Glasgow Peace Embassy: Official Opening, Friday 18th November 2022
Scottish Interfaith Week
Dr. Maureen Sier, Director of Interfaith Scotland, officially opened the Peace Embassy Glasgow, 82, Mitchell Street on Friday 18th November.
It was appropriately timed to coincide with Scottish Interfaith Week 2022. The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, Universal Peace Federation and Women’s Federation for World Peace, founded by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon and his widow Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, now have a new base to support and cooperate with other faith groups, charitable organisations, and NGOs. Dr. Sier wished FFWPU much success in their future endeavours. She pointed out that Interfaith Scotland was the oldest Interfaith body in the U.K and its values had been guided by the four words engraved around the head of the Scottish Parliament’s ceremonial mace, Wisdom, Compassion, Justice and Integrity. Key values also perhaps, for individuals, organisations and communities.
An opening prayer from the Quran was offered by Abdul Owusu Konadu.
Speakers included Daresh Nahar, Interfaith activist, Glasgow local radio host and poet, and Dr. David Earle UPF Interfaith Director. He and his wife Patricia have been recognised for their Interfaith initiatives in Birmingham and overseas. UPF representative from Norway, Steinar Murud and Lars Neergard from Denmark were pleased to recount the considerable interest that had been shown to their recent meetings in Oslo and the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen. Other guests came from FFWPU communities in Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Ireland, London, Birmingham and around the UK.
Rev. Peter Gill brought a humorous touch to the evening with his stories of his early days as a Church of Scotland minister and understanding Scottish culture and language. Refreshments and snacks were served and guests were able to meet each other and share their views and experiences.
Dr. Michael Balcomb, FFWPU Director UK, Europe and the Middle East, offered a dedication prayer for the future success of the new Peace Embassy and Viola Dirnhofer beautifully sang Hillsong United’s Oceans to conclude the evening.
A new beginning for the Peace Embassy. The world is in dire need of Peace, Unity, Understanding and Compassion. We trust the Peace Embassy can be a resource for all these things within Glasgow and the wider community.