In the Spirit of Assisi: International Prayer for Peace 2006 in Washington, D.C.

In 1986, Pope John Paul II called for religious leaders to convene in Assisi, Italy, to pray for peace. Since then, each year the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Rome-based lay movement, has sponsored a similar peace-building event in different cities around the world such as Lisbon, Bucharest, Jerusalem and Warsaw. This year, the “Spirit of Assisi” flowed into Washington, D.C. for the 20th anniversary of the International Prayer for Peace. Over 850 participants from all major religions and from many countries gathered April 26-27 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

“Peace is a gift of God more than a result of human efforts. Peace is the great aspiration of millions of women and men. Dialogue chases away fear,” proclaimed Professor Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio. This year’s co-sponsors included the Archdiocese of Washington, The Catholic University of America, and the host school.

The opening ceremony included Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, then Archbishop of Washington; President John J. Degioia, Georgetown University; Shear-Yashuv Cohen, the Chief Rabbi of Haifa; E.J. Dionne, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution; and Imam Warith D. Mohammed, The Mosque Cares. These distinguished speakers set the stage for the rich offerings of important topics for world peace and justice.

The title of this year’s event, “Religion and Cultures: The Courage of Dialogue,” came alive in the many seminars in which such issues as global poverty, prayer, genocide prevention, mass media, spirituality, terrorism, religious freedom, religious pluralism and HIV/Aids were discussed in depth. The theme of dialogue and courage was woven throughout many of the seminars with topics such as “The Courage of Dialogue in the United States” and “Living Together in a Globalized World: The Role of Religions.” Well-known religious and political figures from Ireland, Pakistan, Sweden, Vatican City, Japan, Egypt, Israel and throughout the United States participated in the event.

Dialogue among panelists and with the audience continued as microphones were opened for response and comments. Panelists might not have agreed on all issues but they listened to one another and to audience concerns with the greatest attention and respect.

The halls of Georgetown were crowded with dignitaries such as Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore, who shared the podium with seven other distinguished panelists and then chaired the next panel. Lively greetings of affection and respect were exchanged as those of various faith traditions, some wearing prayer shawls, headdresses and distinctive robes, recognized one another. The panelists, who numbered about 100, included four cardinals from three countries, archbishops, rabbis, imams, Buddhist monks, Hindus, journalists, professors from universities around the world, politicians from various countries, Christians from many denominations—in general, an impressive representation of the religious, political and social leaders in the world both clerical and lay. After the seminars in the afternoon of the second day, each community assembled for prayer in its own faith tradition in various parts of Washington. Coming together just a few blocks from the campus, this colorful assembly of people embraced in friendship as they began a pilgrimage of peace, proceeding toward the university for the closing ceremony on the lawn of Georgetown’s campus.

An “Appeal for Peace,” drafted and signed by the conference’s participants, was read to all as the culminating document of the two days. It spoke to those who sow terror and make war in God’s name: “Stop! Do not kill! With violence everyone loses! Let us talk together and God will shine on us.”

The document includes a summons to go beyond fear: “Dialogue challenges all men and women to see the best in others and to be rooted in the best of themselves.” Dialogue was described as “a medicine that heals wounds” and builds a world that is “more livable for present and future generations.”

One of those speaking to the assembled crowd, Cardinal McCarrick, asked in the name of all: “May this prayer for peace be heard by the Lord, may he lead us on the road to peace.”

As the representatives of the various faith traditions walked across the stage and signed the appeal, each lighted a candle on a large candelabra, symbolically affirming adherence to this appeal for peace. Starting with the religious leaders on stage, which included Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Shintoists, and all who participated in the event, the Appeal for Peace is addressed to all men and women, believers and people of goodwill. It invites everyone to “have the courage to live the art of dialogue” so that the world may see “a new era of peace and justice.”

The International Prayer for Peace continues the spirit of Assisi, giving a common voice to the witness and prayers of men and women of all faiths, and to all those of goodwill. The vision of Pope John Paul II will continue to provide a forum to work together for peace, out of love and respect for our brothers and sisters throughout the world.

—with Lucia Martinez