Interfaith Art and Social Justice

These prayer flags were made by young people from different faith groups.  We came together on February 20th 2010 to celebrate UN World Day of Social Justice, and to think about the connection between faith and action.

These symbols represent different faith groups and religious traditions, and our prayer is that all people of faith can speak with pride, and listen with respect.

Prayer flags are common in the Buddhist tradition. Erin, a Mahayana Buddhist, told us this:

“The flags are a prayer for compassion and peace for all living beings. The wind carries these prayers around the world. To me this is the same as breath, which is the anchor of Buddhist practice: it unites the internal and external worlds and allows compassionate thoughts and speech to reach others.

“Flags are something that are easy to recognize and can serve as a visual reminder of community and history. Flags traditionally show allegiance and celebration, and I like the idea of celebrating and proclaiming allegiance to faith, peace and tolerance.”

Faiths Act is bringing people from different communities together, to work for social justice and mutual understanding.

Sean Rose

Faiths Act Fellow