Buenos Aires, Argentina – Friendship and prayers, followed by poetry and snacks, made for a meaningful and delightful event in celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week and the International Day of Human Fraternity on February 22, 2024, in Buenos Aires. The meeting was organized by UPF-Argentina and the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development, and took place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Versalles Neighborhood.
The host, Bishop Pablo Tosi, offered an opening prayer and welcoming remarks, followed by a speech by Mr. Miguel Werner, president of UPF-Argentina, who called on everyone to renew hope and commitment to religious expression, fraternity and peace.
Reflections and comments were shared by Mr. Gustavo Libardi, president of Scientology Argentina; Mormon priest Mr. David Frol, representative of IAPD-Argentina; Mr. Julio Schlosser, former president of DAIA, which represents the Jewish community; Mr. İsa Altekin, director of Alba Intercultural Dialogue Center; Ms. Rosetta Conti, president of Women’s Federation for World Peace-Argentina; Ms. Gloria Miranda, director of WFWP-Southern Cone; and Ms. María Inés Ramos from the Cristo Obrero Catholic Community.
From various perspectives, the speakers highlighted the importance of interreligious harmony, the value of fraternity, and the need to pursue peace, especially in the current context of wars and conflicts. There were also testimonies, which concluded with words and prayers by Mr. Libardi of the Scientology community; Mr. Schlosser of the Jewish community; Ms. Faiza Yahia, representing the Muslim community; Mr. Roberto Montaño from the Mormon community; and Mr. Sergio Castellón from the Unification Church and FFWP-Argentina community.
The MC was IAPD-Argentina coordinator Ms. Andrea Fernández Bevans, communications director for the Buenos Aires Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She invited Mr. Carmelo Menniti to recite some poems, which touched and uplifted the audience.
Finally, everyone watched a video of an event on the 2014 World Interfaith Harmony Week, “For Peace in Syria, in the Middle East and the World,” which was organized by UPF-Argentina at the Peace Embassy in Buenos Aires.
