Two Souls, One Vow: A Spiritual Homecoming at Unnalom Pagoda

Two Souls, One Vow: A Spiritual Homecoming at Unnalom PagodaThe journey of a peacebuilder is often marked by the legacies of those who walked before us. During his recent visit to Cambodia, our Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, visited the sacred grounds of Unnalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh—the spiritual birthplace of Cambodian Buddhism.What began as a mission to honor a legendary leader transformed into a deeply personal encounter with a memory that changed the course of his life.Honoring a Guiding Light: The Late Supreme Patriarch Tep VongThe primary purpose of the visit was to pay respects to the late Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong, a towering figure in the Read more about Two Souls, One Vow: A Spiritual Homecoming at Unnalom Pagoda[…]

Resilience and Harmony: A Keynote Reflection from Phnom Penh

Resilience and Harmony: A Keynote Reflection from Phnom PenhThe journey toward sustainable peace is often paved with the wisdom of those who have overcome the greatest of trials. Recently, our Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, had the profound honor of visiting Phnom Penh to witness the vibrant spirit of interfaith cooperation that defines modern Cambodia.Participating in the Interfaith Collaboration Forum at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Rev. Dr. Shinohara joined international colleagues and over 250 monk students to celebrate a quarter-century of religious harmony.A Testament to ToleranceThe forum, organized by the Cambodian Inter-Religious Council (CIC), brought together leaders from Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim communities. For Rev. Dr. Shinohara, Read more about Resilience and Harmony: A Keynote Reflection from Phnom Penh[…]

Statement by RfP Japan

On April 20, Religions for Peace Japan released a statement ahead of the 11th Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference.Statement of Religions for Peace JapanToward the 11th Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review ConferenceToday, humanity stands at an unprecedented precipice, facing the threat of annihilation brought about by the nuclear weapons it has created. Currently, the words coming from the leaders of the world’s nuclear-armed states are filled not with dialogue, but with threats. Messages from U.S. President Donald J. Trump suggesting the “destruction of civilization,” remarks by Vice President J.D.Vance that “We have tools we haven’t used yet,” repeated nuclear threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as France’s Read more about Statement by RfP Japan[…]

The Urgent Imperative for Peace in the Middle East and Iran: A Multireligious Statement

Religions for Peace International has issued the statement.The Urgent Imperative for Peace in the Middle East and Iran: A Multireligious Statement – Religions for Peace10 April 2026We, senior religious leaders, and representatives from the world’s faith traditions, hereby speak with a single heart. As the human family stands on a dangerous precipice, our religions call us to find the courage to be peacemakers, and we embrace this calling even as we reject the ways that some within our religious communities have and continue to misuse their religious teachings to foster violence.The conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026, between Israel and the United States, and Iran—now in its forty-second day—has Read more about The Urgent Imperative for Peace in the Middle East and Iran: A Multireligious Statement[…]

Report from RfP Bangladesh

In the spirit of compassion and solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan, the Religions for Peace (RfP) Bangladesh Chapter organized a humanitarian initiative to support vulnerable families in rural Chattogram. The program aimed to provide essential food items to marginalized households who are experiencing increasing economic hardship.  Media CoverageThe Iftar goods distribution program was held on Friday afternoon, 6 March 2026, at Rahimpur Rahimia Mosque Premises, Abdul Gani Munshi Bari, Ward No. 2, Mekhal Union No. 8, Hathazari, Chattogram, Bangladesh. To read full report, click HERE.

Condolences on the passing away of Mrs. Indira Manandhar

It is with great sorrow that we learnt of the loss of Mrs. Indira Manandhar, our esteemed Executive Council member of Religions for Peace Asia (ACRP) and member of APWoFN.On behalf of Religions for Peace Asia (ACRP), may we extend our sincere sympathy and condolences to Religions for Peace Nepal and her family in the passing of Indira.A steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment and the service of the needy, Indira was a vital bridge-builder within our movement. Her decades of engagement always rooted in her commitment to interreligious harmony in Nepal and across the Asia-Pacific.We honor her years of gentle wisdom and radical hospitality. Her legacy of service remains an inspiration to our community.Our Read more about Condolences on the passing away of Mrs. Indira Manandhar[…]

Message from APWoFN

Message by Rev. Elga Sarapung, Chair of Asia Pacific Women of Faith Network (APWoFN)On this International Women’s Day, I am thinking of the many women who have shaped my life who are family, friends, colleagues, and the countless women from communities at the margins who have taught me courage, resilience, and hope.Your strength, love, and solidarity remind me every day why the struggle for dignity, equality, and justice must continue.Today, and every day, may we continue to stand with one another, lift each other up, and walk together toward a world where every woman can live free from violence, exploitation, and fear…

Statement of SG (RfP International)

Secretary General’s Statement on the Conflict in the Middle EastMarch 3, 20263 March 2026, New York, NY: It is with great sadness and deep concern that we witness renewed conflict in the Middle East. We stand in solidarity with the people across the region who are suffering by the current hostilities – above all, the world must prioritize their well-being and respect for human rights, sovereignty and rule of law.Respect for human dignity and the right to life must serve as the primary lens through which all international engagement is viewed. These are not concessions to be granted, but fundamental pillars that cannot be compromised for strategic or military gain. When Read more about Statement of SG (RfP International)[…]

New SG of RfP New Zealand

Congratulations! We are happy to introduce new Secretary General of RfP Aotearoa New Zealand! Dr. Mary Eastham QSM is a Trustee of the Religious Diversity Centre in Aotearoa (RDC) and a member of the RDC Climate Action Group.  A member of the Association of Practical Theology in Oceania (APTO) since 2004, Mary was appointed an APTO Fellow in 2021. From 2011 until 2022, Mary was a member of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Interfaith Relations and chaired the Palmerston North Interfaith Group. In 2023, she was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for Services to Interfaith Communities in the King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours List. .

Korea & Japan Youth Exchange Program

From 18 to 19 of December 2025, the 15th Korea and Japan Youth Exchange Program has held at the Kinpusenji Temple (World Heritage) in Nara Prefecture in Japan. Co-hosted by Korean Conference of Religions for Peace (KCRP) and WCRP/RfP Japan Youth Committee.Beginning in 1990, this event promotes dialogue and fosters friendship among young religious people from Korea and Japan. It has been held for over 35 years.Day1Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu, Chair of WCRP/RfP Japan, delivered the welcome speech in the opening session.The first day began with participants getting to know each other. After learning about the venue, Kinpusen-ji Temple, they were given the opportunity to experience Shugendo practices.Though the climb was Read more about Korea & Japan Youth Exchange Program[…]