World Interfaith Harmony Week commences. Launched by the United Nations on February 1, 2011 as the first ever of its kind, the concept for World Interfaith Harmony Week was approved in November 2010 by the UN General Assembly. A statement was issued saying, “(The event is) devoted to spreading a message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship... based on love of God and love of one’s neighbor…, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions.” In a message for the occasion, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that spiritual leaders and religious groups play an indispensable role in supporting efforts for peace. As such, World Interfaith Harmony Week is being commemorated around the world, with events that include Muslim and Christian leaders in Amman, Jordan coming together to visit a mosque and a church and pray for peace in the region; an interfaith festival of art and music in the Philippines, as well as others in South Africa, the United States and Australia.

Our earnest appreciation and accolades all participants of World Interfaith Harmony Week. May the faithful worldwide enjoy activities that bring an expansion of understanding and brotherly love among humanity across the globe.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37431&Cr=faith&Cr1=, http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/02/02/prweb8110014.DTL#ixzz1Cq80xbJQ