On 13th October 2019, Canterbury Interfaith Society held its Prayer for World Peace event in Hagley Park Christchurch. Fo Guang Shan (FGS) South Island was invited as a participating party. The event was attended by 50 participants and FGS South Island was represented by 10 members of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island.
The event was opened by President of Canterbury Interfaith Society Matthew Gardner, who thanked the representatives of various Faiths for their participation. This was then followed by the speeches of the various religious representatives, including, Knox Presbyterian Church representative Rev. Dr Matthew Jack, Catholic Faith representative Fr Tien Cao, Muslim Faith representative Ibrahim Abdel Halim, and Hindu Faith representative Surinder Tandon. Led by its Vice President Lih-son Ding, members of the BLIA South Island recited Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for World Peace.
Following the speeches and recital, the participants took turn to ring the Peace Bell, turning their good intents and well wishes into the sounds of Peace, and forging a dream to make this world a better and peaceful place.
