08/07/2025
38th Interreligious Prayer Gathering for World Peace Held on Mount Hiei, Japan
Global Religious Leaders Unite in Spirit of Harmony and Peace
Kyoto, Japan — August 6, 2025:
On the sacred grounds of Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, the 38th annual Interreligious Prayer Gathering for World Peace brought together religious and spiritual leaders from across the globe. The historic event, held at Enryakuji Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the headquarters of the Tendai Buddhist tradition—has long stood as a beacon of unity, resilience, and hope for humanity.
This year’s gathering was marked by a renewed urgency for global peace amid growing conflicts, climate crises, and humanitarian challenges. Faith representatives from Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Shintoism, Indigenous traditions, and other spiritual paths stood side by side in solemn prayer, dialogue, and reflection.
In his opening remarks, Rev. Koei Morikawa, the 257th Head Priest of the Tendai denomination, emphasized the theme of this year’s gathering: “Compassion Across Borders, Peace Beyond Boundaries.” He urged participants to recommit to nonviolence, interfaith solidarity, and service to the vulnerable.
Among the international participants were prominent interfaith figures including:
• Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, CEO of Save the People USA
• Rev. TK Nakagaki, President of the Heiwa Peace and Reconciliation Foundation
• Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director of the Interfaith Center of New York
• Rabbi Alan Greenbaum, representing the Jewish Council for Justice and Peace
• Venerable Napan Santibhaddo, from Thailand’s monastic peace delegation
Each offered prayers in their tradition for the healing of war-torn regions, victims of natural disasters, and the spiritual awakening of humankind. Messages of unity from Pope Francis, the Dalai Lama, and the UN Secretary-General were read aloud, reaffirming the global significance of this enduring interfaith gathering.
Special attention was given to youth participation and climate concerns. A peace bell was rung 108 times—symbolizing purification and renewal—while young people from Japan, Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan lit candles of peace and hope.
The event concluded with a “Circle of Unity” ceremony, where all delegates joined hands in silence facing the city of Hiroshima, remembering the atomic bombing 80 years ago and recommitting to a world free of nuclear weapons.
As Mount Hiei echoed with chants and prayers in dozens of languages, this sacred convergence reminded the world once again: peace is not only possible—it is essential.