IAPD Convenes Third Global Prayer for the Nation and World
IAPD, United States – The Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) held its Third Global IAPD Prayer for the Nation and the World: “Prayer and World Peace” on August 27, 2026. The program featured five speakers, and was moderated by Ms. Tomiko Duggan, global coordinator of IAPD.
Topics focused on interfaith harmony and advancement, with panelists highlighting the significance of personal peace, mutual respect and kindness. Speakers emphasized the necessity of unity, mutual respect, and affection among individuals, irrespective of their faith or origin.
The first speaker, Ven. Handyt Thanat Inthisean, represented Terawar Buddhism from Thailand, though he currently resides in the United States. He pointed out that “true peace emerges from within and harmony with nature…It is derived from the absence of selfish ambitions and the cultivation of a sense of fairness and kindness for every being.” He reminded everyone of the Buddha’s teaching that “nothing harms us as much as our own desires, hatred and envy.” He concluded by calling upon all present to work together toward a world of harmony, compassion, and lasting peace.
Dr. Sajid Tarar is the founder and chairman of Muslims of America, born in Pakistan. He shared his journey of promoting peace through education about Islam, emphasizing its core principles of peace, prophethood, divine guidance and accountability. Dr. Tarar highlighted the similarities between the Abrahamic religions, asserting that all are children of God. He called for unity and love among different faiths, and an end to global suffering and promoting interfaith dialogue.
Bishop Dr. Edward Barnett of Greater Grace Family Ministries expressed thanks to IAPD founder Dr. Hak Ja Han “for highlighting the significance of spiritual leaders in guiding the path toward peace, harmony and unity in this world.”
He proposed using the Latin phrase “Imago Dei,” or image of God, as the starting point for interfaith harmony. He explained, “It is a core belief in Judaism and Christianity, which advocates that God made human beings, all people, with the potential to reflect His likeness…Whether you're male, whether you're female, whether you're young, whether you're old, from every background and from every religion, the love of God shaped and brought humanity together. So it applies to all people.”
He described religion as “a cultural perspective that humans create to seek God.” The Christian cultural perspective is based on Jesus’ teaching, which includes an inclusive love for all people. Jesus taught not He concluded, “Every human life has a sacred right to respect, to safety, to fair treatment, to love, because we are one family under God.”
Dr. Michael Jenkins, president UPF-North America, acknowledged the contributions of all the participants and their shared commitment to peace and wisdom. He highlighted the insights from each presentation and thanked them for their participation in the interreligious prayer program. Dr Jenkins shared his insights into the faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, emphasizing the value of loving all humanity. He called for the expansion of faith activities to embrace all mankind.
By Tomiko Duggan, Global Coordinator, IAPD August 27, 2026
