National Interfaith Week Celebration Brings Communities Together 

As part of the UK’s National Interfaith Week, the Universal Peace Federation Birmingham welcomed more than 150 participants from diverse races, cultures, nationalities, faiths, ages, and social backgrounds on 15th November 2025. The gathering reflected UPF UK’s long-standing commitment to interfaith dialogue, shared values, and building One Family under God through the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD).

A Sacred Opening and Multi-Faith Readings

The evening opened with a beautiful call to prayer from Imam Shahed, bringing spiritual depth to the shared space. This was followed by readings from Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and Zoroastrian traditions, and a moving Sikh devotional song—all chosen around the theme of healing. Each contribution highlighted the power of faith to uplift communities and strengthen peace.

Inspirational Speakers and Messages of Peace

Participants then heard a series of short but powerful reflections from respected community leaders, each offering a unique perspective on harmony, service, and social responsibility:

• Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner

• Maureen Foxall, Methodist lay preacher

• Mark Smith, High Sheriff

• Harr-Joht Kaur, Sikh peace activist

• Dr Pirzada, Muslim scholar and interfaith advocate

• Dr David Earle, Co-Chair of IAPD-UK, who spoke movingly about UPF and WFWP peace initiatives in the Holy Land

Leadership of Dr David and Patricia Earle – IAPD-UK Association Chairs

David and his wife Patricia Earle serve as the UK Association Chairs for the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD-UK), a core UPF thematic association promoting dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation across faith communities. Together they have led interfaith outreach for decades, mobilising faith leaders, educators and community partners to advance peacebuilding, religious harmony, and shared responsibility. Their leadership continues to strengthen IAPD’s role as a trusted convener during National Interfaith Week and throughout the year.

Honouring New Ambassadors for Peace

The programme concluded with the appointment of four new Ambassadors for Peace, recognising remarkable individuals contributing to community wellbeing, interfaith understanding, and peace initiatives in their respective fields.

Friendship, Fellowship, and the Spirit of One Family

The final hour in the Dining Room—filled with conversation, laughter, and refreshments—became a highlight of the evening. New friendships blossomed, long-standing relationships deepened, and guests left with a genuine sense of warmth and unity. The atmosphere embodied UPF’s founding vision of living as One Family under God, transcending all differences.

Selected Readings:

Universal Peace Federation Declares Spiritual Unity and Religious Freedom 2025 Interfaith Leadership Conference, Republic of Korea 

Dr Hak Ja Han - Mother of Peace, A Life Dedicated to Unity, Family, and Global Peacebuilding   

UPF Celebrates 20 Years of Global Peacebuilding 

Call to Action

• Become an Ambassador for Peace – Join a global network of leaders, changemakers, and community builders committed to advancing peace, dialogue, and moral leadership.
• Get Involved in UPF - UK’s Charitable Work – Support our programmes in interfaith cooperation, youth leadership, gender equality, and community service. Your participation helps build bridges across cultures and strengthens social cohesion in the UK.
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