Walking Side by Side: Peace Road Salisbury
On September 12, the Peace Road Salisbury 2026 event brought together people from diverse faith communities for a 1.8-mile walk through Salisbury, North Carolina, from Faith Community Church to Parkway Church of God. The event provided an opportunity for participants to build relationships across religious traditions while learning about the vision of peace championed by Father and Mother Moon.
Senior Pastor John Harrison served as emcee, welcoming participants and guiding the program, which opened with music from Canvas Church. Speakers shared messages on faith, service, and the importance of working together for peace. Pastor TJ Smith, Imam Ashraf Ahmed, and second-generation speaker Leniva Loan each offered reflections, while Bishop Greg Morris shared biblical insights and read an official proclamation from Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor recognizing the occasion. The program also included the appointment of five new Ambassadors for Peace by Rev. Susan Fefferman, expanding the network of community leaders committed to promoting peace and cooperation.
Following the walk, participants gathered at Parkway Church of God for fellowship and a meal prepared by the church. The warm atmosphere continued as attendees shared conversation and expressed enthusiasm about returning with friends for next year’s event. A generous donation from an attendee further supported the gathering. Regional leaders, including Dr. Michael and Reiko Jenkins and Dr. Zagery Oliver, expressed their appreciation for the successful event and the relationships developed among participating communities.
The spirit of Peace Road continued beyond the event itself. Pastor Thomas Hoy highlighted the gathering during his Sunday service and wore his Peace Road T-shirt as a visible expression of support. The event also provided an opportunity for individuals who had initially expressed concerns about the gathering to participate and engage directly with the program and its message. Their participation created space for greater understanding and firsthand interaction with people who share a vision of building a more peaceful and unified world.
Peace Road Salisbury demonstrated the power of bringing people together through a simple shared activity. By walking side by side, sharing a meal, listening to one another, and welcoming new Ambassadors for Peace, participants strengthened connections across faith communities and gave practical expression to the belief that peace begins when people choose to walk together toward a common goal.