Seeds of Peace in a Season of Hope
On December 15, a warm spirit of fellowship, reflection, and shared commitment to peace filled the India International School in Chantilly, Virginia, as community leaders and guests gathered for the First Interfaith Program on Religious Freedom. Centered on the theme “World Peace Through Reconciliation: Religious Freedom,” the event highlighted the vital role of dialogue, mutual respect, and unity in an increasingly divided world. The program was co-hosted by the India International School, Universal Peace Federation (UPF)–Virginia, and Pure Style, Inc., creating a welcoming environment for interfaith exchange and cultural appreciation.
Dr. William Selig of UPF–Virginia served as master of ceremonies and opened the program by noting the spiritual significance of December across many faith traditions. From Hanukkah and Bodhi Day to Christmas and Kwanzaa, he observed that this sacred season lifts up shared values of hope, renewal, community, and peace. The gathering began with an invocation by Minister Karen Fletcher of Bethlehem Baptist Church, followed by welcoming remarks from Mrs. Barbara Moseley Marks, Executive Director of UPF–Virginia. She reminded participants that religion exists to reconnect humanity to the Creator and to one another as one human family, affirming that lasting peace begins within the human heart.
The program featured thoughtful reflections from speakers representing diverse faith perspectives. Rev. Levy Daugherty spoke on integrity as a foundational principle for reconciliation, emphasizing that peace begins within individuals and extends outward to families and communities. Minister Karen Fletcher shared her personal faith journey and her work with at-risk youth, offering a heartfelt call for greater compassion, dignity, and hope for young people in today’s challenging environment. Indira Kumar, co-founder of the India International School, presented a Hindu perspective on religious freedom, highlighting harmony with nature, personal responsibility, and reverence for the divine in all life. The presentations concluded with remarks by Rev. Claire Daugherty, who affirmed that shared moral values and integrity unite all religions and serve as essential building blocks for lasting peace.
Musical reflections added a joyful and uplifting dimension to the afternoon, reinforcing the spirit of unity and celebration. The program concluded with words of gratitude to the approximately 25 attendees, acknowledging their presence and commitment to interfaith cooperation. The gathering was both inspiring and hopeful—a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration and a powerful reminder that world peace is possible when people of faith walk together in mutual respect and understanding.