Interfaith Harmony week: HPWL chairman urges leaders to end wars

 Man Hee Lee, Chairman of the Heavenly, Culture, World Peace, Restoration (HWPL), addressing an event to mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week in New York

By Cecilia Ologunagba

New York, Feb. 10, 2024

Man Hee Lee, Chairman of the Heavenly, Culture, World Peace, Restoration (HWPL), has called on the heads of state of every country to sign an international agreement, a commitment to bring all wars to an end.

HWPL is a non-governmental organisation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government of the Republic of Korea.

Lee, who made the call at an event to mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week in New York, urged the leaders to end wars from a spirit of deep-seated love for the people of their countries.

The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed every year in the first week of February.

The Chairman also called on all youths to unite to stop wars and pursue the restoration of peace by registering for the one and only international Peace Youth Group.

Mr. Yongmin Shin, U.S. East Coast Director of HWPL, represented Lee at the event organised by HWPL in collaboration with the Interfaith Centre of USA, UNA-USA Queens Centre of USA, and Peace Centre, among others.

“The effort for World Peace is the duty of all youths in this generation; it is the most outstanding work and the only way to stop the pointless and tragic deaths.

“The efforts of the world’s young people today to pursue peace will remain a never-ending light of life for future generations.

“Third, we call on every man, woman, and child in the world to pick up the mantle of peace.

“In whatever way you can, we ask that you work to further the cause of world peace and restoration, making it a reality in your direct environments,” he said.

Lee also called on the media to report responsibly and promote a message of peace to the world.

In his remarks, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, President of Interfaith Centre of USA, said the centre had been collaborating with some partners to promote peace and harmony in the U.S.

Shahidullah extended an invitation to more individuals and religious leaders to join in peace work, saying, “We work with faith leaders to promote religious harmony.

“We have so many works in the five boroughs of New York City; at school, we work with the young; folks, at the professional level and other faith leaders.”

Also speaking, Ms Veronica Hossain-Spencer of Peace Centre of USA, said the organisation had been doing events to promote women’s empowerment, bring awareness on hate crime and awareness on mental health.

“For us to promote peace, we must have peace within ourselves and the Peace Centre of USA; that is precisely what we are striving to do.

“This is the time to connect with one another to find peace within us. From this room, I can feel how dynamic we are, how humble and kind we are,” she said.

In his goodwill message, Md Latif, sergeant at the Community Affairs Bureau Outreach Division, Immigrant Outreach Unit, New York City Police Department (NYPD), also spoke about the unit’s collaboration with HWPL.

Lafit said the unit had been thriving to improve the lives of all residents through communication and mutual relationships with fellow residents.

“One of the ways we do that is by connecting with many organisations like HWPL and promoting peace and dignity of fellow New York residents.

“NYPD shared in HWPL’s mission of promoting peace by organising community-oriented activities and dialogue that promotes peace,” he said.

Similarly, Ravi Vaidyanat, Director of Religious Affairs at the Hindu Temple Society of North America, said peace was a shared responsibility and that nothing was free including peace.

“Every prayer in Hinduism starts with peace. Peace should be shared; we have to feel it and experience it first before we can share it with others, and it is also through peace that we can achieve equity,” said Vaidyanat.

NAN reports that the World Interfaith Harmony Week modified the two commandments – “love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour.” This mantra teaches everyone goodwill and the power of kindness, charity, and healing.

During the week, leaders of various faiths gather to discuss how religion can enrich the lives of believers and how that makes the world a better place.

World Interfaith Harmony Week also highlights the philanthropic works of religious groups. It encourages others to do similar work or get more involved in their communities.