On April 4, 2024, a group of faith leaders gathered to produce this statement in the light of continuing tragic events in the Middle East.

Leaders of diverse faiths, whose love and respect for one another has blossomed over many years, were able to come to a consensus despite differing opinions and tragic realities.

Faith leaders have a unique gift to give to the world: the ability to model a deep level of understanding, the power of forgiveness, and collaboration in our mutual quest for peace and justice.

Statement on the Middle East
Every life is precious and even one lost in conflict is too many.

We bear witness
We bear witness to the loss of tens of thousands of Palestinians and thousands of Israelis, many of whom are innocent children, women, and elderly individuals who have no involvement in the conflict. Every person who cherishes peace longs to halt the tragic loss of innocent lives, secure the release of Israeli hostages, and reunite displaced and imprisoned individuals on both sides with their families. Any atrocities committed against civilians is unacceptable and anyone unlawfully held against their will should be freed.
In our own country, there has been a sharp increase in Antisemitism and a rise in Islamophobia since October of 2023.

We pray
Real peace can only be achieved through love, respect, dignity, and autonomy. As an interfaith council we are all praying for, yearning for true peace for everyone in the Middle East and around the world.

We act
As emotions run high during these challenging times, it is incumbent upon us, as members of the Interfaith Council, to advocate for a peaceful resolution. We pray for the dead, the recovery of the injured, and comfort to everyone affected by the war.

We urge the government of Canada to seek ways to initiate a negotiated ceasefire and a renewal of efforts towards a permanent peace.

We continue to pray
We pray for the current leadership on all sides, including our own country’s, that they may be instruments of peace. May hearts be transformed so that a lasting peace may be possible.

Pray for Peace

Saturday, 28 October, 2023

Dear Friends:

The Interfaith Council of Halton was created in the wake of 911, a time of international turmoil, to bring together people who believe that we can live in peace and harmony.

Our world is again hurting seriously and we are gathering as a group of likeminded individuals simply to pray for peace. If you share our hope, please join us on Saturday, 28 October at Oakville Town Hall at 1 PM for a short rally and time of prayer. No politics, just prayer.

Please share this event.

Members of the interfaith council gather to share words of peace in response to the war in Israel and Gaza. We had people from all walks of life, and we pray the word will spread throughout the community.

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!”

Interfaith Prayers for Peace in Ukraine

March 17, 2022