Peace Requires Collective Commitments from Religions

“We stand at a pivotal moment in human history, a time of unprecedented violence and upheaval, a moment that demands our collective commitment to peace.” Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, emphasizes the relevance of the event “A Call for Peace, The End of Wars, and Respect for International Law” in his video message. This event, hosted in Gernika, Spain, on April 25-26 alongside the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, will be open to both in-person and online participation, with livestream access available through the UNAOC website. The event will present a short vide that will remember the concrete passion of Pope Francis for peace

At the heart of the gathering in Gernika is a roundtable featuring remarkable religious leaders who have witnessed firsthand the horrors of war. His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon, His Eminence Mufti Dr. Nedzad Grabus of Sarajevo’s Muslim Community, Dalia Levinson of Barcelona’s Jewish community, and Rev. Kosho Niwano of Rissho Kosei Kai in Japan bring not only profound spiritual wisdom but also the weight of lived experience. Their voices resonate with the urgent need for peace, for they have seen the cost of its absence.

Dr. Kuria, in his message, states that “faith communities have a unique and vital role to play in building sustained, positive peace” and calls for mobilizing “governments, civil society, and individuals to counter the forces of militarization and promote peaceful solutions.” Join us in Gernika and join us in this urgent call for peace.