|
|
|
January 22, 2007
FAITHS
CELEBRATE PEACE, UNITY
By The Ottawa Citizen
The
atrium of Ottawa's City Hall was filled yesterday with members of the
city's religious communities, who joined together to celebrate their
unity through spirited performances.
The atrium of Ottawa's City Hall
was filled yesterday with members of the city's religious communities,
who joined together to celebrate their unity through spirited
performances.
World Religion Day focused this year on the theme of giving peace a
chance. The event was meant to promote a common understanding and
respect, said Heather Harvey, one of the event's organizers. "Peace
should be the ultimate outcome of religion. Not war," said Ms. Harvey.
That sentiment was echoed by Nathalie Thirlwall, co-chairwoman of
Interfaith Ottawa and the president of the Capital Region Interfaith
Council.
All faiths carry a message of peace, said Ms. Thirlwall, and World
Religion Day encourages harmony.
The event placed a special emphasis on instilling a sense of unity
among children of different faiths, said Ms. Harvey.
The intent, said Ms. Thirlwall, "was to encourage them to abandon their
prejudices."
World Religion Day has been celebrated in communities worldwide for
more than 50 years, and has been officially recognized in Ottawa since
2002. It's celebrated each year on the third Sunday of January.
The festivities began with a speech by Mayor Larry O'Brien, who
officially proclaimed Jan. 21 World Religion Day in the city. "Ottawa
becomes a little bit better today," said Mr. O'Brien.
Religion, said Mr. O'Brien, is a "powerful and very motivating force
for greater understanding and greater good."
Mr. O'Brien said marking World Religion Day in the city is an
opportunity to celebrate our unity.
"Let us strive to build a more peaceful world," urged Mr. O'Brien.
The event was organized by the Baha'i Community of Ottawa, and featured
performances from Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Baha'i, Catholic and Hindu
groups.
The Heartbeat Dance Workshop, a group of 12- to 16-year-old members of
the Baha'i community, gave an dance performance. The routine was meant
to promote togetherness, said Heartbeat member Melody Rowhani, 15. "We
can all be different, but we move together," said Melody.
Other performances included songs, traditional dances, and a reading of
writings on peace from the Koran by two members of the Ottawa Muslim
Association.
The celebration was capped off with the singing of Oscar Peterson's
Hymn to Freedom, which was sung by all of the
performers, joined by the mayor.
|
|
|
|
|
