Contributed by Chiaki Yasue, the Shinnyo-en USA, New York Temple
On February 1st, 2026, despite bitter cold and heavy snow, we gathered—some in person and others by Zoom—for the 22nd Annual World Interfaith Harmony Prayer Service for Peace and Justice. In that modest circle of faith leaders, I was struck by how small we are in the vastness of the world—how few we may seem as we strive to draw forth the inner goodness of each and every individual. And yet, being few does not mean powerless.
The service began with an opening prayer dedicated to the late Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse whose life was taken in recent weeks amid wide spread protests against the Immigration and Customs Enforcements in Minneapolis, MN. All faith leaders contributed, creating a beautiful tapestry with prayers, sacred verses, and stories from their traditions, each pointing toward equanimity, compassion, and the embracement of all life. The day coincided with the Celtic sabbath of Imbolc, the “womb,” marking the halfway point between winter and spring. Imbolc honors unseen transformation—the quiet stirring of life beneath frozen ground. That symbolism felt embodied in our gathering. We were participating in something gestational, something tender and formative.
Qalvy Grainzvolt, representing Shinnyo-en Buddhism, shared teachings from Her Holiness Shinso Ito and recited the sacred mantras “The Goreiju” and “The Jojusan.” The sound reverberated throughout the hall, as if reconnecting us to the origin of our shared humanity—authentic compassion and loving-kindness. In that vibration, differences softened, and a gentle harmony emerged. We were reminded that spiritual refuge, gratitude, and awakening are not abstract ideals; they are living forces that move through sincere hearts.
Our modest physical presence, amid the heavy snow, brought me back to the very beginnings of Master Shinjo Ito’s religious path. Ninety years ago, he embarked on a spiritual path together with his wife and co-founder, Tomoji Ito, with the profound vow of alleviating suffering for all beings—humankind, the earth, and the universe—and to engender their empowerment and liberation. What began as the sincere aspiration of two individual spiritual leaders has since touched countless lives and grown into a worldwide religious practice. Observing our intimate gathering, I felt that same quiet power—the inner strength and unwavering determination that arises not from numbers, but from purity of intent. Their example was a reminder that transformative movements often begin quietly—with a sacred vow, with devotion, with unwavering compassion.
In that snow-covered hall, I felt the universality of this intent. As we celebrated the coming together of different faiths and traditions, the underlying vow was shared: to protect life, to uphold dignity, to awaken goodness in each individual.
As affirmed by the Parliament of the World’s Religions, this moment carries a clear moral responsibility. In times when suffering and division weigh heavily on our communities, we are called to live out the deepest values of our respectable faiths through our daily service and actions. Across traditions, we stand united in these enduring truths: human worth is inherent, compassion embraces all, and justice is a responsibility we each uphold.
Standing together— united in spirit—I felt a tenderness of heart that our world urgently needs. A sincerity that does not shout, but steadies. A compassion that does not exclude. Like Imbolc’s hidden stirring of life beneath winter’s frost, the work of faith leaders may seem small or intangible. Yet, when joined in shared purpose and grounded in common intent, it carries the quiet, transformative power – the power to heal, to renew, and to become a light for others.
Master of Ceremonies: Willow Marks
Welcoming comments: Dr. Charles S. Chesnavage
Faith Leaders in attendance:
Rabbi Harold Stern, Jewish Prayer
Michael Pergola, Christian Prayer
Raza Hassan, Muslim Prayer
Dileepkumar Thankappan, Hindu Prayer
Clare Rosenfield, Jain Prayer
Qalvy Grainzvolt, Shinnyo Buddhist Prayer
Sarabjint Kaur, Sikh Prayer/Kirtan
Don Plunkett, Baha’i Prayer
Rev. Dr. Remi Alapo, African Interfaith Prayer for Peace
Michele Berlin, Imbolc Prayer from Celtic Calendar
Rev. Dr. John Krysko, Interdenominational
George Stonefish, Native American Honoring Song