“HWPL ‘s Religious Peace Academy” was held on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at Baruch College in New York. Initiated by the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the event under the theme: HWPL ‘s Religious Peace Academy, Healing Deep Divides,” has brought together government leaders, social advocates, religious leaders, and members of the community with the ultimate goal to tackle divisions and seek harmony and healing.
Five speakers from five religious traditions with different backgrounds, and from various areas of New York were invited to the very first “religious peace academy” to “share insight into the role of religion in creating a more peaceful and just society.”
Ms. Samani Abhay Pragya is a leader of Jain or Jainism which is an Indian religion emphasizing non – violence, asceticism, and a rejection of one -side view of reality. For Ms. Samani, “the foundation of liberation is peace.”
Imam Saad Jalloh is the leader of Islamic Cultural Center of New York. He said “Islam teaches peace, sincerity, and love. “Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful.”
Sister Rona Schweittz is a leader of the “Brahma Kumaris,” which is a spiritual movement and organization that originated from Pakistan. Ms. Rona said the goal of “Brahma Kumaris,” is a “world of peace and harmony.” It prones “peaceful individuals with feelings of brotherhood attitude.”
Nada Khader is a leader of “Ananda Marga,” which is a socio – spiritual organization originated from India. It aims to create a more just and compassionate world. Ms. Nada with her guitar and her soft voice sang a song of peace.
Archbishop Angelo Rosario and Bishop Nancy Rosario are leaders of “Church of God’s Children.
“Together with other faiths, we can co – create a world of harmony, respect, and shared hope,” they said. They quote a biblical verse from Hebrew 12: 14: “Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
“Religion is the root cause of conflicts in the world today and interfaith dialogue is the way to prevent conflicts,” said Ms. Amanda Dixon Chief Branch Manager of HWPL New York. “Our goal is to emphasize the importance of the unity, bring people together regardless of what they believe and their backgrounds, and open the mind of the people to learn and listen from one another,” she added.
All these peaceful speeches were crowned by a cultural performance and the signature of a “Peace Pledge” by all participants.
Ms. Amanda Dixon, Chief Branch Manager of HWPL New York, has received on behalf of HWPL a certificate of recognition from the New York City Mayor’s office.
“HWPL’s Religious Peace Academy” is an initiative that is rooted in United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – and supports HWPL ‘s mission to advance interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence through dialogue, education, and community – driven efforts.
Bazona Barnabe Bado