NAPERVILLE - Observing World Peace Day, the Interfaith communities--from diverse faith groups and backgrounds—gathered in Naperville to celebrate the shared message of peace and justice. World Peace Day was held on January 5th, 2020 at Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville. The theme for this year was "20/20 Vision: Seeking a World Where Everyone Belongs."
The program was organized by the community's rainbow of faiths, with presentations from representatives of the Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Latter Day Saints, Christian Science, Baha'i and Sikh communities.
The keynote speaker was Regina Brent, as well as other interfaith speakers, emphasized on the need for being there for each other to create a world where everyone belongs. Prayers, Religious Songs and services offered by different faith groups made the event beautifully.
The executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations in Greater Chicago, Mr. Abdullah Mitchell said, "Look a huge crowd in this Room, there is the diversity for which this conference was organized. You and I see people of different races, ethnicities and religions coming out of their silos and separate neighborhoods, different social and economic backgrounds to come together, to stand for this concept called peace."
Beginning in 2005 the interfaith community of Naperville and surrounding areas have gathered at the beginning of each year to pray for world peace and celebrate our rich diversity. These interfaith prayer services are held on the first Sunday of the new year and usually take place on the campus of North Central College. There are many faith communities that co-sponsor this event, including: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Christian Scientists, Buddhist, Unitarian Universalists, Baha'i, Hindu, Sikh, Latter Day Saints and several interfaith organizations.
Congressman Bill Foster, Congressman Sean Casten, IL State Senator Laura Clymore Ellman, Will County Board Member Rachel Ventura, Naperville City Council Member Theresa Sullivan , School Board Member Natasha Sethi Grover, Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis, Friends and several Indian Community Leaders to include Michael Childress, Gregory Abdullah Mitchell, Mark Rice, David Stevens, Hilary Denk, Sophia Luo, Janet Derrick, Gail Kalinich, Shoaib Khadri, Sharan Kaur, Aadil Farid,Bernie Newman, Kathy Caldwell McBane, Kathie Lindh Bender,Shree Gurusamy, Marium Khan Stevens and others attended the event.