WHAT YOU
CAN DO
Despite the actions
of some who profess to be followers of this or that religion, ALL the major religions and faiths embrace and pray for PEACE.
FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY
“The time has come for religious leaders to cooperate more effectively in the work of healing wounds, resolving conflicts and pursuing peace. We must be peacemakers, and our communities must be schools of respect and dialogue with those of other ethnic or religious groups, places where we learn to overcome tensions, foster just and peaceful relations between peoples and social groups, and build a better future.” — Pope Francis
INTERFAITH ACTION OF CENTRAL TEXAS (IACT)
THE RED BENCH: CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER
Several years ago, renowned UT Professor Dr. Betty Sue Flowers recommended that organizations place red benches in public spaces. The idea was simple — by sitting on one of these red benches you were signaling to others that you were open to a conversation that really matters. The red bench is a symbol of a place for conversations that “cultivate peace and respect.”
Inspired by Dr. Flowers, IACT launched its Red Bench program in 2009 as an ongoing dialogue program designed to address one of the most pressing needs of our time: improving interfaith understanding and civil discourse in our society.
Each conversation is centered on moderated small group discussions that are genuinely respectful and safe. No one has to be an expert. Individual participants are invited to share from their personal experiences and listen with their hearts. The format is structured and allows each individual to be heard. Each table is “hosted” by one or two table hosts. Watch for their specal Red Bench event for Peace Day Austin.
Austin's Unity Church of the Hills holds a World Day of Prayer on the 2nd Thursday of September every year. It typically begins with a 24 hour Prayer Vigil that starts around 7:30 PM the evening before and
concludes with our World Day of Prayer Service at 7:30PM, this year on 9/10.The theme this year is: “Pray Up Yourself, Pray Up the World.” The general focus is world peace. Learn more.
Unify, which helped inspire MedMob's "Om the Dome" last year, creates globally synchronized events on Solstices and Equinoxes with a focus on celebrating our shared humanity around the world. At these times, we invite all people to meditate, host local ceremonies, pray and align with Source in their own way.
"It is our conviction that we are One Human Family, transcendent of race, religion, or nation. By unifying at these times we create a living demonstration of our underlying unity and an Emerging Planetary Culture which embraces the interdependence and well-being of all." Yes, Peace Day is on the Equinox: September 21.
In 2004, the World Council of Churches began recognizing September 21 as an International Day of Prayer for Peace. Across the world, 280 million people were aware of September 21 as a day of peace in 2012. Now a group of ministries has formed an ad hoc group to invite all commuites of faith to pray for peace on September 21.
DR. WILLIAM VENDLEY of RELIGIONS FOR PEACE and PEACE ONE DAY
DR. WILLIAM VENDLEY of RELIGIONS FOR PEACE and PEACE ONE DAY
LOCAL ACTION
We urge you to ask your place of worship to consider making PEACE the center of its services/practices sometime between Friday. September 11 – Sunday, September 20. We also encourage faith/spiritual communities to schedule community services in the same time peiod as part of Peace Day Austin since service and humanitarian action is an important part of Peace Day Action worldwide.
MINUTE OF SILENCE AT NOON on 9/21
The NGO Pathways To Peace inaugurated a “Peace Wave” of a Minute of Silence/Moment of Peace at 12:00 Noon in each time zone in 1983. Now the Minute of Silence is supported by the United Nations, Rotary, Mayors for Peace and many
NGOs worldwide. The International Day of Peace. It is a shared and practical act of peace building in which all individuals, organizations and nations can participate. Pause for the Minute of Silence wherever you are on 9/21.
DOWNLOAD MORE PEACE DAY ACTIVITIES RELATED TO FAITH AND SPRITIUALITY.
Any Peace Day Austin activity, service, project, or event can also be part of the Compassion Games. Are you ready to challenge each other to make the world an even more compassionate place to live? Game On! Register here to play
Questions? Contact compassionateaustin@gmail.com.