"Given the conflict we have seen between followers of different faiths around the world, it is easy to wonder - is peace between religions possible?" (Sarah Gough, Director of PFP)
At least 10,000 people in October of 2015 said "Yes! We can live together in peace" during the Parliament of the World's Religions in Salt Lake City, Utah. With the generous support of the Therese Foundation, Play for Peace Director Sarah Gough was witness to the strength of "The Global Interfaith Movement" working with communities around the world to foster religious harmony. This is defined as mutual respect for all religions - a way of thinking that recognizes differences and cultivates an understanding of the intricacy and richness that each tradition offers. Their programs include the Parliament Women's Task Force, which empowers women of different faiths to come together for interreligious conversation, alongside women's rights issues.
Another is titled Educating Religious Leaders, a program of U.S. seminars that deals with models of leadership in an interfaith context. There was also a strong focus on Climate Change. Our mission at this specific event was to deepen the Play for Peace connection with the Interfaith movement, meet with potential partners, and share the Play for Peace mission and methodology with a like-minded community. We achieved even more than expected! As Sarah notes, "I came away from the conference with new knowledge, motivation, and partnerships." A direct outcome of the event was a partnership between Compassion Games: Survival of the Kindest (www.compassiongames.org) and Play for Peace. This organization, headquartered in Seattle, creates global competitions with groups around the world, promoting acts of generosity and compassion.
PFP became an official partner of the competition, Giving Games 2015, held between Dec. 1- 11th. Over 10 Play for Peace teams participated in this activity thanks to the partnership forged at the World Parliament of Religions. Look for a summary for of Play for Peace in the Giving Games 2015 coming out this week!
REFERENCES Parliament of the World's Religions (2015). "Official Website." Home Page. http://www.parliamentofreligions.org
