Interdenominational initiatives are bridges for peace

Scholars, theologians and a crowd of over 250 persons gathered at the University of Southern California for an historical "Round Table on Peace", as reported by Liz Nobukuni, in the December 5, 2008,  World Tribune, a Buddhist weekly periodical.  

The prestigious panel met at the University of Southern California (USC) for "the event hosted by USC Peace and Conflict Studies, School of International Relations along with the USC Center for International Studies, the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, the SGI_USA and the SGI-USC Student Club.  This was a wonderful representation of an interdenominational dialogue for world peace:  "Douglas Becker, acting director of USC Peace and Conflict Studies program, Dr. Lawrence E. Carter Sr, dean of Martin Luther King, Jr International Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta,  Christopher Queen, lecturer on the Study of Religion at Harvard University, and Daniel Smith-Christopher, professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University were all on the panel of the round table.

Soka Gakkai International (SGI )President Daisaku Ikeda has submitted a Peace Proposal, annually, to the United Nations since 1983.   These proposals  have been the catalyst for this initiative, as well as, an equally remarkable interdenominational initiative sponsored by the youth of SGI, entitled  "Victory over Violence" (VOV).   VOV is a  world peace exhibit  presented and opened in Los Angeles, CA on November 17, 2008 at the Santa Monica Boulevard Community Center.  "There are two exhibits; the second 'Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace'  honors Mohandas K. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr and Daisaku Ikeda for their contributions to world peace as ordinary citizens" as reported by Leslie Thornton, WT correspondent.

We are in an era when we can benefit greatly from resources for harmony and peace among ourselves.  America grows daily in diversity and is thirsting for change to move away from past images of violence, non-tolerance, conflict and confusion.  These remarkable initiatives are just one of many ways anyone, regardless of our differences, can participate in bridges to world peace.
 

Full details on both articles are available in the World Tribune periodical.

Thornton, Leslie, "Students Pledge for Peace"
World Tribune, December 5, 2008, Vol 3735

Nobukini, Liz,  "A Round Table on Peace"
World Tribune, December 5, 2008, Vol 3735

 

 

 

Comments

Name:

Email Address:

Comments:

More from Miami Buddhist Examiner

Trail of Dreams World Peace Walk advances

                      The Trail of Dreams World Peace Walk (TDWPW) is one of many World Peace initiatives existing today amidst the ongoing battles in Irag, Gaza, Afghanistan and other countries... Read More

Miami Buddhist quote of the day for January 28

It has been an especially trying week with many layoffs in the country.  Here is another  inspirational quote to remind you during this time of challenge, that 'Yes We CAN' overcome adversity and emerge victorious in 2009 and thereafter. "Why... Read More

From the Walk for Change to the Trail of Dreams Walk for Peace

With excited anticipation, bordering on reverence, the country and the world witnessed the new President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk towards change down Pennsylvania Avenue to begin the new administration.  On the heels of this... Read More

Miami Buddhist Quote of the day

Miami Buddhist "Quote of the Day" will be a feature along with upcoming articles to inspire and encourage.  Today's quote is a simple reminder, during this time of challenge, that we can overcome adversity and emerge victorious in 2009... Read More

Ten best ways to use that extra second in 2008

    We have been granted an extra second, by the workings of the universe, before the close of 2008.  Scientists say phenomenon such as heavy snows on the mountains can slow the Earth down long enough to put it out of sync with time. ... Read More

Buddhists continuing quest for world peace

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is one of many Buddhist organizations or sects.  SGI is a lay Buddhist organization, a Buddhist association for peace, culture and education.  What does that mean really?  Did you know SGI that is also... Read More

A Buddhist celebration of the New Year

It is probably common knowledge among the countless Buddhists sects, that each may celebrate the Buddhist New Year according to their country of origin and ethnic group.  One such  celebration of the New Year will be taking place right here... Read More

The ceremony and tradition of a Buddhist wedding

 A traditional SGI Buddhist wedding is a beautiful ceremony composed of a remarkable expression of unity and indivisibility.  Buddhism is a religion that has evolved to make no distinction in the equality of women and men, and while there... Read More

Walk the Trail of Dreams with the United Nations ambassador for peace

  The American Women's Heritage Society Inc (AWHS, Inc receives a donation from the Samuel Bernard Lackey, Jr Historic Memorabilia Collection, Photo Courtesy of Sam Lackey "Everyone who breathes air can participate in this movement to... Read More