Originally posted on October 2, 2013. Updated on October 1, 2019.

Reverently referred to as Mahatma Gandhi, used non-violent protest as a means to gain Indian independence in the mid 1900’s.

International Day of Non-Violence, is commemorated on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, October 2, celebrating his contribution to uplifting human dignity and promoting non-violent social action. Individuals like Gandhi have led movements that have transformed the global consciousness to fundamental principles and shared values that have brought humanity closer to a world of peace and prosperity.

Gandhi believed and fought for the preservation of human rights and dignities. Throughout his life, Gandhi’s search for truth would lead him to discover that, “There are innumerable definitions of God, because His manifestations are innumerable. They overwhelm me with wonder and awe and for a moment stun me. But I worship God as Truth Only.”

Dr. Moon often points to Gandhi as a “spiritual leader” who stepped out of his “religious box” to lead a movement that had significant social impact.

And indeed, his spiritual convictions were the basis for his seminal philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violence). Gandhi explains in his paper “Satyagraha in South Africa” that:

“Truth (Satya) implies love, and firmness (Agraha) engenders and therefore serve as a synonym for force. I thus began to call the Indian movement “Satyagraha”, that is to say, the Force which is born of Truth and Love or non-violence.”

Gandhi placed a simple philosophy in the hands of every person, from every cast, race and religion; the power of love and truth and personal will choose to live by universal truths and principles and shared values. In doing so, he birthed a movement that broke traditional divisions, and created monumental societal transformation that also left an indelible imprint on the rest of human history from Dr. King in the United States to Rev. Führer in East Germany.

As a form of non-violent protest against the British textile industry, Gandhi spun his own cloth and encouraged other Indians to do the same.

His principle of non-violence opened up something that could not be defined by economic of political power, something that Dr. King would later call “soul force.” It was this power that rested in the nobility of the human spirit that believed if one did not retaliate to violence, but respond with truth, service and love, one could stir the perpetrator’s conscience and soul. It was a power of unity and a larger vision that drew the “others” into a family, rather than ostracize and isolate.

Gandhi’s journey began in India, and within each stage of his life he would deepen his understanding and strengthen his values and beliefs. Each experience helped form the underpinning of his conviction that every human being possess a divine dignity, and the right to self-govern.

As a child he watched his parents stand up against injustice, even when it proved to be inconvenient. He would then study law in England, where he discovered an intrinsic value granted by God, present in every person and every religion.

He lived in South Africa where fierce prejudice would deepen his love for justice and righteousness, sparking his initial work with non-violence as a form of protest, and his conviction in the fundamental rights of all people.

Eventually he would return to India where he would begin a groundbreaking non-violent revolution to secure independence for India from the British Empire.

As a form of non-violent protest against the British textile industry, Gandhi spun his own cloth and encouraged other Indians to do the same.

These principles and beliefs in human rights and dignity are derived from a common creator and opened the way for India to become an independent nation, setting the stage for global decolonization after WWII.

But, as Gandhi humbly said at the close of his autobiography, “So long as a man does not of his own free will put himself last among his fellow creatures, there is no salvation for him.” To him, justice and happiness did not come from one best religion, or one best person, or even one best philosophy; it was grounded on the universal truth of living for others, of love. It was his humble search to embody that truth that was the heart of the awakening that he instigated.

As we celebrate his legacy, this would be the central point, to recognize the divinity and dignity of each person, and put love and truth into action for the benefit of each of them.

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The recent high-level consultation held in Nigeria for religious and tribal leaders in May 2013, “The Role of Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers in Building a Culture of Peace, National Unity and Integration,”

The Global Peace Foundation announced the regional  Global Peace Leadership Conference will be held on November 7-9 in Abuja, Nairobi.

Africa is at a turning point where she has the potential to become a leading force in the world. The Global Peace Foundation notes that International Monetary Fund reports six of the fastest growing economies in the world are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, Africa has the potential to set precedents in numerous areas: technological and social innovation, ethnic and religious cooperation, regional peace and development.

However, to harness this potential for the benefit of all people of Africa and the world, Africa needs a shared vision rooted in principles and values to strengthen the alliances within the African Union. A vision that defines a dream for all of Africa and how she will contribute to humanity.

The richest resource of Africa is her people, yet it has not been fully cultivated. Without a common vision, differences have become the reason for the most heated and violent conflicts on the continent.  That which makes Africa’s population rich, the span of human culture, race, and religion represented, has instead been a deficit.

The upcoming Global Peace Leadership Conference will be an opportunity for leaders from every sector of Africa: religion, academia, politics, civil society, to come together and forge a common platform upon which they can form proactive partnerships to address the challenges in Africa, like ongoing sectarian violence and religious extremism, development, health and education.

A major outcome of the conference will be the launch of an African Leadership Mission, similar to the Latin American Presidential Mission that was launched at the Global Peace Convention in Atlanta in 2012.

The Latin American Presidential Mission has presented a model of cooperation based on a common vision, principles and values in pursuit of greater hemispheric cooperation and sustainable development and security. The Mission has converged former and current presidents, policy thinkers and grassroots activists with a common commitment for a hemispheric awakening. To date it has hosted forums and conferences to deliberate on some of the most pressing issue of Latin America like good governance, development, justice and the right and integration of underrepresented sectors like youth and women. It has also create a space where current leaders can mentor rising leaders, bringing their wisdom and experience to guide the younger generation’s innovation and ambition.

An African Leadership Mission would bring together a powerful network of moral and innovative leaders who can lead Africa in an unprecedented era with a common vision for the continent that would bring reconciliation and peace. It would secure prosperity in the four corners of the African continent, from the Sahara to Cape of Good Hope and from the Ivory Coast to coasts of Zanzibar, and present a new model of regional development based on a common and universal aspiration for peace.

To read more on the upcoming conference or to register visit: www.globalpeace.org

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The 68th General Assembly hosted a special session today to scale up efforts for the Millennium Development Goals, eight time-bound, measurable goals to end poverty. According to the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ambassador John W. Ashe, there are only 850 days left before the 2015 deadline. The United Nations is starting to draft post-2015 goals. H.E. Ambassador Ashe urged member states to consider a common goal “of which we can be proud, that leaves a lasting legacy, and establishes norms and frameworks that improve human well-being and dignity.”

At such a juncture, it is fitting to recall the Jakarta Declaration, issued on October 18, 2010, at the close of the Global Peace Leadership Conference, a remarkable assembly of religious leaders that convened in Jakarta, Indonesia.

At the conference, Dr. Moon called on religious and faith leaders to champion human rights and the fight against poverty while providing the moral leadership needed for this task. He said:

“The role of faith is vital in establishing moral and innovative leadership, because it serves as the bedrock for society’s collective conscience and sense of virtue. All around the world, the activism of such leaders are affecting their communities on political, social and economic issues ranging from championing human rights to fighting to maintain traditional values as well as engaging the Millennium Development Goals. Faith leaders include not only clergy, ministers, priests, rabbis, imams or monks but also lay men and women who are guided by their faith.Whether engaged in the profession of education, business, media, NGOs, politics or religion, they are motivated by faith and conscience to serve as moral and innovative leaders. Faith has always been a powerful motivating force in movements to positively transform society for the greatest good. Today, it is all the more important for people of faith to rise together, beyond our religious differences, and tackle the common challenges that are facing our communities, nations and the world.”

At the close of the Conference, Declaration signers committed, “with courage and resolve to forge vibrant and meaningful interfaith partnerships and programs for promoting universal social cohesion based on our common identity, shared values, principles, and morals,”  and to create “action oriented interfaith partnerships” that generate innovative programs to tackle issues such as health, education, poverty, environmental sustainability and the strengthening f families. 

Innovative initiative like the Power of 10 Rupiah, All Light Villages, and the Character and Creativity Initiative have resulted from these partnerships. Essential to these projects are the principles that guide and motivate these projects.

The Jakarta Declaration references spiritual leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and K.H. Abdurrahaman Wahid (Gus Dur), who set forth examples of the basic principles of most religious traditions as they worked beyond their religious community to serve humanity.

Dr. Moon also observed, “the founders of all the great religions were advocates for peace who championed the ideals of self-discipline and a selfless love for humanity. They taught and lived a life of tolerance and understanding, charity and brotherhood, righteousness and justice, and, most of all, principles and values. Their lives were a testament to the ideal that humanity is “One Family under God.”

Thus, key to fighting poverty, protecting the earth, or advocating human rights and dignity, are the basic principles and values that make up the foundation of a world of peace and prosperity. And central players should be religious and spiritual leaders.

Read the Jakarta Declaration here.

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Religious leaders participate in the water ceremony during the Global Peace Festival in Nepal.

Interreligious cooperation is one of the three pillars of the Global Peace Foundation’s work. Dr. Moon has emphasized that real inter-religious cooperation is based on common principles and values.

Religious leaders hold the key to resolving the root problems of humanity.  However, as 9/11 and other religious based conflict around the world show, without interreligious cooperation, this key cannot be manifested.

The following is an excerpt from an interview with DongA Daily Newspaper in Korea on Dr. Moon’s perspective on interreligious cooperation.

In my interfaith work, I have found that there is a lot in common with what what people of faith affirm, whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Shinto, Hindu, etc.,  because it is inspired by God. What deals with theology, doctrine and dogma, may be different. However, values and principles: what we aspire for, how we strive to live our lives, how we define spiritual maturity, much of this is shared.

The major transformations and changes in society started with a vision, a principle or value that resonated universally with people. That vision, principle or value tapped into the spiritual dimension, because that is our common thread.

The best way to explain it is through delineating the difference between spiritual leaders and religious leaders. For spiritual leaders, universal aspirations, principles and values are important.

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were people of deep faith. But they came out of their religious boxes to do the type of work that they did.

Mahatma Gandhi led a national movement to liberate India from the British Commonwealth because he did not just represent the Hindus. The movement was made of many religious traditions: Hindus, Sheiks, Jains, Buddhists and Muslims. Gandhi aspired for something that transcended his religion.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the Civil Rights Movement, because he did not just speak on behalf of the Southern Baptists.  His faith and his convictions  drove him to do go beyond his denomination.

What allowed those movements to form were basically universal values and principles.

The problem is that there have always been religious leaders who stay in their box and promote their own particular faith. They can’t make any civic impact. I’m challenging them to come out of their box to live for some greater purpose.

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The Asian Youth Exchange is an annual program that focuses on developing the character, creativity and conviction of young Asian leaders.

“What I gained from the Asian Youth Exchange 2013? The true meaning of One Family Under God.” AYE 2013 Participant, GPF Malaysia Facebook FanPage

The Global Peace Foundation reported the Online Stars describing the 2013 Asian Youth Exchange (AYE) “eye-opening.” Youth from 11 Asian nations and various ethnic and religious backgrounds met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for this unique training program that focused on developing moral and innovative leadership. They also got first-hand experience building One Family under God.

Speakers, discussions, hands-on service and interfaith exchange were but a few of the program features in this leadership training.

The “Interfaith Unity Walkabout”, was organized by National Unity and Integration Department director-general Datuk Azman Amin Hassan. AYE participants visited Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu places in the uniquely diverse Brickfields area of Kuala Lumpur. Hanna Andari, was quoted in the Online Star saying, “It was special and meaningful. I am a Muslim and have not visited any churches before. Now, I believe that peace and understanding can be achieved regardless of our faith.”

Participants were also asked to roll up their sleeves and serve. Using their creativity, they raised RM 1,064.95 through the Power of Ten Sen Initiative. They donated the money to support a clean-up project run by youth volunteers in Jalan Loke Yew, a low income housing community in the city. With ten sen the AYE volunteers began a chain of change, to empowering donors and the youth of Jalan Loke Yew to own their communities.

According to the GPF article, three takeaways of AYE 2013 were:

• change starts from the individual
• service is a great place to start when working to understand others and implement change
• we are all a part of a greater human family

With these realizations, AYE participants pledged to meet Global Peace Festival Malaysia‘s facebook call to action: “90% of today’s conflicts are re-occurrences – which means, they are inherited, passed down from generation to generation; we can definitely make peace and make the world a better place if we, OURSELVES put a stop to inheriting these conflicts NOW!”

For the article in The Online Star visit: http://www.thestar.com

For the GPF article visit: http://www.globalpeace.org/_blog/Blog/post/asian-youth-exchange-2013

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Korea’s leading magazine Shin Dong-A, published a ten page feature of Global Peace Convention Atlanta 2012 in its New Years edition. The second segment of the article highlights the Muslim and Christian dialogue at GPC 2012 pushing for interfaith cooperation for regional peace.

Shin Dong-A, a leading monthly magazine in Korea’s feature on GPC Atlanta 2012 highlighted Muslim and Christian interfaith deliberations.

See the original article in Korean.

Below is the unofficial English translation:

GPC Atlanta 2012 Presents a New Paradigm for Global Peace

By Young Chul Choi ftdog@donga.com

Atlanta, Georgia, United States –

Christianity and Islam join hands.

Global Peace Foundation (GPF) chair, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon said in his keynote address, “America’s true strength lies in its moral authority as a nation rooted in spiritual principles and values which has championed human rights and freedoms at home and abroad.” These principles, he said, are enshrined in the American Declaration of Independence, making America “a nation with the aspiration to become ‘one nation under God.’” He recounted the United States’ contribution to the world over the past century, from “challenging European colonial imperialism,” to “creating international assemblies to foster peace through dialogue and reason,” resulting in The League of Nations after the First World War, and the United Nations after the Second World War. During the Cold War “American leadership, and faith in human rights and fundamental freedoms, paved the way for the eventual collapse of totalitarian, communist regimes around the world.”

“This moment may prove to be a historic crossroads, for the United States, and for the world,” Dr. Moon noted. “The time is ripe for a new spiritual awakening that galvanizes the community of righteous and faithful citizens around universal principles and shared values, not just in the U.S. but throughout the Western hemisphere and the world.”

Dr. Moon expounded on the significance of Atlanta, Georgia as the host city for GPC 2012, “a place rich with history, faith, and more importantly the center of the American Civil Rights Movement.” Atlanta is also where Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife have brought important focus to the work of  Habitat for Humanity.  Atlanta is also home to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Change (The King Center) and The Carter Presidential Center, both co-sponsors and participants of GPC Atlanta 2012.

Dr. Moon considers the civil rights movement to be “not just as a struggle for civil rights but as America’s ‘Great Awakening’ of the 20th century.”

The youngest daughter of Dr. King and King Center CEO, Bernice A. King, said, “I don’t characterize my father as a civil rights leader, I characterize him first and foremost as a spiritual leader, as a man of God, as a moral leader who just happened to impact civil and human rights.” Dr. King’s famous, “I have a dream” speech, alludes to the self-evident truths stipulated in the Declaration of Independence, that “all men were created equal.”

Ms. King opened her address saying, “I earnestly believe that if my father were living today, his heart would be warmed by the work of this great organization around the world. And in fact, I believe without a shadow of a doubt, he would be a part of your group.“ She also called for a New Great Awakening, a “radical revolution of values”, to secure peace.

The complex situation of the Middle East, including the recent military confrontation between Israel and Palestine, the prolonged civil war in Syria that began during the regional movement for democracy, show that military and diplomatic solutions to peace have reached their limit. America has poured billions into military resources for peace in the Middle East and is now facing an economic crisis.

Shin Dong-A acknowledged the contributions Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, director of the Carter Center’s Americas Program, Jennifer McCoy, and Georgia State Senator, Jason Carter, grandson to former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

Middle East experts and leaders agree, ”Decades of failures to resolve the problems of the Middle East show the limitation of Track-1 diplomacy.” Track-1 diplomacy is a government-centered approach that seeks to resolve disputes through political and economic negotiations and military force. The alternative, Track-2 diplomacy, seeks solutions through non-military means, such as through spiritual and religious approaches. Dr. Moon said, “For peace to be established there must be reconciliation. But reconciliation cannot be forced; it has to occur naturally from the heart. It is logical that alternative approaches to peace-building are becoming more appealing.”

Civil society, particularly religious leaders who are familiar with the spiritual dimension of humanity, are critical parts of effectively implementing this new approach, namely Track-2 diplomacy, for peace and reconciliation in heavily disputed areas. Influential Muslim leaders and Western Christian leaders who convened at GPC Atlanta, all emphasized the need for interfaith cooperation.

 Dr. Said of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic group in Indonesia with 60 million members worldwide, said, “The possibility of reconciliation between the Islamic world and the Western world can be found in moderated Islamic forces that can bring change to extremist Islamic groups that are propagating terrorism.” Rev. Robert A. Schuller commented, “Western Christian leaders should move beyond the limitations of  their Christian world-view and accept their central responsibility – to practice universal values in the public square.” They both concluded that a fundamental spiritual paradigm shift is needed to prevent a clash of civilizations.

The Middle East is divided; tensions are escalating along religious, racial and cultural differences. GPC 2012 has been instrumental in developing solutions. If we can continue such endeavors, we can mitigate and ultimately end all conflicts. Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, Asmat Khalid For a number of years, GPF has worked together with influential Muslim leaders in Indonesia and Malaysia to build consensus around universally shared values. GPF was also a part of launching the Coalition for American Renewal, calling faiths to their common mission to awaken the American spirit and character, and work inter-religiously. Participating at GPC 2012 from Islam, were the prominent Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama and the ministerial delegation from the Iraq Kurdistan Regional Government, and from Christianity, Rev. Robert A. Schuller from the United States, and Bishop Manoel Ferreira of the Assemblies of God, the largest Christian denomination in Brazil. All agreed that the profound and common mission of religions leaders is to secure peace through inter-religious cooperation.

Muslim and Christian leaders agreed that the vision captured in the phrase “One Family under God” and promoted through the interfaith work of GPF and Dr. Moon, is the vision needed resolve religious and regional conflicts. They committed to do their best to accomplish this vision, affirming that “One Family under God” is the common aspiration of all religions that expounds universal values and is the only means through which global peace can be attained.

Minister of Education of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, Asmat Khalid said, “The Middle East is divided; tensions are escalating along religious, racial and cultural differences. GPC 2012 has been instrumental in developing solutions. If we can continue such endeavors, we can mitigate and ultimately end all conflicts. The experience of the Korean Zaitoon unit in Iraq will attest that we Kurds are fundamentally peace loving people.”

Read the 1st segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/koreas-leading-magazine-shing-donga-covers-global-peace-convention-2012/

Read the 3rd segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/all-lights-village-movement-most-popular-gpc-2012-shin-dong-a-special-report/

Read the 4th segment of Shin Dong-A‘s ten page feature of GPC Atlanta 2012 at: http://www.hyunjinmoon.com/unification-north-south-korea-key-world-peace-koreas-leading-magazine-shing-dongas-gpc-2012-report-part-3-2/

See also Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon’s speech at the Opening Plenary of the Global Peace Convention 2012 in Atlanta.

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2010, October 6-7 Bali, Indonesia – Youth peacemakers from Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe gathered in Bali for the Interfaith Summit 2012 entitled, “New Interfaith Paradigm for the 21^stCentury”, hosted in

Youth leaders representing diverse faith communities gathered to make interfaith connection in Bali and dialogue.

collaboration with the Global Peace Festival Indonesia Foundation (GPFIF) and the Indonesia Youth Forum (IYF). The three day program was designed to expand participants’ leadership capacities. Participants were challenged to connect across their diverse faith traditions and concurrently discover common principles and values as a foundation for cooperation and understanding.  Today’s diverse world needs innovative models of interfaith that integrates diversity and forges consensus. Bali was a fitting backdrop for the Summit. Indonesia’s motto, “Bhineka Tunggal Ika,” “Unity in Diversity,” appropriately describes this nation of six state religions and even more ethnicities, nationalities and cultures. Indonesia’s diverse population builds its common identity upon the Pancasila, five principles that define Indonesia’s ethic. Intercultural and interreligious cooperation is possible because of these shared principles. Minister of Youth Sport of Republic Indonesia, Bapak Andi Mallarangeng gave the welcoming remarks. He cited Indonesia’s motto and the vision of “One Family Under God” to express that differences are not barriers, but part of the diversity in the unity of the human race. He encouraged the youth, as future leaders, to welcome the opportunity to discover each other’s uniqueness and find ways to work together. Other presenters included representatives from the Norwegian and U.S. Embassies to Indonesia, members of Indonesian ministries and parliament, as well as leaders from notable NGOs. On behalf of Dr. Moon, Founder and Chair of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), International President Mr. Young Jun Kim presented GPF’s approach to interfaith cooperation. The precursor to his presentation expressed Dr. Moon’s commitment to youth leadership and its unrivaled capacity to dream big. Mr. Kim explained that the aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous world is the hope of most religious people, and the starting point of GPF’s interfaith work. He described how this vision empowers people across the board with fundamental human rights and freedoms, as rights given by God and not any human institution. The conference concluded with a peace declaration. Participants committed to “strengthen respect, trust, tolerance and cooperation among the people of Asia pacific and other countries with diverse cultures and religions.”

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