On Monday the 21st September 2009 in St. David’s Uniting Church hall (Sydney), in the presence of more than 200 people, a most noteworthy example of truly fine multifaith/cultural activity was witnessed in the form of a rare, if not unique, Peace Service to honour the United Nations Day of International Peace.
Conceived and led by the Rev’d. Manas Ghosh in the presence of leaders and dignitaries from an abundance of religions and denominations, a wonderful atmosphere of Peace and Unity was created by the realisation of the presence of that Universal Spirit of God, the Great Creator of this world and of all humankind. Indeed, beautiful prayers were offered by representatives from the Aboriginal, Bahai, Brahmakumari, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Mandaean, Sikh, Sufi, Uniting Church and Zoroastrian faiths with the congregation responding in each case, “Let peace fill our heart, our world and our universe.”
At the beginning of the service the Terramarragal band of Gu-ring-gai people, the original custodians of the land were gratefully remembered. At his introduction Rev’d. Manas Ghosh reminded that in 2001 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution designating September 21st of each year as the International Day of Peace. At the United Nation’s Building in New York and in different parts of the world prayers are offered by different religious groups on this day for peace and the Peace Bell in New York is rung at 12 noon.
He also reminded all participants that “we are not here to engage in theological debate or discussion. Neither are we here to promote or establish the superiority of any particular religion, nor to proselytise anyone. But we are here to affirm our common humanity; to assert the supremacy of love in all human beings; and to express our longing for peace in and through the prayers of our faiths.”
Students from Newington Preparatory School Lindfield and the Seniors’ campus at Stanmore offered two wonderful pieces of music on the theme of peace. Five Killara High School students lit the Peace Candle, from which the congregation lit their own candles and placed them on a table covered with a sheet of paper that had the flags of different countries printed on it.
The church was crowded with people of many different faiths attending. Attendees also included students and teachers from Ravenswood Girls School and Knox Grammar School, as well as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Ku-ring-gai council. After the service, a great fellowship was enjoyed by everyone over a variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian foods.