International Prayer for Peace

More than 100 religious and civic leaders from around the world will gather at Georgetown University in Washington, DC for the International Prayer for Peace: “Religions and Cultures: the Courage of Dialogue,” April 26-27, 2006.

Background
This is the first time in history this major interfaith conference will be held in the United States. The International Prayer for Peace builds upon the historic 1986 meeting Pope John Paul II held in Assisi with many of the world's religious leaders to pray for peace. Ever since, annual dialogues have been held throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Attending and Volunteering
Events are free, though registration is requested due to space. Everyone is especially encouraged to participate in the April 27 prayer services, Peace Procession and closing ceremony, described below. Volunteers may register online (now needed only for the April 27, 7:00 p.m. closing ceremony). Transportation and parking information is linked below. Parishes planning to bring a bus are asked to contact prayerforpeace2006@georgetown.edu to arrange parking.

Events
The conference will include a series of panels on topics such as Religions Facing Terrorism; Religions and the Culture of Life; Role of Religions in Solving the Crisis of HIV/AIDS; Bible, Spirituality and Humanism; Role of Religions in a Globalized World.

On Thursday, April 27, 5:30 p.m., each faith tradition will gather for a prayer service. An ecumenical serivice with Cardinal McCarrick will be held at Holy Trinity, 36th Street, NW, between N and O Streets.

At 6:30 p.m., the religious leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other faiths will lead a Peace Procession from Holy Trinity to Georgetown University for a moving closing ceremony and signing of a proclamation for peace (ceremony is 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.).

Sponsors
The 2006 International Prayer for Peace is sponsored by by the Community of Sant'Egidio, Archdiocese of Washington, Georgetown University and The Catholic University of America.

The Community of Sant'Egidio, founded in 1968, is a movement of over 50,000 Catholic lay people throughout the world who are dedicated to living the Gospel, interreligious dialogue, peace, justice and service. Based in Rome, Italy, Sant'Egidio has members in more than 70 countries. This will be the organization's first major event in the United States.

Sant'Egidio spokesman Claudio Betti noted, “Over the years, we have been able to gather together leaders who have found a way to speak to each other about their differences, recognizing that the road is long, but that peace is the common destiny of humanity. We are very excited about bringing this conversation to Washington, DC.”

Links to additional information:
Main Event Website
Schedule
Panels and Speakers
Register to Attend
Transportation
Volunteer
Parish and Youth Resources (pdf file)

Questions?
Archdiocese of Washington: communications@adw.org or 301-853-4517
Prayer for Peace staff: prayerforpeace2006@georgetown.edu