World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed every year in the first week of February, from February 1 to 7. This observation has emerged from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution that seeks a worldwide celebration of interfaith harmony. The goal of the week-long celebration is to promote harmony between citizens of the world, regardless of their faith. It is a celebration of unity in diversity, and the divine connection between people and their faith.
Baha’is believe that:
“Religion must be the mainspring and source of love in the world, for religion is the revelation of the will of God, the divine fundamental of which is love.” - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
The role of religion is to establish peace, yet, long-standing prejudices, stereotypes that excuse violence against segments of society, and harmful traditions that have been handed down from one generation to another continue to divide people throughout the world. Despite these challenges there are a burgeoning number of interfaith groups across the world also playing a constructive role in creating bonds of trust and cooperation.
The role of religion is to establish peace, yet, long-standing prejudices, stereotypes that excuse violence against segments of society, and harmful traditions that have been handed down from one generation to another continue to divide people throughout the world. Despite these challenges there are burgeoning number of interfaith groups across the world also playing a constructive role in creating bonds of trust and cooperation.
“The real bond of integrity is religious in character, for religion indicates the oneness of the world of humanity. Religion serves the world of morality. Religion purifies the hearts. Religion impels men to achieve praiseworthy deeds. Religion becomes the cause of love in human hearts, for religion is a divine foundation, the foundation ever conducive to life. The teachings of God are the source of illumination to the people of the world. Religion is ever constructive, not destructive. The foundation of all the divine religions is one. All are based upon reality. Reality does not admit plurality.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)
Religion and culture are intertwined and understanding our differences and points of unity can be supported by learning about each other’s faith traditions. Interested in finding out a little more about faith groups in Squamish? Check out squamishmultifaith.org and learn about a group that seeks to foster friendship and understanding between faith groups in Squamish and collaborates on activities that seek to build community.
‘Wherefore, O my loving friends! Consort with all the peoples, kindreds and religions of the world with the utmost truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, good-will and friendliness.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)