice, mercy, family, gratitude and love of humanity. The world needs more dialogue and less division, more cooperation and less conflict, more understanding and less prejudice; more compassion and less hatred, he added.
Imboni Dr. uZwi-Lezwe Radebe, founder of the Revelation Spiritual Home and chairman of IAPD-Africa, said that one of the most gratifying aspects of spirituality is the knowledge that things will get better when they are not going well. It comes from understanding the spiritual dynamics of life, the matrix of existence, and the science of life itself, he said. The practice of spirituality not only draws us close to the divine, but it also awakens our reason for living by revealing our purpose. He concluded by saying that happiness is a state; you can decide to be happy or not. Acts of love and kindness bring happiness, and happiness attracts divine presence.
Dr. Michael Jenkins, chairman of UPF-North America, thanked all presenters, and read the proclamation by Dr. Hak Ja Han when she opened the Cheon Won Gung Sanctum in South Korea on April 13, 2025.
The core messages of this event conveyed that spirituality and happiness are fundamentally intertwined, and that happiness is the ultimate purpose of life.
The inspiration and vision for the Interfaith Prayer program came from IAPD founder Dr. Hak Ja Han. She stated in her memoir: “Faith leaders have a vital role. They provide wisdom as society’s moral compass, and they are well-situated to deal with community-based concerns and can play a significant role in reconciliation and building a culture of peace.”
The Global IAPD Interfaith Prayer Program will continue on the last Thursday of each month, involving faith leaders from around the globe.
The program, conducted virtually and livestreamed, is available on YouTube.
By Tomiko Duggan, Global Coordinator, IAPD
June 25, 2026
