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.
