From Religions for Peace USA
HEARING THE MESSAGES OF RELIGIOUS YOUTH TO THE WORLD
As an important part of Religions for Peace IX World Assembly preparatory process, a regional pre-assembly meeting was held by Religions for Peace North American Interfaith Youth Network with Religions for Peace USA on August 25–26, 2013 in Washington, D.C.
To shape regional religious youth perspectives and strengthen the regional interfaith youth network, youth leaders from multiple communities, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism, and Zoroastrianism, were invited to participate in discussions about their faiths. They were asked to reflect on their challenges and opportunities in the face of an ever-changing religious landscape in North America.
Famous interfaith senior leaders, including Rev. Ken Bedell from the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Education, were guest speakers. Interfaith collaborations as well as mutual understandings were promoted during the meeting.
Besides the arranged panels and discussions, representatives also had the opportunity to speak out their unique voices for peace. Videos about their views on their religious identities, experiences with the religious “other,” and their messages to the world’s religious leaders at the IX World Assembly are accessible here. Find more pictures of the meeting here.