World Religion Day Observances - 2002
Albania:
Tirana:
The Baha'is of Tirana organized an observance to mark the World Religion Day 2002 at the Tirana National Baha'i Center.
Austria:
Vienna:
The Baha'i community in Vienna, Austria organized a large event to mark the next World Religion Day celebration. Program included Classic Music and Buffet.
Australia:
Boonah:
South Queens community sponsored and organized a picnic/prayer day in Boonah.
A special invitation was extended to members of all religious groups in the community to join in. The prayer meeting held at mid day for about 30 minutes.
Playford:
The Playford Baha'i Community of South Australia observed World Religion Day at their monthly devotional meeting in Virginia, South Australia.
Members of the Playford, Salisbury, Gawler and Tea Tree Gully Baha'i communities organised the WRD observance in the Virginia Institute for Sunday 20th January. The observance was preceded by a mail-out to residents which is a prosperous market garden area to the north of Adelaide. The event was also publicised in the local newspaper and on Community radio 5PBA via the Baha'i Half Hour, a twice monthly programme. Approximately 41 people attended.
Perth:
Vincent community held an event for the whole metropolitan area. More news will be added soon.
Bulgaria:
Sofia:
Late afternoon of January 20 (Sunday), 2002, the National Baha'i Centre in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, situated in one of the residential parts of the city on the slopes of Vitosha mountain, gathered about forty five followers of different religions, professors, members of Academy, members of NGO's and others for celebration of World Religion Day. The celebration was organized from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is in Bulgaria in accordance with UN Annual Days and Weeks. Vice-chairman of NSA of the Baha'is in Bulgaria greeted the participants on behalf of NSA, after that representatives of different religions – Baha'i Faith, Eastern-Orthodox, Catholic, Islam, Hindu and others - read own prayers and sacred texts. After the devotional part of the celebration Theodore Bourilkov, member of NSA, gave a talk on "Religious Tolerance – Historical Scope and Modern Understanding". To show the similarity of different religions, the Golden moral rule and some other moral rules in Christianity, Islam, Hindu, Buddhism and Baha'I Faith were read from different readers.
The meeting ended with a modest cocktail.
The Baha'i communities in city of Varna and city of Bourgas planned to organize similar meetings.
Canada:
Langley, BC:
A program to mark the World Religion Day 2002 was held at Timms Community Center, 20355, Douglas Cresent, Langley, BC organized by the Baha'is of Langley, BC.
Prince Edward Island:
Third Annual Interfaith Gathering to Celebrate World Religion Day. Representatives of different churches and faiths gathered in Summerside on January 20th to celebrate World Religion Day 2002 at the Wilmot Community Center, Summerside. Program included presentations of short readings from holy texts, prayers, discourses and ceremonies were invited from the Mi'k Ma'q, Mormon, Buddhist, Hindi, Jewish, Christian and Islamic communities. Our World Religion Day celebration was a great success. Our press release - published in the Journal-Pioneer in Summerside. We also had announcements by CBC radio and a team from the French CBC television came to report. That coverage was aired on Ce Soir newscast, the next evening. About 70 people attended, which is good for our town. More importantly, the spirit was greater and much more receptive. Representatives of some of the other religions thanked us publicly for organizing the event. Music, refreshments and fellowship followed the formal program.
Prince George, B.C.:
In recognition of World Religion Day, The University of Northern BC Interfaith Chaplaincy Committee hosted an event entitled: "Celebrating Religions through the Arts" at the UNBC in Prince George, B.C. Peoples of all Faith came and participated in music, song, dance and poetry in honor of the diverse religious traditions in Prince George.
Sault Ste, Marie:
The Baha'is of Sault Ste. Marie organized and sponsored an event to mark the 11th Annual World Religion Day on Janaury20,2002, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint.
Vancouver. BC:
The Baha'is of Vancouver and North Vancouver, BC, Canada did observe the World Religion Day with a celebration at the Vancouver Baha'i Centre, 5880 Main Street, Vancouver, BC.
Cango Repubilc:
Brazzaville:
We are so happy with how it came out this year since we had more representatives present than in previous years. The major communities were almost all in attendance. The Christian churches were most well represented – those being the Evangelicals, the Catholics, the Lutherans, two African churches (Kimbanguist and Zepherin). Islam was represented by El Hadj Bashir, the most prominent scholar of Islam in our area and there was a large delegation of the Buddhist Faith from Japan called Tenrikyo. Some NGO working for peace were also present.
Reporters from the national radio interviewed a number of key persons at the event. Two choruses animated the ceremony as singing is praying here!
During the event itself, which was coordinated by a Bahá'í, each community was given a time to speak to the theme of this year: "Religion – the basis of all civilizations" during which a number of touching remarks were made about the significance of this Bahá'í-organized event. The Christians and Bahá'ís recited prayers. The spirit this year was joyful and highly positive, several persons witnessing the unique character of this particular gathering where all confessions were welcome to express their views.
Our official report lists 70 Bahá'ís and 60 guests including 6 religious representatives.
Finland:
Lappeenranta:
The Baha'i community of Lappeenranta, Finland has held a public meeting on World Religion Day and made it possible for different religions to present their views on different religious and social subjects for the past ten years. This year however on initiation of our community the Church, the cultural office (town) and Muslim community participated in arranging the public meeting and sharing the expenses. There was 47 participants. The topic was conditions for world peace. There was very good feeling in the meeting. This cooperation is the first of its kind between Baha'i community , the church, town and Muslim community. I'm sure the meeting fulfilled its goal.
Germany:
Stuttgart:
More than 400 people gathered here on 20 January 2002 for a multi-faith discussion on the topic of "Religions against Violence" in commemoration of World Religion Day.
The tradition of celebrating World Religion Day in Stuttgart was initiated in 1951 as an effort to foster interfaith understanding. The commemoration this year was sponsored by the Bahá'í community of Stuttgart and held at the Neues Schloss, an 18th Century chateau built for the Wurttemberg Kings. The participants in a panel discussion on the topic of religious violence included Meinhard Tenné of the Central Jewish Council of Germany; Dr. Paul Köppler of the German Buddhist Union; Prof. Urs Baumann, department of theology, University of Tübingen; Dr. Nadeem Elyas, President of the Central Muslim Council of Germany; Dr. Johannes Frühbauer of Hans Küng's Foundation for World Ethics; and Christopher Sprung of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Germany.
The panel discussed both the peace-promoting elements of religions as well as their potential to generate conflict and war. All agreed that world religions, if seen in their true essence, are against violence. "The motto of the panel was, essentially, that 'true believers are against violence and terror' and 'you should take seriously what your faith is telling you,'" said Mr. Sprung.
Panelists also noted that competing claims of exclusive truth often prevent religions from establishing a climate of harmony and unity. Prof. Baumann, a Catholic theologian, said the notion that a religion is "the only path to truth and salvation" has all too often been considered the "greatest reason for violence," especially when such a claim becomes institutionalized by government or politics.
Dr.Frühbauer emphasized the urgency to recognize a set of ethical principals common to all cultures and religions. This "minimum set" should be adopted at large by all to safeguard and foster social progress in times of globalization. Mr. Sprung responded by suggesting that religions in particular must together form a "maximum set" of ethical and religious common principles, otherwise the social momentum of any religion would vanish.
Both the Jewish and the Buddhist representative referred to the equity of religions, suggesting that "religions are like different land maps," providing orientation to their followers. Several large regional newspapers reported at length about the event
Hong Kong:
Central:
Inter-faith gathering for World Peace on World Religion Day, 20th January, 2002, organized by Hong Kong's Baha'i Community.
India:
Chennai:
Dr. M. M Alex and family did organized an event to perform a non-stop Agnihotra ( a vedic ritual for cosmic healing) from sunrise to sunset to mark the World Religion Day 2002.
Ireland:
Bray:
The Baha'i community of Ireland has organized an observance to mark the World Religion Day 2002 in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. The program included devotional of prayers and readings from the great religions of the world.
County Covan:
The Baha'is of Co. Cavan, Ireland hosted the annual World Religion Day Celebration. Program includes Music & Readings from all the major Faiths.
Meath:
Based on discussions between a community member and others attending the Drogheda Ecumenical Peace Group event celebrating the breaking of the Muslim fast, it was decided to attempt a celebration of the oneness of religion on World Religion Day.
Contact was made with Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Islamic and Jewish communities. A booklet of readings from each on the theme of the Unity of Humanity was developed for use on the day (selected/proposed mostly by us and approved by the participants). Beautifully designed invitations were sent to all RE teachers county-wide. Press releases and posters were designed, printed and distributed. Our asylum seeker friends from Mosney, who have been attending our Friday night devotional meetings, agreed to provide a cappella singing at the event. We hired a minibus to bring them on the day. The Catholic churches in Drogheda a) put up posters, b) announced the event from the pulpit on the day and c) put it in the church newsletter.
On the day the room was prepared with about 130 chairs, with the possibility of opening a dividing wall to double the capacity, since we really had no idea how many would come. In the end we had about 100 people. The room was prepared with flowers and candles, and there was a podium with a microphone. The readers (about 15) were in a semicircle facing the audience. Danny O'Brien gave a welcome address and then the program of readings began after music from the South African singers. It was quite moving. After three readings were done in turn by each religion (in alphabetical order) there once again was music. Then a prayer was read by each religion, often in the native language, and the ceremony closed with music and thanks. In all it took a little over an hour.
All participants contributed to the atmosphere of love and mutual respect (a fragile thing that could have been easily disrupted – this was probably a concern of all attending, and now that this has been allayed future events will possibly proceed with even more enthusiasm). Everyone received a program of the readings, and signed in the guest book on the way in. Press releases and photographs were submitted to the Meath Chronicle and Drogheda Independent. No reporters or photographers were able to make it to the event. The press release to the Independent was printed (12 column inches). We had cordial interviews on Navan local TV and LMFM radio prior to the event.
It was felt that the event was a great success.
Italy:
Florence:
Comitato Nazional Relazioni Esterne
dell'Assemblea Spirituale Nazionale Italia
Saronno :
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Saronno hosted an observance to mark the World Religion Day on January 20, 2002.
Lithuania:
Vilnius:
The Baha'i community in Vilnius organized a meeting to mark the World Religion Day in Vilnius at the hall in Liauksmino g. 8/2, Vilnius on January 20th, 2002. This was the first time they have organized such an observance of the World Religion Day. Invitations had been distributed among all inhabitants of the city including posters around the city. It was hoped by this efforts people from any religions may come and celebrate the oneness of all the religions. The program included reading from the Holy Writings of various religions. Refreshments were served afetr the rpogram and musical group entertained the visitors.
Liechtenstein:
Vaduz :
The Baha'is of Veduz, Liechtenstein organized a program to mark Weltreligionstag (World Religion Day) 2002. on Sunday 20 January 2002 at the Foyer Vaduzer Saal.
New Zealand:
Aukland:
The Baha'is of Auckland invited people from all religions to a picnic to be held at the small barbecue area in Cornwall Park, Auckland.
Norway:
Oslo:
The Baha'i Community of Norway participated in the initiative taken by the Catholic Church of Norway upon a request of the Pope to have interrelgiours meetings for peace. In conjunction with the World Religion Day 2002, this event took place on Thursday 24th January.
In Oslo the Baha'is and Christians read Baha'i prayers for peace in the catholic church together with other religious representatives.
Trondheim:
The people of this city read prayers for peace in the catholic church together with other religious representatives. The Baha'is and the members of the Christian Faith joined hands in the organization of this event.
Portugal:
Lisbon:
ENCONTRO INTER-RELIGIOSO: Decorreu no dia 22 de Janeiro, na Escola Secundária de Monserrate, em Viana do Castelo, organizado pelas disciplinas de E.M.R. Católica e de Ensinamentos Bahá'ís. Foi feita uma introdução à Fé, participámos com orações, danças e foram entregues alguns documentos. Contou com cerca de 50 pessoas presentes, entre alunos, professores e funcionários da escola.
Panama:
Panama City:
The Baha'is of Panama City organized an event to mark the World Religion Day 2002.
Santo Vanuatu:
Luganville:
The Local Spiritual Assembly of Baha'is of Luganville, Santo Vanuatu , organised a multi-faith prayer meeting to mark the observance of World Religion Day 2002 at the Local Baha'i Centre, in Luganville on Sunday, January 20, 2002. The multi-Faith prayer meeting followed by light refreshments.
Scottland:
The Baha'is of Scotland sponsored an event to mark the World Religion Day 2002.
Slovakia:
Slovakia:
The Bahai Communities around Slovakia observed World Religion Day 2002 with Public Devotional Meetings at which prayers for peace and reconciliation by reading selected from the Holy Books of different world religions. In addition to that an article on the theme of religious tolerance was prepared and sent to all the major newspapers and distribution agencies in Slovakia.
Sweden:
Västerås:
The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Västerås, Sweden hosted a program to celebrate the World Religion Day 2002.
Among many features, the program included a public speech on the theme "Why so many religions?" . The speech was followed by a general discussion on the theme.
Uppsala:
The Baha'i Community in Uppsala celebrated the World Religion Day since 1961. This year too the Baha'i Community of Uppsala sponsored and organized the World Religion Day 2002. The program included speakers from different religions and a variety of music by the Baha'i singers. The Baha'i dance group Global Steps did provide a dance recital.
Switzerland:
Locarno:
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Locarno, Switzerland hosted an observance to mark the World Religion Day on January 20, 2002.
Tasmania:
City of Kingborough:
An observance of World Religion Day held at The Collegiate Performing Arts Centre Davey Street, Hobart on Sunday 20 January, 2002 from 3.00 to 4.30 pm. The Kingborough Baha'i Community have held an annual observance of World Religion Day for about 12 years now. The Service takes the form of readings from the various Scriptures of the world by a members of that Faith community. Readers at this Service were from the Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Baha'i Faiths. These readings are interspersed with musical and vocal items of a devotional nature.
Each year the Service takes the theme of the UN International Year - this year being the International Year of Mountains, the scriptures were on "Creation" or "Mountains". Mountains are featured in most of the World's religions so it was easy to find appropriate readings.
Approximately 80 people attended this service. Light refreshments are served at the end of the service which gives people the opportunity to talk with the readers and performers and many people commented how much they enjoyed the service.
We may have to find a larger venue for our service next year, as attendances are increasing each year.
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