First Interfaith Program on Religious Freedom
December 15, 2025 | Chantilly, Virginia
A warm spirit of fellowship, cultural appreciation, and shared commitment to peace filled the room on December 15, as community leaders and guests gathered for the First Interfaith Program on Religious Freedom at the India International School in Chantilly, Virginia.
The theme, “World Peace Through Reconciliation: Religious Freedom,” underscored the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and unity in a divided world. The event was co-hosted by the India International School, Universal Peace Federation (UPF)-Virginia, and Pure Style, Inc., creating a welcoming space for interfaith connection and cultural exchange.
Dr. William Selig, UPF-Virginia, served as MC and noted that December is a sacred month across many traditions—Bodhi Day, Hanukkah, Pancha Ganapati, Christmas, and Kwanzaa—each lifting up shared values of hope, renewal, community, and peace.
The invocation and grace were offered by Minister Karen Fletcher of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Mrs. Barbara Moseley Marks, Executive Director of UPF–Virginia, led the group in the national anthem and welcomed guests with a reminder that religion exists to reconnect us to the Creator and to one another as one human family. Quoting Jesus—“The Kingdom of God is within”—she affirmed that peace begins within the human heart.
After lunch, Rev. Levy Daugherty, founding member of the Global Citizens of Integrity for World Peace, spoke about integrity as a divine principle rooted in creation itself. Just as breathing and gravity sustain life, he said, the practice of giving and receiving love is essential to human flourishing. He emphasized that world peace begins not with institutions alone, but with reconciliation in the heart, the family, and the community.
A joyful interlude followed as Indira Kumar, joined by Arpita Gogoi, explained the meaning of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and led the group in song.
Minister Karen Fletcher then spoke on “I Choose Christianity,” sharing how her studies in philosophy and religion—and her upbringing among people of many faiths—taught her to love across differences. Drawing on her work with at-risk youth through Ray’s Place in Fairfax County, she reminded everyone that “young people are hurting,” and called on the community to show them a path grounded in love, dignity, and hope.
Indira Kumar, co-founder of the India International School, offered reflections on “Freedom from the Hindu Perspective.” Beginning with namaste— “I bow to the divine in you”—she described Hinduism as a way of life rooted in harmony with nature, responsibility for one’s actions (karma), and attentiveness to the sacred vibration of the universe, symbolized by OM.
International speaker Rev. Claire Daugherty concluded the presentations by affirming that all religions teach integrity. Drawing on her travels to more than 40 countries, she emphasized that peace is built through honoring elders, teaching values across generations, and recognizing the shared moral foundations found in the world’s sacred texts. “We have far more in common than we realize,” she said.
The afternoon closed with spontaneous singing of “I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas,” followed by Mrs. Moseley-Marks’ heartfelt thanks to the approximately 25 attendees. Quoting Shakespeare— “If music be the food of love, play on”—she invited everyone to help widen the path of peace, so others may follow.
The gathering was both joyful and inspiring—a meaningful first step in deeper interfaith collaboration and a hopeful reminder that world peace is possible when people of faith walk together.
Contributed by Dr. William Selig, UPF–USA–Virginia
