On Feb. 3, 2026, representatives of various religions gathered in Prague, in the premises of the Community of Christians, to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week, an international annual event initiated in 2010. UPF Slovakia has been hosting commemorating events since 2013. The main theme of this year's week was the motto: "The world is one family."
Two songs performed by guitarist Jakub Slezák and singer Erika Lajdová created a beautiful atmosphere at the beginning.
There were panel presentations and discussions tackling two different issues: interfaith dialogue and cooperation and religious freedom and its violation in many countries.
In his welcoming speech, Rev. Tomáš Boněk, pastor of the Community of Christians, stressed the importance of looking for points of unity rather than topics that are divisive. He went on to say that several stages in interfaith dialogue must be negotiated before barriers between religions can be broken down. He quoted the recently deceased religious scholar I. Štampach, who made a significant contribution to creating an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding.
Dr. Juraj Lajda, President of UPF Czech Republic expressed regrets that religion is often misused for political or ideological purposes, and although we are now commemorating a week of interfaith harmony and cooperation, we should not forget the many believers around the world who are being persecuted for their faith, such as in Nigeria, where 50,000 Christians have been killed, or even in some European countries. Anti-Semitism is also on the rise.
In South Korea, Christian churches and societies have come under scrutiny, accused primarily of involvement in politics. Targets have included the Seygero Church, the Shincheonji Church, and the Unification Church, formally known as the Family Federation, with their pastors and members investigated, indicted, and some imprisoned.
Among these is the co-founder of the Unification Movement and UPF, Dr. Hak Ja Han, who, at the age of 83, was detained pre-trial in September, 2025, and continues to be held before any verdict has been pronounced. She is in very poor health, has recently undergone a cardiac procedure, has greatly impaired vision, and is confined to a wheelchair.
Jiří Hazlbauer, representing Zen Buddhism, said the whole world is like a flower and is one family. We come from one source; we are one, and we return to one. Diversity is a beautiful thing and rather than arguing, people should celebrate unity in diversity.
Hynek Renza, High Councilor of the Prague Czech Republic stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focused on the importance of family, not only in the narrow sense of the word, but in the context of the wider world family. Successful marriages are based on faith, prayer, repentance, and gratitude. We have different gifts and talents, but are united in the same spirit. Humanity is a whole but consists of many parts. It is important to learn to listen, and not simply to try to persuade others. We should stand firmly behind our values.
Jakub Koldovský also from Zen Buddhism, emphasised the importance of such meetings and that we should open our hearts to the ideas of others.
Kashif Janjua, an imam of the Muslim association Ahmadija, quoted from the Koran, and said that we are living in difficult times when there is a widespread loss of faith in God and lack of moral responsibility. When we lose contact with God, we lose contact with creation. But if we love the Creator, we will be able to love everyone and learn from each other. There are social and economic aspects to peace as well as spiritual. Ahmadija's motto is love for all, hatred for no one - that is a way of life. It is better to light one candle than to complain about the darkness.
Mgr. Nina Nováková, former member of the Czech Parliament (2021-2025), began by saying that the more a person opens their heart and mind to others, the more their own faith deepens. Spirituality is seen by those who oppose it as a global problem because people with verticality cannot be easily controlled.
Nováková referred to a meeting she had once with the currently imprisoned Mrs. Hak Ja Han, and commented that she is a now a martyr and a woman who maintains hope and is not broken even in this situation.
She concluded by saying that all people want victory but the greatest victory is the wisdom of the heart; to control oneself and have love for others.
Mikuláš Vymětal, priest for minorities from the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren was the final speaker. He said that the Bible defines a family as being all of humanity. Pope Francis also spoke about universal brotherhood.
He quoted Robert Fulghum, an American writer and former Unitarian Universalist minister who wrote the famous book, “Everything I really need to know I learned in kindergarten."
Vymětal went on to say that it is usually small marginal groups, be it minority religions or others, that are persecuted and ostracized.
The speeches were followed by the symbolic act of lighting candles and a ceremony of pouring water into one common vessel by the representatives of each religion present.
Then followed group discussions where all could express their opinions and exchange ideas.
A lively musical performance by missionaries from Korea strengthened the sacred atmosphere before the meeting concluded with refreshments and informal conversations.