Reflections on a Peace Summit

Bishop Paul Bird, CSsR, attended a peace summit hosted by the St Kilda local council on Sunday, October 11. The event took place at the St Kilda Town Hall and was organized by a group called Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light.

The group, which originated in South Korea, describes itself as an international non-governmental organization dedicated to global peace and the end of war. Bishop Bird noted that the group has faced criticism regarding potential links to a South Korean church with unorthodox teachings. He attended the gathering to observe the proceedings and the group's focus on peace.

The summit brought together members of local and state governments, community organizations, youth groups, women's groups, religious associations, and educators. The program included a welcome from a local Aboriginal Elder and the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip. Bishop Bird observed that the gathering included people from diverse backgrounds discussing ways to foster peace at both local and international levels.