Honouring Victims of Religion or Belief-Based Violence

Jul 29, 2024

Every year on the 22nd of August, we come together to observe an important but sombre day — the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. It’s a day set aside to honour and remember those who have suffered and continue to suffer, from atrocities because of their religious beliefs or affiliations. This day calls for deep reflection and poses an urgent reminder of the crucial need for inclusivity and tolerance in our often divided world.

At OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation, we believe in the power of understanding and acceptance of all faiths, and in fostering a community where spiritual inclusiveness is not just an ideal but a practised reality. Religion and belief are deeply personal matters that shape significant aspects of civic identity and human dignity. Recognising this, it becomes vital that we stand against intolerance, discrimination, and violence against anyone based on their religion or beliefs.

Reflecting Through Education and Dialogue

OneSpirit promotes interfaith understanding through education, empowering individuals to explore the shared values and rich differences that make up the world’s religions. Today, more than ever, these efforts are pivotal. By educating ourselves and others, we encourage empathy and understanding across different belief systems. Dialogue — open, honest, and sometimes challenging — is the foundation upon which we build a more tolerant and compassionate world.

Encouraging interfaith dialogues not only illuminates our diverse spiritual landscapes but also highlights our common human experiences. It’s through these shared stories and lessons that we find unity — creating a buffer against the ignorance that fuels division and violence.

Taking Action on a Global Scale

Worldwide observance of this day brings to light the ongoing struggles against religious persecution, which unfortunately continues in many forms around the world today. It’s a reminder that our work is far from done. Today, let us remember those who have been impacted and let us also use this remembrance as fuel to propel forward our global mission to advance peace and mutual respect.

This day of commemoration is not just about looking back in sorrow but also about looking forward with resolve. We are reminded of the importance of acting as beacons of change and hope in our communities, to uphold the sanctity of each individual’s right to believe and practice their faith without fear.

Join Us in Solidarity

At OneSpirit, we urge you each year on this day to take a moment to acknowledge the pain of those affected by such violence and to dedicate a prayer or a thought towards healing and peace. Participate in community vigils, attend educational workshops, or simply spread the word about the significance of this day. Every small act adds up to a larger impact, knitting together a global tapestry of mutual respect and understanding.

As we mark the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, let’s renew our commitment to creating a world where freedom of religion and belief is a guaranteed right for all. Through education, dialogue, and collective action, we can all play a part in this vital endeavour.

Embrace your role in fostering a future where no one must suffer from violence for their beliefs. Let us walk together, united in the spirit of compassion and acceptance, and inspire others to join us in this essential mission. Learn more here!

GO BACK

Demystifying Interfaith: Expanding the Sacred to Include Every Path

True listening isn’t about waiting our turn, it’s a loving gesture of presence. In interfaith spaces, listening deeply creates space for stories, identity, grief, joy. It’s not about understanding perfectly, but about saying, “I’m here with you,” and offering connection as an act of love.

Listening is Love

Lessons from a Luminous Life

Reflecting on Nicola Coombe’s luminous life, we remember her quiet presence, fierce love, and deep reverence for the mystery of being human. From making space in our days to speaking truth with care, her embodied wisdom continues to guide us in ministry, service, and connection.

In the Season of Light: A Solstice-Inspired Reflection

The Summer Solstice invites us to pause, reflect, and honour the light within and around us. Through ritual, journaling, and presence, we reconnect with nature, celebrate growth, and welcome the turning of the seasons.

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Making Spirituality My Career

Rev April Kling shares 10 honest lessons from her spiritual career so far, filled with warmth, insight, and encouragement for anyone considering a soul-led path.

What if my life was an act of reverence?

What if your whole life was an act of reverence? In this poetic reflection, OneSpirit student Andrew Jones explores how deep attention, presence, and love can transform the everyday into the sacred.

Women’s History Month: Indigenous Women Leaders

Indigenous women have long been central to the spiritual and cultural life of their communities, yet their leadership has often been overlooked. From ancient traditions to contemporary movements, women are reclaiming spiritual authority and revitalising practices passed down through generations. In communities such as the Lakota and Haudenosaunee, women have historically held positions of spiritual leadership, and today, figures like Winona LaDuke and Tiana Ngata continue to lead efforts to preserve and strengthen Indigenous spiritual practices. As these women reclaim their rightful roles, they ensure that Indigenous spirituality remains a powerful force in today’s world.

Women’s History Month: Women in Spiritual Traditions

Women have played a crucial role in shaping spiritual traditions, from revered figures like Kuan Yin and Táhirih to trailblazing leaders such as Harriet Tubman and Phyllis Curott. Despite facing exclusion, women continue to reclaim leadership roles and push for gender equality within spiritual communities, ensuring traditions remain inclusive and vibrant. This Women’s History Month, we honour their resilience and lasting influence.

Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

The Cherry Tree Pathway is our new blended learning programme, offering a mix of online and in-person experiences for those seeking a flexible approach to spiritual development.

Redefining Interfaith

We celebrate a new, inclusive vision of interfaith, one that welcomes all spiritual paths, honoring the richness of personal experience beyond traditional religions.

Demystifying Interfaith: Moving Forward

Interfaith dialogue goes beyond religious boundaries, embracing diverse spiritual and secular perspectives. This inclusive approach fosters understanding and respect for all paths.