📌 Highlight Summary
- 100,000 people gathered at Copacabana Beach for the 18th Walk for Religious Freedom in September 2024.
- The event was co-hosted by CCIR and CEAP to promote respect beyond religion and race.
- Since 2008, the walk has grown into Brazil’s largest interfaith solidarity event, with over 1.8 million participants.
- HWPL joined the walk, sharing its vision of peace and interfaith harmony with Brazilian society. 🌍🕊️
Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was filled with nearly 100,000 people united by a shared desire for peace. In September 2024, the Brazil branch of HWPL was invited to take part in the 18th Walk for Religious Freedom held at this iconic location.
The event was jointly organized by the Commission for Combating Religious Intolerance (CCIR) and the Center for the Articulation of Marginalized Populations (CEAP). Its purpose was to deliver a powerful message of respect for all people, regardless of religion or race.
Held every third Sunday of September, the walk began after a tragic incident of religious violence in 2008. Over the past 18 years, more than 1.8 million people have participated, making it the largest interfaith solidarity event voluntarily organized by Brazilian civil society.
This year’s event was held under the inspiring theme, “Understanding Each Other Through Song.” During the emotional closing ceremony, participants from various religious traditions joined together in harmony through music.
HWPL and Brazil Share a Common Vision of Peace: “We Are One”
HWPL participated in the walk because the principle of respecting diversity promoted by the organizers closely aligns with HWPL’s own vision for peace.
The event brought together religious leaders and believers from a wide range of traditions, including African-rooted religions such as Candomblé, as well as Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, and Islam. Their united call to protect a secular state and promote coexistence reflects the same spirit found in HWPL’s interfaith dialogue initiatives around the world.
Through its World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, HWPL has been building strong relationships with local religious leaders through Scripture Comparison Discussions. These dialogues have encouraged deeper understanding between different faith communities.
In particular, efforts to foster dialogue between African-rooted religions and Christianity have made a meaningful impact on Brazilian society. Through these ongoing activities, trust has steadily grown between HWPL and local communities.
Continuing the Journey for Peace
By participating in the peace walk, HWPL reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Brazilian people to promote harmony and mutual respect.
The director of the HWPL Brazil branch expressed determination to expand these efforts, emphasizing that Brazil’s rich religious diversity provides a meaningful opportunity to strengthen human rights and social harmony through interfaith cooperation.
In a country known for its vibrant mix of cultures and beliefs, initiatives like this walk demonstrate that peace can grow when people choose understanding over division.
Source : A Melody of Harmony Resonates in Rio, Brazil: HWPL Walks Together for Religious Freedom – HWPL