Local Faith Leaders Call for Interfaith Respect and Cooperation

Chantilly, Virginia — Local faith leaders gathered on December 15 at the India International School for the First Interfaith Program on Religious Freedom, underscoring—especially in this holiday season—the importance of dialogue, respect, and understanding among diverse traditions.

Co-hosted by the India International School, Universal Peace Federation (UPF)–Virginia, and Pure Style, Inc., the event highlighted religious freedom as not only a constitutional right, but a shared moral calling. Speakers from Christian, Hindu, and interfaith communities emphasized that compassion, dignity, and generosity are values we hold in common and can guide us toward deeper cooperation.

Minister Karen Fletcher of Bethlehem Baptist Church opened with a heartfelt call for unity and service. Mrs. Indira Kumar, co-founder of the India International School, shared the Hindu vision of harmony with nature and the divine. UPF–Virginia Executive Director Mrs. Barbara Moseley-Marks reminded attendees that faith at its best draws us together as one human family.

Throughout the program, over a delicious lunch which included Chana Masala, an Indian dish with chickpeas, participants voiced a hopeful conviction: peace begins at home—through listening, respect, friendship, and shared service in our neighborhoods. With approximately 25 attendees, the gathering marked a warm and meaningful step toward stronger interfaith collaboration in Northern Virginia, affirming that when communities walk together in humility and goodwill, peace becomes not just possible, but attainable.