Conference of World Religions

A historic conference was held last week as delegates from the world’s religions gathered at a special ceremony at Guildhall, London.

The ‘Conference of World Religions’ was organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK, as part of its centenary celebrations, with the theme being ‘God in the 21st Century’.

The World Head and Fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered the keynote address in front of 500 delegates including faith leaders from various countries, politicians, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, academics and representatives of various Non-Governmental Organisations.

The conference also received messages of support from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Prime Minister David Cameron and several other dignitaries.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

During the event the various faith leaders considered what role religion could play in today’s world and whether religion continued to be a force for good. The keynote address delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad sought to answer these questions in light of Islam’s teachings.

The Khalifa spoke on a number of matters regarding all major religions and stressed that he condemned governments across the world for prioritising defence and military spending above and beyond social welfare and humanitarian projects.

REPRESENTATIVES: Delegates form the world’s religions and guests from various official bodies attended the event at Guildhall last week

The Rt Hon Baroness Warsi, Senior Minister of State at the Foreign Office, was one guest on the day and praised the event for its overall message of peace.

She said: “It is testament to the openness, the pragmatism and the humility of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community that their flagship global event celebrated all faiths.”

The World Conference concluded with a silent prayer led by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.
Earlier in the evening, The Khalifa held a series of private meetings with dignitaries and delegations from various countries and he also led the Maghreb and Isha prayers at the Guildhall.