One Human Family: Interfaith Gathering at the UN International Weeks Against Racism
Interfaith gathering at Frankfurt Cathedral with representatives from diverse religious communities. Credits: SikhiCouncil
Protecting Human Dignity: International Weeks Against Racism 2025
The International Weeks Against Racism promote human solidarity and coexistence. Nine religious communities contribute to the program, including through interreligious gatherings. “There could be no better motto than ‘Protecting Human Dignity,’” said Frankfurt’s Deputy Mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg ahead of the nationwide opening of the United Nations Weeks in Frankfurt am Main. The program includes a total of 5,000 events across Germany, with over 2,000 religious gatherings.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa: On March 21, 1960, police shot and killed 69 people during a protest against the apartheid regime’s discriminatory pass laws. The United Nations officially declared this anniversary as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Since then, many countries have actively participated in marking this day. In Germany, the UN Day has been observed for 30 years and is coordinated nationwide by the Foundation Against Racism. Religious gatherings play a central role in this initiative.
Interfaith Gathering at Frankfurt Cathedral
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, an interfaith gathering took place at Frankfurt Cathedral. The guests were welcomed by Michael Thurn, head of the city church. A Catholic service was followed by short addresses from representatives of various religious traditions, including:
Katrin Hechler, State Secretary, Hessian Ministry of Integration
Daniel Neumann, Chairman of the Association of Jewish Communities in Hesse, and Member of the Presidium of the Central Council of Jews in Germany
Abdassamad El Yazidi, Chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany
Ihsan Dilber, Chairman of the Alevi Communities in Hesse
Nura Froemel, Chairwoman of the Council of Religions Frankfurt and Representative of the Bahá’í Community
Anjali George, Member of the Council of Religions Frankfurt and Vishwahindu Parishad e.V.
Claus Herboth, Board Member of the German Buddhist Union
Dr. Irfan Ortac, Chairman of the Central Council of Ezidis in Germany
Gurlal Singh, SikhiCouncil
Inspiration from the Wisdom of Sikhi for a Humane Coexistence
Drawing upon the timeless wisdom that lies at the heart of Sikhi, I would like to share the following insights:
We all originate from a one common spiritual source, yet each of us is a beautifully unique individual. Let us strive to learn together and recognize the inherent dignity of every human being.
We have a choice: Do we focus on what unites us, or on what divides us? Do we seek to understand others with an open heart, or do we judge based on superficial appearances?
Our gathering serves as a reminder to embrace the beauty within life and within each other. Love, respect, and compassion - the ability to see the world through another’s eyes - these are the virtues that bind us as one human family.
Maanas Ki Jaati Sabhai Ekai Paihechaanbo!
ਹਿੰਦੂ ਤੁਰਕ ਕੋਊ ਰਾਫਜੀ ਇਮਾਮ ਸਾਫੀ ਮਾਨਸ ਕੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਸਬੈ ਏਕੈ ਪਹਿਚਾਨਬੋ ॥ DG, 14
Thank you for your attention.
For more information, please visit the Foundation Against Racism.
