Universal Peace Federation, United Kingdom Official

World Minorities Alliance launched in UK

UPF-UK Secretary General Robin Marsh addressing World Minorities Alliance UK Launch Universal Peace Federation (UPF) - UK Secretary General, Robin Marsh, was invited to address the UK launch of the World Minorities Alliance. It is a laudable initiative of Mr Julius Salik in Pakistan and supported by UPF Pakistan branch. The initiative shares much in common with UPF's vison of humankind being 'one family under God' in which all people have equal value irrespective of where they are born. Marsh emphasised the founding purpose of UPF to create an Inter-religious Council in the United Nations that would enhance inter-religious and inter-cultural understanding and peaceful relations. He also congratulated Pakistan for its wisdom in co-sponsoring the UN Resolution with the Philippines to establish a unit within the UN Secretariat to promote Interfaith Dialogue. Pakistan Times' UK Bureau article of event link here.

Mysticism as Doctrine & Experience: Prof. Karel Werner

Prof Karel Werner speaking

Prof. Karel Werner of SOAS, Religious studies Department, University of London, reviewed the history of Mysticism contrasting paths of doctrinal belief and ecstatic mystical union. His statement that ‘belief in doctrine was childish’ caused some discussion. He compared also the experience of interfaith dialogue and relationships today with the communities of mystics who have appeared throughout history. He added that the backlash against those who transcended their belief to enter an ecstatic, mystical oneness has also been a common historical theme.

In Memoriam: Abel T. Muzorewa

Bishop Abel Muzorewa

Harare, Zimbabwe - The first black prime minister of an interim white-dominated government before Zimbabwe's independence, Bishop Abel Muzorewa, died at his Harare home on April 8. He was 85.

A Methodist bishop, Muzorewa joined the government of the short-lived Zimbabwe-Rhodesia in a deal with Ian Smith, the last white prime minister, in 1978, two years ahead of the first all race elections that swept President Robert Mugabe to power and dropped the name of Rhodesia, as the former British colony was known. He was granted peace awards by both Pope John II and the United Nations in the 1970s for his efforts to liberate his country from the United Kingdom. Bishop Muzorewa was a member of UPF's Presiding Council.

Bristol UPF Interfaith Meeting

Bristol Bridge of Peace event for Brothers

This is one of our regular interfaith meetings where people can get together and learn about different Saints and their works. Starting with interfaith prayers from Christian, Hindu and Muslim, all the prayers had beautiful sounds. Particularly, Dr Krishna from the Hindu religion said prayers from the Qur’an which sounded so spiritual and enchanted. Report by Tomoko Harris (UPF Bristol).

Doyen of Indian Freedom Movement - Satguru Ram Singh

Mr Suba Tarsem Singh Bimbra of Namdhari Sangat UK. Glowing homage was paid to the Founder of the Freedom Movement of India, Satguru Ram Singh at an event held here at the House of Lords. Chaired by Lord King, the Holy Incarnation Celebration of Satguru Ram Singh was supported by Hindu Council UK on Monday 22nd March 2010. The speakers eulogised him for his political sagacity and dynamic personality. They recalled that Satguru Ram Singh laid the foundation of the freedom movement in 1857 upon which Gandhi based his political philosophy. An Ambassador for Peace Award was presented to Suba Tarsem Singh Bimbra of Namdhari Sangat UK. Parliamentarians including Baroness Sandip Verma, Virendra Sharma MP and Barry Gardiner MP discussed the proposal to name a park after Satguru Ram Singh and install his statue. Photos (Report by Razia Sultan)