World Religion Day: Since 1950

(Compilation by Niusereset)

Although World Religion Day has been around for quite some time, it is often overshadowed by the holidays that come shortly before it.  It could just as easily be called International Interspiritual Day

because of its emphasis upon "the common denominators underlying all religions."

The World Religion Day website, which "is not sponsored by any one faith" and is "the result of individual contributions from around the globe," aims to encourage the acknowledgement of "similarities in each of our sacred Faiths" in order to promote agreement in tackling "the changes that confront humanity."

Back in December 1949, the National Spiritual Assembly ("the governing body of the Baha'i Faith in the United States of America") designated the third Sunday of January as World Religion Day.  Since then there have been various observances the world over - such as Metro Atlanta's in 2000, Cameroom's in 2009, Northern Ireland's in 2010, Ottawa's in 2011 and Nepal's in 2012.

This year much is also planned.  A program at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord, New Hampshire will focus upon the theme "That Which Unites Us" – and will include quotes, songs and chants from many faith traditions.  A devotional gathering at the Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Baha'i Centre of Learning will include insightful readings and live music.  The Cape Cod [Massachusetts] Interfaith Coalition will host a number of speakers on the topic "What is Our Dream for Peace."  

Resources

http://www.worldreligionday.org/

Copyright January 15, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved