Religious leaders from different faith traditions have launched the inaugural Global Prayer Assembly for Peace (GPAP), a virtual initiative aimed at promoting dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation amid escalating armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and religious intolerance around the world.

The assembly was organized through a joint initiative of religious leaders and peace advocates seeking to establish a regular interfaith platform where people of different faiths can pray together, engage in dialogue and work collectively to address global conflicts.

John Rommel Garces, chief branch manager of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Philippines, said the organization is honored to support the initiative, which encourages people of faith to become active instruments of reconciliation and peace in their respective communities.

The program featured prayers led by representatives of various faith traditions, including Ustadh Bayan Radia for Islam, Archbishop Emeritus Antonio J. Ledesma for the Catholic Church, Rev. Acharya Prem Shankaranand Tirth for Hinduism, and Instructor Harold Recio for non-denominational Christianity.

Organizers said the prayers reflected a shared aspiration for peace, justice, compassion and mutual respect, while calling for an end to wars and conflicts among nations.

During the event, Ledesma also offered a prayer for Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old chairman of HWPL and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, who is currently detained in South Korea while awaiting trial.

According to the organizers, Ledesma’s prayer was based on his appeal for due process and humanitarian consideration for Lee, citing their years of collaboration on interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao. Ledesma asked that justice be carried out with fairness, compassion, respect for human rights and due process.

Organizers emphasized that prayer serves as a starting point for continued dialogue, reconciliation and practical cooperation among religious communities in addressing conflict and promoting lasting peace.

Participants also agreed to hold a Weekly Interfaith Prayer Gathering every Thursday to provide an ongoing platform for religious leaders and communities to pray together, strengthen mutual understanding and deepen cooperation for peace.

The assembly also introduced the Religious Peace Academy, an initiative that promotes interfaith dialogue through the comparative study of scriptures. HWPL said the program forms part of its continuing efforts to foster sustainable peace through dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among religious communities.