The International Centre
The World Community
for Christian Meditation
St. Mark's, Myddelton Square
London EC1R 1XX
England, UK
International Office:
+44 20 7278 2070
Email: welcome@wccm.org

International Prayer for Peace - Washington, D.C.

The International Prayer for Peace, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio and now in its 20th year, is the largest regular inter-religious gathering in the world. Growing out of John Paul II’s historic convening at Assisi in 1986 of religious leaders from around the world, the International Prayer for Peace has, over the past two decades, developed a network of friendships among representatives of different faiths and cultures from more than 60 countries, promoting a pilgrimage of peace. The gathering has brought this message to many European and Middle Eastern cities, and this year, for the first time in its history, this pilgrimage will be held in the United States. All seekers of peace are invited to the 20th anniversary program, International Prayer for Peace: “Religions and Cultures, the Courage of Dialogue,” to be held on April 26 and 27, 2006 in Washington, D.C. The event is sponsored by the Community of Sant’Egidio, the Archdiocese of Washington, Georgetown University, and The Catholic University of America. Professor Dennis McCauliffe of Georgetown, a member of the Guiding Board of WCCM, is among the organizers of this event. The John Main Center for Meditation and Inter-Religious Dialogue at Georgetown will also participate.

The two days of reflection and prayer will be a forum in which a new language can be created among peace builders, enabling both religious and non-religious leaders to understand as well as to be understood in an open dialogue of concerns, hopes, and expectations.

The event, which will take place on the Georgetown University campus, will begin in the late afternoon on April 26 with an opening session, followed the next day by three sessions of panels and round tables on various issues. The events will conclude with a dramatic public ceremony and signing of a proclamation for peace on the evening of April 27. The past ceremonies have been deeply moving and inspiring, and this 20th anniversary event will be another truly memorable occasion. Senior religious leaders from diverse countries and faith traditions, as well as prominent political and cultural figures, will participate in these events. Two former Presidents of the United States have been invited to deliver keynote addresses at the opening session. Visit the website, http://president.georgetown.edu/prayerforpeace2006 for additional details and to register.



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