Honouring Togetherness on International Day of Living Together in Peace

Apr 23, 2024

May 16 marks a beacon of unity, a reminder of our shared humanity, and a call to cultivate harmony: it’s the International Day of Living Together in Peace. At OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, we resonate deeply with this global embrace as our ethos orbits around the very essence of interconnectedness and mutual understanding.

A Canvas of Diversity

“We cannot obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves,” the Dalai Lama once said. On this day, we reflect on this truth, understanding that peace begins within each of us. It spreads through our interactions, flourishes in our communities, and ultimately paints a canvas of diversity rooted in respect and love.

Our Communal Tapestry

Our commitment at OneSpirit is to weave this tapestry daily. We recognize that peace isn’t a static achievement but a living, breathing endeavour. It requires nurturing, patience, and, most importantly, dialogue. Interfaith ministry at its core is about dialogue—not merely speaking, but listening, hearing, and honouring the myriad voices that compose our global community.

Bridging the Spiritual Gap

“Peace is not just mere absence of violence,” says Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, a renowned interfaith advocate. “Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.” This International Day of Living Together in Peace, we bridge the spiritual gap by invoking compassion in our actions. We strive for understanding in the face of difference, celebrating the varied landscapes of faith that form our world.

Shared Stories, Common Ground

As we indulge in shared stories, we find our common ground, realizing that beneath our diverse expressions lie universal desires for acceptance, connection, and well-being. Each one of us at OneSpirit carries our own story, our individual faith journey, but we walk together, creating a mosaic of peaceful coexistence.

A Declaration for Today and Everyday

Today, we declare not just with words but with our deeds, standing as testaments to the power of living together in peace. We engage in ceremonies that transcend boundaries, offer education that enlightens minds, and provide pastoral care that heals souls. It’s a declaration for today and every day in our calendar of service.

Join Us

We invite you to join us in celebrating International Day of Living Together in Peace. Take a moment to recognize the richness in diversity, engage in an act of kindness, extend a hand across an aisle of difference, or simply meditate on peace within and without. Let us come together to affirm that peace is possible, peace is vital, peace is the path we walk, together.

Demystifying Interfaith: Expanding the Sacred to Include Every Path

True listening isn’t about waiting our turn, it’s a loving gesture of presence. In interfaith spaces, listening deeply creates space for stories, identity, grief, joy. It’s not about understanding perfectly, but about saying, “I’m here with you,” and offering connection as an act of love.

Listening is Love

True listening isn’t about waiting our turn, it’s a loving gesture of presence. In interfaith spaces, listening deeply creates space for stories, identity, grief, joy. It’s not about understanding perfectly, but about saying, “I’m here with you,” and offering connection as an act of love.

Lessons from a Luminous Life

Reflecting on Nicola Coombe’s luminous life, we remember her quiet presence, fierce love, and deep reverence for the mystery of being human. From making space in our days to speaking truth with care, her embodied wisdom continues to guide us in ministry, service, and connection.

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The Summer Solstice invites us to pause, reflect, and honour the light within and around us. Through ritual, journaling, and presence, we reconnect with nature, celebrate growth, and welcome the turning of the seasons.

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What if my life was an act of reverence?

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Women’s History Month: Indigenous Women Leaders

Indigenous women have long been central to the spiritual and cultural life of their communities, yet their leadership has often been overlooked. From ancient traditions to contemporary movements, women are reclaiming spiritual authority and revitalising practices passed down through generations. In communities such as the Lakota and Haudenosaunee, women have historically held positions of spiritual leadership, and today, figures like Winona LaDuke and Tiana Ngata continue to lead efforts to preserve and strengthen Indigenous spiritual practices. As these women reclaim their rightful roles, they ensure that Indigenous spirituality remains a powerful force in today’s world.

Women’s History Month: Women in Spiritual Traditions

Women have played a crucial role in shaping spiritual traditions, from revered figures like Kuan Yin and Táhirih to trailblazing leaders such as Harriet Tubman and Phyllis Curott. Despite facing exclusion, women continue to reclaim leadership roles and push for gender equality within spiritual communities, ensuring traditions remain inclusive and vibrant. This Women’s History Month, we honour their resilience and lasting influence.

Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

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Redefining Interfaith

We celebrate a new, inclusive vision of interfaith, one that welcomes all spiritual paths, honoring the richness of personal experience beyond traditional religions.

Demystifying Interfaith: Moving Forward

Interfaith dialogue goes beyond religious boundaries, embracing diverse spiritual and secular perspectives. This inclusive approach fosters understanding and respect for all paths.