Interfaith Peace Walks were held this year on the eve of UN Day, October 23. The theme of the peace walks was For a Better Future. The peace walks were held in five different cities simultaneously. The events featured speeches from representatives of different religious communities, musical performances, a panel discussion on the theme and shared coffee moments and prayers.
Supporting the weakest is a central part of the teachings and life of many religions and worldviews. Communities create security for every-day life. Their importance is emphasized especially when one needs support or direction.
Religions are not just spiritual institutions but also active social actors that support those in vulnerable positions. With the peace walks, we want to remind that community and supporting each other are also means to influence and change society for the better.
The peace walks were held simultaneously in Turku, Tampere, Oulu, Jyväskylä, and Joensuu. Despite the autumn weather, a large number of people participated to walk for peace and a better future.
Peace walk crowd in Tampere (left picture) and Turku (right picture).
In Turku, the peace walk followed a traditional route from Puolalanpuisto to the steps of Turku’s Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral. Along the way, participants stopped at the Turku Orthodox Church and the mosque of the Turku Islamic Community, where representatives of the communities gave speeches. On the cathedral steps, speeches were also heard from other religious communities, such as the Bahá’ís, Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After the walk and speeches, Turku’s 800th anniversary project offered coffee at Restaurant Grädda, where project manager Suvi Innilä spoke about the anniversary initiative.
Speakers and participants in Jyväskylä peace walk (left and middle). Walking crown in Joensuu (right).
In Joensuu, 70–80 people joined the peace walk. The route led from St. Nicholas Church along Kirkkokatu to Joensuu’s Lutheran Church and then along Kauppakatu to the market square. Along the way and at the square, participants listened to musical performances, words of peace, and sacred texts from different religions. At the square, warm vegetable soup was served from a field kitchen. Participants included at least Joensuu’s Evangelical Lutheran parish, the Orthodox parish, Bahá’ís, and the Catholic Church.
Jyväskylän rauhankävelijät (vasemmalla). Tampereen paneelikeskustelu (oikealla).
In Tampere, the peace walk gathered at the Cooperative Movement Monument located in Eteläpuisto and continued through Hämeenpuisto toward the main library Metso. A panel discussion was held at the library immediately after the walk, with coffee provided by the Welcoming City program.
Panelists included Bishop Matti Repo (Evangelical Lutheran Church), Miikka Hietanen (Hinduism), Mustafa Kara (Muslim community), and Maira Lindeberg (Buddhism). The discussion was moderated by Aleksej Sjöberg, parish priest of Tampere’s Orthodox parish. Closing remarks were given by Ilkka Porttikivi, Deputy Mayor of the city of Tampere. The panel explored what peaceful coexistence looks like in practice in Tampere. The event was organized by the CORE Forum together with the City of Tampere and local active religious communities.
People gathered in Puolanpuisto before the peace walk in Turku (left). Imam Abdul Mannan speaking in Oulu after the peace walk (left).
In Oulu, peace walkers gathered at the Toripoliisi statue, and the route led along Rotuaari to City Hall. A celebration was held at City Hall with speeches and musical performances. Speakers included Bishop Jukka Keskitalo of the Oulu Diocese, Bishop Sergei from the Orthodox Church and Abdul Mannan, Chair of the Islamic Community of Northern Finland. The Bahá’í community’s greeting was delivered by Mehri Hovinen. The event was hosted by Joonas Vapaavuori and Shahnaz Mikkonen, and the Communications Director of the City of Oulu Harriet Urponen also greeted the peace walk crowd.
Musical performances in Oulu (left) and Joensuu by Taneli Laurinolli (right).
In Jyväskylä, the program began at Kompassi with a musical performance by the Ruamjai Choir, which sang peace songs from around the world. Responsible pastor of the City Church Minna Karasti gave the opening words, followed by speeches on peace by Esko Lehtonen and Eikka Eronen from Nuva, Lilja Vesajoki and Minna Karasti. After the speeches, participants walked toward the City Church, where the program continued, including a joint prayer for peace.
A big thank you to all organizers and participants in each city’s peace walks!
