Home > News > The Church of Peace, the International Day of Peace and the Appeal for Peace

We are from different religious systems, with seemingly distant worlds, but what unites us is spirituality – said Reverend and Bishop Waldemar Pytel during a celebration at the Church of Peace.

On the 21st of September 2016 the representatives of Christian churches, as well as Judaism, Islam and Buddhism, took part in interreligious meeting where the special guest, the Dalai Lama, was hosted. The Dalai Lama’s visit to Świdnica was part of a two-day trip to Lower Silesia.

“Peace comes from one’s inner-self, we have to find peace in ourselves first. It is a pity that in our world the hotbed of conflict is a difference in religion” – the tibetan leader said.

He pointed out that all religions, in spite of differences, convey the message of love and try to make us better and more sensitive. He added that both fear and anger are the emotions that never favour peace.

The Nobel Prize winner added “We need a special effort to build mutual respect. Reconciliation and dialogue is the best way to bring peace.”

On the International Day of Peace, along with the followers of four religions, the Dalai Lama signed the Appeal for Peace: “We have gathered together in a unique place located in a remarkable region. One where, despite philosophical and religious differences, the representatives of many nationalities and cultures have coexisted in harmony and they still coexist today. To commemorate this special meeting, we jointly appeal for world peace, peace that is not dependent on the views of nationality or religion. Peace is always possible but only if there is understanding and love for another human being.”