Online Interfaith Prayer: Blueprint for Peace & Prosperity

IAPD, United States – The Fifth Global IAPD Prayer for the Nation and World was held on October 29, 2026, on the theme “Blueprint for Peace and Prosperity.” Ms. Tomiko Duggan, global coordinator for the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) served as host, and Patriarch George A. Stallings as moderator.

The first speaker, Archbishop Dr. Emmah Gospel Isong of Nigeria, presented three principles for building peace and prosperity: love and reconciliation, justice and compassion, and unity with responsible stewardship. He urged individuals, families, churches, communities, and governments to practice these principles, and to take deliberate action in each of these areas.

The archbishop encouraged fellow faith leaders to work toward interfaith bridgebuilding, protecting vulnerable communities, teaching children to challenge hatred, and encouraging leaders to pursue justice and reconciliation. He offered a closing prayer for families and children worldwide and for greater understanding and harmony.

The second speaker, Avadhuta H.H. Jagat Guru Dileepji, is a Hindu representative from New York. He shared two personal achievements: He has been appointed as the new co-chair of the Religious Committee at the UN, and he recently received the Spirit of the UN Award. He then delivered a spiritual discourse on peace and universal consciousness. He chanted and rendered ancient incantations, stressing the significance of pursuing happiness, reality and brightness for every sentient being.

The guru then explored how cross-cultural events enable individuals from varied backgrounds and linguistic abilities to foster tolerance and flexibility. Through Hindu philosophy, he explored the concept of "ever pure and blissful consciousness," explaining that true identity transcends physical organs, ego, and earthly attachments. He ended by promoting respect, dignity, and living a life through love as the keys to connecting with the essence of the universe.

The third speaker was Ms. Anila Ali, a Muslim from Pakistan. She shared a religious and humanitarian message focused on interfaith unity, the importance of prayer, and the responsibility to protect human dignity. She said that prayer is a daily practice for mindfulness and maintaining one's faith, pointing out that continuous prayer is prescribed in Islam, Judaism and Christianity. She said that religious freedom and equality are paramount principles within her faith, and that the concept of being "children of Abraham" provides a shared foundation for reconciliation among different groups.

Ms. Ali suggested creating an inclusive "circle of care" involving Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Bahais, Buddhists, Christians and Jews. She called for the protection of sacred spaces, including mosques, synagogues, churches, temples and gurdwaras. Finally, she stressed the need to teach children to challenge hatred within their own neighborhoods to prevent social division.

Dr. Michael Jenkins, president of UPF-North America, was the final speaker. He utilized various religious texts to underscore the necessity of prayer in fostering peace. He then outlined a philosophy regarding the path to global stability. He described prayer as a tool to unite people, noting that IAPD has maintained its operations for almost six years without fail due to the power of prayer. He also stressed the leadership role of faith leaders, stating that politics cannot lead the way to peace; faith leaders must "light the path" by uniting and passing on the light of love and faith to all believers.

Dr. Jenkins concluded the program by calling on everyone to join in silent prayer for peace within and between faith communities, nation states, and people everywhere.

By Tomiko Duggan, Global Coordinator, IAPD October 29, 2026