Religion & Ecology
July 2010
Banner photo: Alpine Flowers and Cloud Reflection, Colorado [© Carr Clifton]
News Briefs
"Seeds of Hope"
"Seeds of Hope: Visions of sustainability, steps toward change," a new exhibition created by the SGI together with Earth Charter International, was launched at a total of 36 venues in Taiwan in May. The exhibition, successor to "Seeds of Change," stresses interconnectedness and positive action, featuring examples from Africa to the Arctic and ideas for what one person can do.
Fighting Racism
SGI-Iceland youth members collaborated with the Red Cross of Iceland and the Human Rights Office of Iceland in an activity to raise awareness of racism on March 10. The event was part of the annual European-wide Action Week Against Racism, a campaign inspired by the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Community Festival in Kenya
SGI-Kenya youth members in Nairobi organized a community friendship festival at a public venue in the city on March 21. The event included performances by SGI youth along with young people from local cultural and educational organizations. Coinciding with the day's events was an exhibition showcasing SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and SGI-Kenya's activities such as clean-ups and tree planting.
Culture of Peace Lecture
SGI-USA members and guests welcomed Carla Koppell, director of the Institute for Inclusive Security, as part of the Culture of Peace Distinguished Speakers Series at the Washington DC Culture Center on March 3. Ms. Koppell discussed the role of women in international peace negotiations, stressing the need to promote women's involvement in building a culture of peace.
Interfaith Concert in Luxembourg
SGI-Luxembourg members took part in an interfaith concert sponsored by Action Groupe Inter-Religions (AGIR) at the Protestant Church of Luxembourg on March 14. More than 200 representatives of various local faith-based communities attended. The concert showcased a variety of performances such as dance, readings of religious texts, Tibetan songs, chants and poetry.
"Transforming the Human Spirit"
SGI-Thailand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, hosted the exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" in Bangkok from February 20-28.
Celebrating Peace in Argentina
SGI-Argentina held a culture festival in Buenos Aires to commemorate Argentina's bicentennial and the Soka Gakkai's 80th anniversary, on February 27. Dr. Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, 1980 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, commended SGI-Argentina for bringing hope and a vision of peace to society and shared his wish for future generations to embody this same spirit.
Community Outreach in El Salvador
SGI-El Salvador youth members visited a nursing home in El Salvador city on February 20 as part of their annual community outreach efforts. The young people performed music and dance for the elderly residents. The visit was reported on national TV, with youth representatives interviewed about the SGI's activities promoting peace, culture and education.
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