Embracing Peace Beyond Diversity
Women's Federation in Pennsylvania launched its annual interfaith program titled "Embracing Peace Beyond Diversity." Taking place on June 29, the program promoted religious tolerance, understanding of diverse cultures, and religious harmony by embracing differences. The program was co-hosted by WFWP Philadelphia Chairwoman, Rev. Jizly Dohou and Mila Paderon, coordinator of women Ambassadors for Peace in Lucena City, Philippines.
The session featured panelists who are experts in their fields who participated in thoughtful exchanges, answering questions such as "Is peace possible beyond diversity?", "How do we embrace diversity?", "Do we need religion to create peace?", "Why is diversity important?", and "How does diversity create peace?".
Featured in the program were esteemed speakers:
Rev. Sheila Horn, an anointed preacher, financial educator, best-selling author, international speaker, and workshop facilitator. She is a community leader and former political peace ambassador for Pennsylvania's 164 districts.
Dr. Vanette Colmenares, a writer, blogger, and human rights educational consultant in Washington DC. She holds a master's degree and completed her Ph.D. at the HJI Graduate School for Peacebuilding and Leadership.
Dr. Alicia Eleazar, a master's teacher and public school district supervisor with 11 years of experience at the Department of Education. She has a Master of Arts in English and a Ph.D. from the Global School of Ministry.
Dr. Angelika Selle, former President of WFWP USA. She is an editor of two magazines, a writer, theologian, and founder of the Interfaith Prayer Call and Transformative Vision Initiatives (TVI). She earned her doctorate degrees from My Life Theological University.
The program concluded with a "Peace Starts with Me" message, encouraging participants to examine their viewpoints, remain open-minded, and accept everyone's differences and uniqueness in the pursuit of equality and peace.