On 22nd April 2020, Arigatou International and its initiatives jointly hosted the live, “Interfaith Prayer with Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The solidarity prayer was led by faith leaders with active participation of children from seven different religious traditions including Baha’i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Several partners and friends of the GNRC similarly participated in the prayer.
The inspiring 60 minutes of prayer and reflection with children from over 50 countries was broadcasted in Arigatou International’s Facebook and YouTube platforms and shared with partners, members and friends of the GNRC.
During the prayer the President of Arigatou International and Convenor, GNRC, Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, addressed the thousands of online users, expressing his desire to see the global pandemic contained. He noted that the pandemic had affected every sphere of children’s lives including learning, freedom of movement and interaction, as well as slowing the global economy. The GNRC Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, called on the world’s religious communities and spiritual traditions to continue encouraging the masses and do all that they could to protect children against all forms of violence especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global leaders from Shanti Ashram, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, International Dialogue Center, KAICIID, Pastoral da Criança, Islamic Relief Worldwide, United Religions Initiative, Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities, and International Network of Engaged Buddhists, INEB, also delivered statements of solidarity.
The ‘Message of Healing’ was shared in the hour-long prayer, calling for the protection of children against violence. Similarly, participants prayed for a speedy end to the pandemic.
We thank the children, religious leaders, partners and friends who joined us in the interfaith prayer.
To watch the full Interfaith Prayer, click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYdPWsI-Bfc
Also, visit Arigatou International’s response to COVID-19: https://arigatouinternational.org/en/response-to-covid19
