Over 100 participants gathered at the Arlington Street Church on Sunday to commemorate the 20th annual World Religion Day, celebrated in over 80 countries.
“We are gathered here in the spirit of unity and the love that is present in all of our religions,” said the Rev. Carol Strecker, associate minister of Arlington Street Church.
The Creative Peace Project hosted the event, with Dr. Audrey Depelteau as the master of ceremonies. Religious leaders from over 15 faiths attended the event.
“We are here to honor, respect, accept and share in the sanctity of each others’ beliefs,” Depelteau said.
Each guest shared a tradition of his or her faith, and participants were encouraged to join in the songs, dances and meditations of each presenter. Instead of lectures or sermons, there was an “active prayer.”
“I did not want this to be a class in comparative religion, or four hours of talking,” said event co-facilitator Paul Ferrini. “I wanted instead for this to be a celebration of all of the various traditions and the oneness of all of them.”
“I really loved the singing,” said Wellesley College student Dawn Joyce. “I have had many experiences with song, and I love connecting with music and things I am familiar with. I believe very much in enlightenment through music.”
The event also featured the displaying of the “Cloth of Many Colors”, a 150-foot quilt made by children from all over the world. The current 14 other pieces of the quilt will be re-joined at a ceremony at the United Nations.
“We need to learn how to live together,” said Imam Tallal Eid. “Peace is a gift from God, but we need to learn it.”
Another segment of the event allowed all participants to form a giant ring around the sanctuary, joining hands and praying together as a symbol of transcending the boundaries of separate faiths. After the prayer, Rabbi Barry Starr led the congregation in song to call for peace.
Participants were invited to reflect on their experience over refreshments at the end of the event.
“I gained a wonderful sense of peace and unity tonight,” said John Westerling of Holden.
Many of the speakers stayed to talk0 with the participants to further explain ideals and to organize similar events for the future.
“Coming together in a strong and unified fashion could assist in bringing about peaceful coexistence, tolerance, understanding and acceptance,” Depelteau said. “Please help us take this on, together we can create a tornado for peace.”
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