World Religion Day in Memphis, TN
January 17th 2016
(This video is posted with permission and courtsey of Ms. Sydney Saci Roy and Rev. John Gilmore, Spiritual Director of Open Heart Spiritual Center who co-hosted the program. )
On January 17th, 2016, The World Religion Day was celebrated ion Memphis at the Unity Church of Practical Christianity in Cordova, TN. Ms. Sydney Saci Roy and Rev. John Gilmore, Spiritual Director of Open Heart Spiritual Center co-hosted the program. World Religion Day is an interfaith observance initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, celebrated worldwide on the third Sunday in January each year. Though initiated in the United States, World Religion Day has come to be celebrated internationally. This year's theme was inspired by His Holiness Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee of the Viswayogi Foundation: “Arise, Awake & Unite to Save Mother Earth." Unity Church of Practical Christianity opened their doors to host the event at their beautiful church location. The program commenced by a musical presentation by Julie Christen and Chris Cuminotti. This was followed by a Video Message from Sri Viswamjee Maharaj. Ms. Linda Marks of Metropolitan inter Faith Association (MIFA) was also a speaker and spoke on “Interfaith: Vital In more than One way”. Interfaith panel members that spoke at the event included: Dr. Mohammed Moinuddin-Muslim Faith Vinodini Jayarama -Hindu Faith Candia Ludy-Buddhist Faith (Pema Karpo) Dr. Edward Ordman-Jewish Faith Chanchalla Mehta-Jain Faith Baha'i Faith-Elzadia Washington Unity Church of Practical Christianity-Mona Winfrey Pax Christi-Catholic Keith Anthony Blanchard-Cool Change". Barbara Jenice-"I Met a Man" Dr. Lakshmi Krishnamurthy - Hindu Bhajan – “Maitrem Bhajata” Open Heart Choir Philip Joyner, Jr., Music Director Choir Members Audry (Nabi) Hawkins Julie Christen Mary Kirkland Emma Crystal Michael Owen Vernessa McVay - “Voices from the Heart” Roger Wild, Julie Christen, Chris Cuminotti, Barbara Jenice- “My Sweet Lord" Everyone in the audience was given a pledge card to complete on how they will help to save Mother Earth. The pledges were collected and will be sent to Swamiji. The program concluded by everyone joining hands and singing the Unity Peace Song. The love and energy vibration left everyone feeling wonderful and wanting to meet Swamiji.
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