Interfaith Community Marks Day of Peace in Iceland
Updated: 13 hours ago
Reykjavik, Iceland – An interreligious gathering organized by UPF-Iceland marked the International Day of Peace in Reykjavík on September 20, 2026. Participants included representatives of the Lutheran and Catholic Churches, Buddhist and Muslim communities, the Humanists, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The varied contributions from the different communities, including musical performances, helped create a warm and open atmosphere.
A representative of the Lutheran Church, Ms. Kristin Tomasdóttir, served as MC and guided the audience through the program. Key representatives included Elder Mogenhan of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Mr. Oussama, representative of Sunni Islam; Imam Mansoor Malik of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat; Ms. Alexandra K Adilov of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist Association in Iceland; and Ms. April Frigge, director of the Pontifical Mission for the Catholic Church of Iceland.
A central element of the event was the “Bridge of Peace” ceremony, which encouraged personal encounters between people of different backgrounds and helped foster new friendships. The main theme of the gathering was to overcome barriers between people, which often arise from lack of knowledge, fear or media portrayals. Through personal encounters, dialogue and mutual respect, the event encouraged greater understanding and a spirit of love for one another.
In the final part of the program, Mr. Rohan Nandkisore, secretary general of UPF-Iceland, introduced the peace vision of UPF’s founders. The meaning of the ideal of a peaceful world, termed “Cheon Il Guk” in Korean by the founders, was explained through Chinese characters, including the concept of two people becoming one. This offered participants an insight into the founders’ vision of peace and human unity.
The event concluded with a shared buffet, providing further opportunity for personal conversation. The feedback from participants was very positive. At the same time, this type of event is not an end in itself, but rather a beginning. The real value lies in allowing initial contacts to develop into lasting relationships. The participating communities are therefore encouraged to visit one another, deepen their understanding, and build genuine, natural friendships. In this way, the idea of peace can extend beyond a single day and take root in everyday life, helping to build a more peaceful, open and humane society.
By Rohan Stefan Nandkisore, Secretary General, UPF-Iceland September 20, 2026
