World Religion Day 2025 is on Sunday, January 19, 2025: what are the religions (complete list) attended the World day of Prayer on October 27
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more than 120 representatives of different religions and Christian denominations The only religion organization that was not there were Jehovah's Witnesses.
Altogether there were 160 participants at the prayer meeting for peace in Assisi (Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colorado, October 28, 1986). Let us note some of those who attended this affair:
The “Christian” leaders represented 32 denominations, whose adherents allegedly number 3.5 billion people, or 70 percent of the world’s population! This was certainly no small affair. And if someone complains that these leaders did not actually represent the people of their denominations and organizations, we respond with two questions: First, if the leaders who attended this abominable affair did not represent the people of the denominations and organizations they head, why were they chosen as leaders? Secondly, if the people of these denominations and organizations considered the actions of these leaders apostate, why weren’t the leaders rebuked, disciplined, and put out from their churches, denominations and organizations? Silence and inactivity in the face of evil is as wicked as direct participation!
The “Christian” leaders came from many ecumenical organizations--The World Council of Churches, represented by its executive secretary and three of its seven presidents, the World YWCA, the World Alliance of YMCAs, Friends World Committee for Consultation, Mennonite World Conference, Reformed Ecumenical Synod, Baptist World Alliance, Disciples of Christ, World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Anglican Communion, Old Catholic Union of Utrecht, the Assyrian Church of the East, the Orthodox churches. Also invited were 15 Roman Catholic bishops, and leaders of six Roman Catholic Franciscan organizations. (EPS, 26-31 October 1986, 86.10.121)
Among the “Christian” leaders present were--
John Paul II, head of Roman Catholicism
Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the worldwide Anglican and Episcopal denomination
Emilio Castro, head of the World Council of Churches Greek Orthodox
Archbishop Methodios of Thyateira and Great Britain, archbishop and delegate of Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios
Gunnar Stalsett, Executive Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation
Allan Boesak, South Africa’s anti-apartheid activist and president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches
Metropolitan Filaret, head of Russian Orthodox Church
Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic nun
Susanna Telewona, a vice-president of the Lutheran World Federation
Nita Barrow and Marga Buhrig, two of the WCC presidents
Bernice Schrotenboer, representing her husband, the Reformed Evangelical Synod general secretary
Val Ferguson, general secretary of Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers)
Lydia Breen and Doreen Boyd, on the World YWCA staff in Geneva
Manuela Mattioli and Christiane Witmers, two Catholic Franciscan leaders
Also represented at the Day of Prayer for World Peace were leaders of 11 non-Christian religions: Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, African and North American animists (who worship spirits and nature), Japanese Shinto’s, fire-worshipping Zoroastrians, Baha’i. The Dalai Lama, exiled Buddhist leader who is supposed to be the god-king of Tibet, was at the forefront of the activities, as was Elio Toaff, chief Jewish rabbi of Rome (EPS, 26-31 October 1986, 86.10.121). The Dalai-Lama and John Paul II have become close friends, and the Buddhist god-king was seated at the immediate left hand of the Pope. It should be noted that all of these men worship false gods and are therefore breakers of the first commandment of God’s Holy Law -- “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).
FOR STAC.....In an effort to bolster the hopes of mankind, the United Nations proclaimed 1986 to be an “International Year of Peace,” with the theme “To Safeguard Peace and the Future of Humanity.” Warring nations were called upon to lay down their weapons, at least for one year. What was their response? According to a report by the International Peace Research Institute, as many as five million people were killed as a result of wars during 1986 alone! Though some special coins and commemorative stamps were issued, most of the nations did little about pursuing the ideal of peace in that year. Nevertheless, the world’s religions—always anxious for a fine rapport with the UN—set about publicizing the year in various ways. On January 1, 1986, Pope John Paul II praised the work of the UN and dedicated the new year to peace. And on October 27, he assembled the leaders of many of the world’s religions at Assisi, Italy, to pray for peace.
World Religions Creative Protject?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church strongly believes that Jesus is God (John 1:1-3,14). He is the MESSIAH. He is the Savior.
Isaiah 7:14 prophesied the Virgin Birth of Christ our Savior. Indeed he is the Messiah. He will return with power in glory at the end of time as he has promised(Acts 1:9-11).
This is a fact, not fiction. Beware of false teachers that tell you otherwise. Beware of those who deny the deity of Christ. Jesus died on the Cross for the Sins of the World(John 3:16). Jesus is God(John 1:1-3). He was one with God the Father in the Creation of the World (Genesis 1:1).
Special note to all Jews, Atheists and Agnostics:
According to the 19th century Scholar Henry Liddon, Jesus fulfilled to the letter no fewer than 332 Old Testament Prophecies. 29 Messianic Prophecies were fulfilled in the final 24 hours of his life alone.
Note Fulfilled Prophecy by Christ: Tanakh/Hebrew Scripture/New Testament
His pre-existence------Micah 5:2, John 1:1,14
Born of the seed of a woman--Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:18
Born of the Seed of Abraham--Genesis 12:3; Matthew 1:1-16
All Nations blessed by Abraham's seed--Genesis 12:3; Matthew 8:5,10
God would provide himself a Lamb as an offering--Genesis 22:8; John 1:29: From the tribe of Judah---------Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:1-3
Heir to the throne of David----Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:1
Called "the Mighty God, The everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6; Matt 1:23
Born in Bethelehem---Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1
Born of a Virgin--Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18
His name called Immanuel, "God with us" Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
Declared to be the Son of God--Psalm 2:7; Matthew 3:17
His messenger before him in the spirit of Elijah--Malachi 4:5,6; Luke 1:17
Preceded by a messenger to prepare His way---Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:7-11
Messenger crying "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3
Would be a Prophet of the Children of Israel--Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 2:15
Called out of Egypt--Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15
Slaughter of the children--Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18
Would be a Nazarene--Judges 13:5; Amos 2:11; Lamentations 4:7; Matthew 2:23
Brought light to Zabulon and Napthalim, Galilee of the Gentiles--Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:15
Presented with gifts--Psalm 72:10; Matthew 2:1,11
Rejected by His own--Isaiah 53:3, Matthew 21:42; Mark 8:31, 12:10; Luke 9:22; 17:25
He is the stone which the builders rejected which became the Headstone--Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16, Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:7
He is Lord of the Sabbath day--March 2:27
A stone of stumbling to Israel--Isaiah 8:14-15; 1 Peter 2:8
He entered Jerusalem as a King riding on an *** Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5
Betrayed by a friend--Psalms 41:9; John 13:21
Sold for 30 pieces of silver--Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 27:9-10
The 30 pieces of silver given for the Potter's field--Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 27:9-10
The 30 pieces of silver thrown in the Temple--Zechariah 11:13; Matthew 27:5
Forsaken by his Disciples--Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:56
Accused by false witnesses--Psalm 35:11, Matthew 26:60
Silent to accusations--Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:14
Wounded for our Sins--Isaiah 53:5; John 6:51
He bore the Sins of many--Isaiah 53:10-12; Mark 10:45
Messiah not killed for himself--Daniel 9:26; matthew 20:28
Gentiles flock to Him--Isaiah 55:5; 60:3, 65:1; Malachi 1:11; 1 samuel 22:44-45; Psalm 2:7-8; Matthew 27:35
His body was pierced--Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 22:16; John 20:25,27
Thirsty during execution--Psalm 22:16; John 19:28
Given Vinegar and Gall for thirst--Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:34
Soldiers gambled for his garment--Psalm 22:18; Matthew 27:35
People mocked, "He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him!" Psalm 22:7-8; Matthew 27:43
People sat there looking at Him--Psalm 22:17; Matthew 27:36
Cried, "My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?" Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46
Darkness over the land--Amos 8:9; Matthew 27:45
No Bones broken--Psalm 34:20, Numbers 9:12; John 19:33-36
Side pierced--Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34
Buried with the rich--Isaiah 53:9, Matthew 27:57,60
Resurrected from the dead--Psalm 16:10-11; 49:15; Mark 16:6
Priest after the order of Melchizedek--Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:5-6; 6:20; 7:15-17
Ascended to the right hand of God--Psalm 68:18; Luke 24:51
LORD said unto Him, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool--Psalm 110:1, Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; 16:19; Luke 20:42-43; Acts 2:34-35; Hebrews 1:13
His coming glory---Malachi 3:2-3, Luke 3:17
Jesus Christ without a doubt fulfilled all the Messianic Prophecies. He is Lord. He is sovereign. He is God. He intercedes for us in the Heavenly Sanctuary. He is coming back for His Chuch as He has promised (John 14:1-3).
Have faith dear friends in God. The Holy Bible is our only guide.
Do you believe that one day Bahai will be the biggest religion in the world?
ABSOLUTELY!!! Wow, a question about my religion, woohoo!!! Becoming a Baha'i was the absolute BESTEST thing I ever did in my LIFE!!
Yes, it is written in Baha'i scripture that there will be one world religion - Baha'i of course - and one world gov't. This will all happen within 1000 yrs.
In the early days of Christianity, no one knew what that religion was either. Even 300 yrs after Christ, there were many who had never heard of it. Now, most of the world's peoples are Christian. Had one stated that in the Church's very early history, they would have been laughed at.
The Baha'i Faith is the fulfillment of the prophecies of all the world's religions. Really!
For those not familiar with us:
The Baha'i Faith is an independent religion and the youngest religion. Just as Christianity began in a Jewish backdrop but is independent from Judaism, the Baha'i Faith began in a Muslim backdrop but is independent from Islam. It is not a branch of Islam, but rather its own religion. We have our own scripture, calendar, holy days, prayers, and Messenger of God.
Baha'is believe in:
ONE God, one almighty, all-knowing, all-seeing God. There is no trinity in the Baha'i Faith. No one else is God but God.
UNITY!!! That is the central theme of the Baha'i Faith. We believe that there is one race, the human race. Doesn't mean we deny the existence of Black, White, Asian, etc, of course not. However, all are human beings, created in God's image, created beautiful. This we call UNITY IN DIVERSITY.
ISLAM
What is Islam? There are two major meanings of Islam. It's true that in the Qur'an (and Baha'is accept the Qur'an as the holy word of God) that the only religion acceptable to God is Islam. Oh? Then why are we still Baha'is?
First meaning of Islam
Islam is the religious dispensation given to man through Muhammad (pbuh). It's changed over time, as every religion does, but this religious dispensation is called Islam. Its followers are called Muslims.
First meaning of Islam (conventional meaning):
Islam is the religious dispensation given to man through Muhammad (pbuh). Its book is the Holy Qur'an. Its house of worship is a mosque, in English, and masjid, in Arabic. They have their Prophet-Founder - Muhammad, their calendar - the hejira (and all their religious holidays in it), their holy book - the Qur'an, their sabbath - Friday, their law - Sharia law, and so on and so forth. The entirety of this religious dispensation is called Islam. Its followers are called Muslims.
Second meaning of Islam (deeper, universal meaning):
Islam is the religion of the submission to the will of God. That's it. Someone who practices Islam is a Muslim. A Muslim is a person who practices the religion of submission to the will of God. In the Qur'an, Abraham and Moses and Jesus were called Muslims. But wait a minute? Abraham and Moses and Jesus existed long before Muhammad, so how can they be Muslims? They are Muslims because they practiced and promulgated and guided people to the religion of the submission to the will of God. ALL religions of God are Islam, each in its own time and each for its own prescribed time, until the next Messenger comes along. "Islam" has a more universal definition than the first meaning, it's more than the religion brought through Muhammad. Yes it is the Muhammadan dispensation, but it's also more. It is EACH dispensation, when God appointed that for mankind. Before Jesus, the Muslims were the followers of Moses. Before Muhammad, the Muslims were the followers of Jesus. You see?
Being Baha'is, we believe in another Messenger of God - Baha'u'llah - who came after Muhammad. So, in Baha'i belief, before Baha'u'llah, the Muslims were the followers of Muhammad. We also believe that we're the modern-day Muslims, being the followers of the present-day Messenger, being Baha'u'llah, pbuh. This does not contradict what the Qur'an says, because the only religion acceptable to God is the religion that teaches submission to His will.
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF TRUTH
I admire you for searching, really I do. We are each responsible for our own spiritual development. What others say, whether at the pulpit, in the home, on tv, in radio, etc, is of course an influence, but we're supposed to research truth for ourselves. As in Islam, the Baha'i Faith advises its followers not to merely follow in the traditions of the conventional, but to seek the truth for themselves. The Baha'i Faith has no clergy, there is no priest telling us what the scriptures say. We are responsible for reading the scriptures ourselves. We can ask questions, but ultimately, the answers are found in the scriptures prayerfully.
In many cases, people don't bother opening scriptures, they just listen to what the clergy says and they accept it without seeking further. Baha'is know that we as human beings are more responsible than that for spiritual cultivation.
All seekers are called to wipe away their minds of preconceived ideas, to become "as children" as Christ said. Sometimes the obvious is in front of us, and we're so blinded by tradition that we never see it.
UNITY OF RELIGION
We believe in unity of religion very much, that all of God's religions are ONE RELIGION
PROGRESSIVE REVELATION
God has never abandoned us, He has always sent a Messenger to humanity to be the link between us and Him. There are countless Messengers that have come to us throughout time, some of which are: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Zarathustra, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, Muhammad, The Bab, and now Baha'u'llah (pbut), the Messenger of this day. Each Messenger has brought a new religious dispensation. With each Messenger, mankind received God's word (scripture), a calendar, new holidays, new "rules" (like not eating pork for Jews and Muslims, for example), etc. The Messenger is the Great Physician, prescribing what humanity needs at that time. Baha'is call them Manifestations of God. These Manifestations are not God, but they are the link between God and man. We need Manifestations, because people cannot encounter God alone. We cannot fathom God, He is unknowable, He is too great for us to fully comprehend, so He sends us His Messengers so that we may KNOW HIM AND WORSHIP HIM, which is our life's purpose.
UNIVERSAL AUXILIARY LANGUAGE
We believe that throughout the world, there will become one universal language, either in existence or one that will become developed, that everyone all over the globe will learn. We can speak our own languages, but if let's say you travel to another country, you will be able to communicate with everyone.
UNIVERSAL EDUCATION
This is SO KEY to our Faith! We believe that everyone should become educated, and if in the case of a lack of resources that parents are forced to choose between their girl children and boy children to have educated, they choose the girls. Why? Because girls will become mothers, and mothers are the first teachers. They
The Baha'i Faith has organized countless learning centers around the globe. In many assemblies, there are educational centers in many countries. The Phillippines, Kenya, El Salvador, Mexico, countless others.
EQUALITY OF WOMEN AND MEN
In the Baha'i Faith, women and men are equal in the eyes of God. We believe in the emancipation of women, and in their full rights as human beings. Inequality retards not only the advancement of women, but of civilization itself. We are not required to obey husbands, women are respected and cherished. The only restriction is that women cannot be in combat, or have any occupation that requires the taking of life (like an executioner, as an extreme example). Women are life-giving creatures, so it's like choosing between two evils... if we have to choose someone to take a life (let's say in war), better men than women to do that. The station of woman is SO LOFTY because they are life-giving creatures, that taking a life is way beneath them. Not saying that men are life-taking creatures, but it's the better of the two.
Women and men are like two wings of a dove. There are not two right wings, nor two left wings. There are one right and one left wing. They are different, but equal. They must both be equally strong for the bird to fly.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
We are required to recite the scriptures in the morning and in the evening. We also say one Obligatory Prayer each day. There are three to pick from, each with its own time frame, and each has equal weight.
As Muslims have their pilgrimage to Mecca that they call hajj, the Baha'is have a pilgrimage to Haifa, Israel. We register, and when our turn comes, we go to the tombs of The Bab and Baha'u'llah, and I believe we also go to the Universal House of Justice. I'm not too clear on what is done during the pilgrimage, so don't take this as gospel truth. I've not been a Baha'i all my life, so I haven't yet read about what specifically goes on. I don't worry about it, I'll find out at the appropriate time.
BIBLICAL PROPHECY
The Baha'i Faith fulfills Biblical prophecy TIME AND TIME AGAIN!!! For more on that, read "I Shall Come Again" by Hushidar Motlagh, and "Thief In The Night" by William Sears. I've also provided a link to see prophecy fulfilled.
As scripture, we accept the Baha'i Holy Writings, the Bible, and the Qur'an as holy word of God.
YOU SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS
Good trees bear good fruits. Unhealthy trees bear unhealthy fruits, if any. The Baha'i Faith is involved in many many humanitarian efforts, and is also closely linked to the United Nations. Did you know that back in the day, before the UN, there was the Good Deal originated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt? This was the precursor to the UN. Eleanor Roosevelt was a Baha'i, but FDR wasn't. The only reason he wasn't was because he would have had to give up his place in office, as Baha'is are forbidden from participating in partisan politics. Otherwise, he would have joined. Yes, the Baha'i Faith is deeply concerned with issues as world poverty, the environment, medicine, human rights, civil rights, rights of women, etc.
Tidbit: We have no dietary restrictions, so pork is fine to eat. We are, however, forbidden from ingesting any and all intoxicants, unless it is prescribed by a physician. This means we do not drink alcohol. Smoking is not banned, but highly discouraged.
There's SO MUCH MORE to the Baha'i Faith, but I can't possibly write it all down here. The absolute BEST place to look is the official Baha'i Faith website. That is the first link below. Another excellent place to look is Planet Baha'i, which is the second link.
If anyone has
