Religions for Peace is committed to leading effective multi-religious responses to the world’s pressing issues. We believe ambitious goals and complex problems can best be tackled when different faith communities work together.
Mission, Vision, Principles
Religions for Peace Signs Framework of Cooperation Agreement with SRSG-SVC
On the special occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Religions for Peace’s Secretary General, Professor Azza Karam, has signed a Framework of Cooperation Agreement with Under-Secretary-General Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC).
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Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund Supports Interfaith Rehabilitation Programme in Ukraine
As Ukraine continues to destabilize, Christian (including Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant), Jewish and Muslim communities, families and individuals, afflicted by the ongoing armed clashes in Ukraine came together from 1-5 June for ReStart, an interfaith rehabilitation training, facilitated by Libertas Center for Interconfessional and Interreligious Dialogue – the first grantee of the Religions for Peace Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund, Phase III (2022).
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European Council of Religious Leaders Birmingham Declaration
From 7-9 June, the European Council of Religious Leaders-Religions for Peace (ECRL) met in Birmingham, UK. Dialogues revolved around how faith leaders can promote peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation in times of conflict. These dialogues resulted in the Birmingham Declaration which emphasizes the need for religious leaders to work together to help end violence and war.
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Message from FIDELA
The Second Interreligious Forum of the Americas (FIDELA) convened in Los Angeles, on June 6-8, 2022, and shared its concerns in support of the IX Summit of the Americas. FIDELA was attended in person by over 100 religious leaders and representatives of faith-based organizations, and policy experts from throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, and was made available to a larger online audience. Significantly, participants included a diverse group of Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Reformed Christians, Baptists, Evangelicals, Adventists, Orthodox Christians, Latter-day Saints, Jews, Muslims, Bahá’is, Indigenous, Afro-Latino Americans and Caribbeans, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and others, including representatives of youth, who came together to share their distinctive insights, values, and concerns regarding the needs of the Western Hemisphere, within the framework of interreligious cooperation that inspires us to work together for peace, justice and solidarity.
War and Peace episode 2: The War and the Churches. What can the Churches do?
“Because no one religious leader is going to bring peace to the whole world.” -Prof. Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace in the second episode of the video podcast “War & Peace” with Dr. Christine Schliesser.
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The power of religion on the international scene
“To ignore religion is to refuse to work with the most powerful influence in our world.” -Professor Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace, in her latest interview.
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Religions for Peace and the WHO sign MOU
June 8, 2022 – Religions for Peace and the World Health Organisation sign a historic partnership agreement. Secretary General, Prof. Dr. Azza Karam, laudated the vision, foresight and courage of WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, and his team, in facilitating the first MOU between WHO and a global multireligious platform convening religious leaders and religious institutions in over 90 countries. This commitment to partnerships around emergency preparedness, health system strengthening and Universal Access to Healthcare comes at a critical time for global public health concerns amidst multiple and simultaneous challenges of climate change, human rights, peace building, food security as well as internal displacement.
“Multi religious work is part of multilateral collaboration. Both are necessary building blocks for social cohesion and resilience” Professor Karam said.
The Second Interreligious Forum of the Americas
Religions for Peace had the opportunity to participate in the Second Interreligious Forum of the Americas (FIDELA) in Los Angeles, California from 7-8 June.
FIDELA offers a platform where religious leaders, faith-based organisations, government officials, and more can come together to provide recommendations to the Heads of State and Government.
Religions for Peace‘s International Secretariat was represented by Deputy Secretary General [ad interim], Rev. Masahiro Nemoto; Regional Secretary General for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Elias Szczytnicki; and Programme Officer in Partnerships and Interreligious Education, Dr. Karen Leslie Hernandez.
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Interfaith Prayer for World Peace
Religions for Peace signs MoU with the Islamic Fiqh Academy
Faith-Based Engagement at Stockholm+50
Faith Based Organisations formed an interfaith coordination team for the Stockholm+50 process to support faith communities understanding of, and engagement in, the conference.
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Final Communique And Declaration on the Common Human Values
The Final Communique And Declaration on the Common Human Values issued by “The Forum for Promoting the Common Values among the Followers of Religions Values,” organized by the Muslim World League is now available!
Bridging Humanity
Read Dr. Prof. Lakshmi Vyas’ paper on Bridging Humanity which was presented at the Muslim World League Meeting on 11th May, 2022 at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Manresa 2022
Kathmandu Statement
As a result of the FPCC Regional Faith Engagement Forum for South Asia, Religions for Peace and partners are proud to present the Kathmandu Statement which calls for collaboration to provide a better environment and promote well-being of children in South Asian along with sustaining relationships with faith actors in the region.
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Belonging – Affirmations for Faith Leaders
Religions for Peace in partnership with the World Council of Churches (WCC), have released the Affirmations of Belonging for Faith Leaders. Religions for Peace is indebted to the co-stewardship of the WCC, a member of its governing board.
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Prof. Dr. Azza Karam Receives an Honorary Degree
Secretary General of Religions for Peace, Professor Dr. Azza Karam received an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Humane Letters) from John Cabot University during their Commencement Ceremony on 16 May, 2022.
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La Società: Rivista Scientifica Di Dottrina Sociale Della Chiesa
“The The Society: Scientific Journal of the Social Doctrine of the Church” is now available!
Read Professor Dr. Azza Karam’s article titled “Un patto fra le religioni per la pace mondiale e la convivenza comune (A pact between religions for world peace and common coexistence)” on page 129.
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Launch of the High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism
Religions for Peace Secretary General, Professor Dr. Azza Karam serves on the High-Level Advisory Board (HLAB) on Effective Multilateralism formed by United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres.
The HLAB will be tasked with developing an independent report in support of effective multilateralism and how to strengthen governance arrangements that can deliver global public goods.
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Religions for Peace-South Africa Involved in Flood Relief Efforts
Religions for Peace-South Africa has been involved in flood relief work done by interfaith communities.
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Hindu Leaders From Around the World Denounce Hate
Hindus for Human Rights has released a statement for Hindu religious leaders and temples to speak out against rising violence against Muslims in India.
Religions for Peace supports this statement and stands against violence and discrimination against all.
Read the Statement
Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together
This event featured a one-hour fireside chat with Rev. Masahiro Nemoto, Deputy Secretary-General [ad interim] of Religions for Peace and Monsignor Hilary Franco, Adviser of the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the UN.
Watch the Recording
“We have always been and will continue to the guardians of mother earth”
Priestess Beatriz Schultess’s joined “Multi-Religious and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for the Advancement of New Urban Agenda” co-hosted by Religions for Peace and World Evangelical Alliance in partnership with UN Habitat on April 26, 2022.
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Love and Respect the Earth: Multi-Religious Collaboration to Address the Climate Crisis
In honor of Earth Day, Religions for Peace in partnership with the City Council of Manresa, Catalonia, Spain held the hybrid event “Love and Respect the Earth: Multi-Religious Collaboration to Address the Climate Crisis” on 21 April, 2022.
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IRFBA Statement on Discrimination Against the Baha’i Community
The International Religious, Freedom, or Belief Alliance has released a joint statement on discrimination against the Baha’i community.
Religions for Peace stands with our Baha’i brothers and sisters against any act of discrimination.
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World Economic Forum Transformation Map
Religions for Peace is proud to announce that the World Economic Forum Transformation Map segment on Religions is now live!
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The Generating Respect Project Conference
The recordings of the Generating Respect Project Conference, which took place 8-10 December, 2021, are now available.
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World Picnic stops in New York, with women committed to human rights
Ms. Lia Beltrami writes about the 2022 World Picnic tour in New York City, her time during Religions for Peace‘s CSW66 parallel event, “Multi-Religious Collaboration: The Tipping Point for Engendered Climate Change Policies,” and meeting Professor Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace.
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The Local Changemakers Course
Many people are worried about FoRB violations in their community but unsure of how to make a difference. FoRB Learning Platform is delighted to present a new, important set of learning materials designed to empower local communities to make change – The Local Changemakers Course!
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Faith Leaders Around the World Will Visit Ukraine
On 12 April, 2022, faith leaders around the world will visit Ukraine. The historic mission unites leaders of many faiths to demonstrate friendship and solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and all who have been impacted by the war.
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Women Empowerment and Environmental Restoration for Conflict Prevention in the Sahel
ACRL-Religions for Peace has implemented a three year project to contribute to towards the restoration of the environment and conflict transformation in Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal by strengthening the voice of religious leaders.
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Phase III of the Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund
Religions for Peace has announced Phase III of the Multi-Religious Humanitarian Fund. Seed grants will be provided to interfaith initiatives that aid those displaced by conflict in Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Haiti, Colombia, and Afghanistan.
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Religions for Peace: Mission & Impact
Religions for Peace – the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition – has had many milestones, partnerships, and global actions. Click to learn more.
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War in Ukraine is a Learning Moment for the Climate Crisis
Professor Anantanand Rambachan Named as Faith Leader to Watch in 2022
Religions for Peace would like to congratulate Professor Anantanand Rambachan, Co-President of Religions for Peace, for being included in the Center for American Progress’ list of 22 Faith Leaders to Watch in 2022!
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A Message Regarding the Situation in Ukraine by Rissho Kosei-Kai
Rissho Kosei-Kai are co-founders and strong members of Religions for Peace‘s global movement, and have actively supported multi religious peace building for decades. Read their statement on the situation in Ukraine.
Read the Statement
Voice of Religious Youth on Ukraine to All World Leaders
Religions for Peace‘s International Youth Committee has released a Statement on the Ukraine Conflict.
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International Women's Day Statement from the World Council
For the first time in the history of Religions for Peace, the World Council, the governing body of Religions for Peace, composed of senior most faith leaders representing faith communities around the world, has issued a statement on International Women’s Day. The World Council acknowledges that women are impacted most severely by today’s multiple and simultaneous challenges of war, environmental degradation, violence, and poverty, committing to work together to support women’s voices, leadership and needs globally.
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Religions for Peace Statement on the Ukraine Conflict
“As an organization dedicated to peace and the prosperity of everyone, Religions for Peace reaffirms its belief that advocating for a non-violent resolution to this crisis is an expression of our shared spiritual commitment to a just and sustainable peace.”
Letter to Patriarch Kirill
On 4 March, 2022, The European Council of Religious Leaders – Religions for Peace Peace Europe sent a letter to Patriarch Kirill to urge for the end of violence.
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Interfaith Harmony Work
From 1 February to 7 February, in honor of Interfaith Harmony Week, Religions for Peace offered stories highlighting the work of our many Interreligious Councils from around the world. These stories were then complied into a video.
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A Plea for Multi-Religious Civil Accountability
Religions for Peace Secretary General Dr. Azza Karam has written another opinion piece published by Inter Press Service on the plea for multi-religious civil accountability.
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Religions for Peace faith leaders demand an accountability to peace
“Calling for peace and a de-escalation of the militarization of Ukraine’s borders is also a prayer for justice. Peace is a matter of choice and has to be shared by all the forces engaged in this concerning geopolitical context…while conflict may be a normal aspect of coexistence, war and violence are not inevitable.”
India’s successful launch of COVID-19 Vaccination for Adolescents
Dr. Vinu Aram, President of Shanti Ashram writes about her experiences during the first week of Shanti Ashram’s initiative to raise COVID-19 and vaccine awareness.
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Youth Engagement with Religion and Faith in the 21st Century
Religions for Peace and partners are proud to present “Youth Engagement with Religion and Faith in the 21st Century”, a collection of papers that seek to highlight youth input on global issues.
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Ending Modern Slavery - the Role of Religious Actors:
From the 20th of October 2020 to the 8th of December 2021, Religions for Peace Honorary Presidents -the Sovereign Order of Malta – with the leadership of the Ambassador of the Order of Malta to monitor and combat trafficking in persons (Ambassador M. Veuthey), in cooperation with Sister Mirjam Beike, RGS, organized 16 webinars on human trafficking. See a detailed report on the remarkable discussions and actions undertaken.
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Statement of Religions for Peace Women of Faith on Overcoming Violence Against Women
Violence against women is on the rise more than ever, especially during the pandemic. The Religions for Peace International Women’s Coordinating Committee and Global Women of Faith Network have issued the Statement of Religions for Peace Women of Faith on Overcoming (Sexual) Violence Against Women. They proclaim to honor multi-religious collaboration to continue the social and spiritual care of people and seek partnerships among governmental and non-governmental entities to ensure the elimination of gender-based violence around the world.
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Religious Leaders Affirm Commitment at COP26
On November 3, Religions for Peace and partners hosted the “Making Peace with Nature: Heeding the Call of Indigenous People” side event at COP26. The event explored how and why it is necessary to protect indigenous peoples rights and spiritualities to achieve the goals of the Paris climate agreement. The Government of Norway also announced its support for the next phase of the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI), a unique collaboration between the United Nations and the world’s religions that is mobilizing faith-based movements to protect forests and the rights of Indigenous people globally and in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
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Religions for Peace awarded the European Culture Prize Award
On October 1, 2021, Religions for Peace was awarded the “Pro Humanitate” award for bringing religions together through dialogue during the European Culture Prize Award Ceremony held in Lindau, Germany.
Professor Azza Karam accepted the award and said in her speech that “[W]hat is most important for me to be able to share with you here today is that this recognition that you have graciously bestowed on us is not the recognition of an organisation, it isn’t the recognition of a global movement… it is fundamentally a recognition of the fact that the orchestra of life, the most beautiful of life’s music is performed quintessentially by the Divine and the Divine within each of us who have faith.”
The Arrogance of Ignorance: War in Ukraine, Religion and Abiding Ethnocentrism
Professor Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace has published a new article with Inter Press Service on the war in Ukraine and its impact on religious minorities and ethnocentrism.
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Building Together Better
Religions for Peace Secretary General Dr. Azza Karam spoke with Good News Planet about the effects of positive peace and how there needs to be a common understanding between religious leaders so that they are working together to spread the same positive messages to their followers.
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Highlights from the Conference on Faith and Diplomacy
Click to read the event summary of the Conference on Faith and Diplomacy: Generations in Dialogue which highlighted the need for religious actors, the youth, policymakers, and civil society actors to work together.
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"Political power seeks to weaken and divide religious leaders"
Dr. Azza Karam speaks about the importance of religion, effects of the pandemic, lessons to be learned from Afghanistan and more in her recent interview with Alfa & Omega.
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Covid-19 and the Role of Religion in the Pandemic
Professor Dr. Azza Karam speaks with Deutsche Welle about how more people are turning to religion because of traumas caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic such as mental health and gender-based violence. She emphasises the need for religious institutions and science to work together and for religious actors to “disseminate scientific knowledge.”
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Religions for Peace World Council Announces New Pledge of Solidarity
NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Religions for Peace World Council, composed of roughly 60 top leaders from diverse religious institutions and faith communities, released a joint statement this morning expressing interfaith solidarity against violence, climate change, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The human family faces numerous crises, from extremists who perversely justify gender-based and political violence on religious grounds; to unsustainable economic practices that threaten the environment and public health; to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that has exacerbated global inequities,” said Dr. Azza Karam, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace. “Never has there been a more urgent need for interfaith cooperation to serve the common good of humanity. That’s why we’ve released this new statement of solidarity.”
Read the Full Statement
U.N. Secretary-General Calls Latest IPCC Climate Report ‘Code Red for Humanity’
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the IPCC Working Group’s report was nothing less than “a code red for humanity. The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable”.
He noted that the internationally-agreed threshold of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels of global heating was “perilously close. We are at imminent risk of hitting 1.5 degrees in the near term. The only way to prevent exceeding this threshold, is by urgently stepping up our efforts, and persuing the most ambitious path.”
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Conference of the World Council of Religious Leaders on Faith and Diplomacy: Generations in Dialogue
Diplomacy is the oldest means of trying to build peaceful, just, inclusive coexistence in our global community. Religion is the oldest system of language, instruction and institutional existence. Where do the two meet?
Religions for Peace and Ring for Peace with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, hosted the Conference of the World Council of Religious Leaders on Faith and Diplomacy: Generations in Dialogue, which was held in Lindau, Germany, from 4-7 October 2021.
Click to read the highlights from the event.
More EventsSix Key Priorities
Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies
Our faith traditions inspire us to be changemakers where conflict, mass displacement, poverty, violent extremism and inequality call for common action
Gender Equality
Equality for women and girls is a foundation for securing a more peaceful and inclusive world for all people.
The Environment
Recognising the intimate connection between all forms of life and communities, we are committed to nurturing a sustainable environment.
Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. We bring faith communities together to champion this right for all.
Interreligious Education
Understanding diverse traditions is vital to increasing trust, respect, and cooperation among all people and faiths.
Global Partnerships
Strong partnerships with governments, civil society, and faith-based organisations ensures that our work is effective and leaves no one behind.