ZAMBIA's UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2023

Written by UPF-AFRICA

Sunday, 12 March, 2023

Lusaka, Zambia – With an aim to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) gathered with religious leaders from five major religions - Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Baháʼí Faiths as well as Christianity at a celebration held in Lusaka. The event attracted people from all walks of life such was Ambassadors for Peace members; IAPD representatives; students & young adults alike among others attending under the theme: “Harmony in a World in Crisis”

A welcomed ray of sunshine on February 7, 2023 brought with it a feeling of hope in the normally bustling streets of Lusaka. After days filled with rain and business standstill, promise for abundance was all around - one that spoke volumes to those who had been patiently waiting indoors.

On February 7th, UPF Zambia Chapter and IAPD Zambia Chapter convened religious leaders and their followers to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week. The event opened with Christian prayers followed by the National Anthem. Mr Ackson Mwale acted as master of ceremonies before Grand Mufti Assadullah gave a brief statement about the occasion's significance; Rev Rudolf Faerber then read an address from UPF founder Dr Sun Myung Moon. With members of different faiths in attendance, this was truly a special moment for harmony between religions.

Dr. Martha Sitali, director of National Guidance and Religious Affairs desk at the office of the Vice President, delivered a powerful message on why interfaith collaboration is critical for reducing tension in society during her address as guest of honor. She applauded UPF and IAPD for their efforts to bring faith leaders together which she considered unique and historic - emphasizing that inter-faith initiatives are key instruments to deal with past grievances positively by promoting unity, compassionness among people across religions.

All eyes were filled with awe and admiration as the five religious leaders at this special event each held a glass of water, offering prayers to their respective religions in unison. Afterwards, these powerful symbols of unity poured into one vessel – fostering a sense that world peace is possible through faith despite our current global crisis.

Following this moving ceremony was an enlightening conversation between all present on how different faiths could come together harmoniously and work hand in hand for greater good. The group read scripture from diverse holy books while sharing spiritual insights inspired by the World Interfaith Harmony Week theme - “Harmony In A World In Crisis” - demonstrating why brotherhood among distinct beliefs has never been more critical than right now!

Bishop Dr. David Musonda Masupa, President of IAPD, called for religious leaders to come together and tackle the spiritual crises facing our nation and world today. He said that we must consider all forms faith as neighbors - not just those who share in ours - when seeking solutions to the challenges ahead of us.

The event concluded with a prayerful gathering followed by public media coverage highlighting this message of unity across faiths.