On 3rd August 2025, Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland held an Interfaith Service for World Peace Day to commemorate those who suffered and perished in the Asia-Pacific region during the Second World War. The ceremony was led by the Dean of the Cathedral, The Very Reverend Anne Mills and The Reverend Ivica Gregurec. Abbess Manshin of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple NZ, was invited to represent Buddhism and offered a recitation of A Prayer for World Peace by the Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The ceremony was attended by numerous religious and community leaders, including President Eveyln KU of BLIA North Island Chapter, Chief Advisor Lintao YU and Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian, and nearly one hundred members of the public, who came together to pray for global peace.
Dean Mills emphasised that the ceremony aimed to remember the catastrophic suffering experienced in the Asia-Pacific during the Second World War, honouring the millions who lost their lives due to war, occupation, forced labour and displacement—including those from China, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, the Solomon Islands and other Pacific islands. The ceremony also paid tribute to New Zealand soldiers who served in the Pacific theatre and acknowledged their efforts and contributions towards peace and reconciliation.
During the interfaith prayers, Abbess Manshin recited A Prayer for World Peace, offering Buddhist blessings to the event. The prayer deeply reflected on the causes of human suffering, rooted in self-conceit and prejudice, and the worldly turmoil is caused by attachment. It sincerely called for a world free from jealousy, hatred, and greed, and for one where only praise, harmony, joy, generosity, and accomplishment prevail. The prayer encouraged all to embrace the wisdom, selflessness and compassion of the Buddha, to dissolve conflict and ignorance, and to bring true peace and brightness to the world.
Dean Mills expressed heartfelt thanks for Fo Guang Shan’s participation and support, stating that the peace prayer gathering was not only an act of remembrance, but a renewed commitment to peace. She expressed hope that all religions would continue to walk hand in hand to create a world where the horrors of war would never be repeated.