January
21, 2002
CITY
MARKS FIRST WORLD RELIGION DAY
Diverse crowd Gathers at City Hall for prayers, hymns
by Siri Agrell
The Bahá'í Choir performed
yesterday as part of Ottawa's first World Religion Day celebrations at
City Hall. Organized by Ottawa Bahá'ís, the ceremony featured
performances by an array of spiritual groups. Photo by
Wayne Hiebert
A
multi-faith ceremony at City Hall yesterday marked the city's first
celebration of World Religion Day.
In front of a diverse crowd of about 100, Deputy Mayor Elisabeth Arnold
read a written declaration by Mayor Bob Chiarelli stating the
importance of the city's religious population and reiterating the
city's dedication to foster harmony among these groups. On his behalf,
Ms Arnold declared Jan. 20 World Religion Day in the City of Ottawa.
"As the world becomes harder to understand, events like this become
ever more important," said Ms Arnold.
Organized by representatives of Ottawa's Baha'i faith, the ceremony
featured readings, prayers and hymns from an array of religious and
spiritual representatives. Short messages of peace and acceptance were
offered by Baha'i, Hindu, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian and
Islamic faiths, as well as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, the Unification Church, Quakers and the Church of Scientology.
Pearl Downie accepted the mayor's proclamation on behalf of the group,
whose members plan to take turns hosting the event each year.
World Religion Day is celebrated in 60 countries around the world.
The Bahá'í Choir performed yesterday as part of Ottawa's first World
Religion Day celebrations at City Hall. Organized by Ottawa Bahá'ís,
the ceremony featured performances by an array of spiritual groups.
Printed
in The Ottawa Citizen January 21,
2002
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