Federation of World Peace and Love

FOWPAL Hosts Bell Ringing Ceremonies to Pray for the World

Awakening Conscience and Realizing the Power of Hope

With international wars still unresolved and another school shooting occurring, people now need the energy of love, peace, and conscience more than ever before. The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and 14 other organizations hosted the "2023 World Leader Summit of Love and Peace” and bell ringing ceremonies at the National Press Club, Holeman Lounge & First Amendment Lounge on March 28, at 12:00-3:00 pm to celebrate the fourth International Day of Conscience and pray for people affected by the recent devastating earthquakes and other disasters in different parts of the world.

The event kicked off with a press conference, which began with an ancient solemn ceremony of prayer. The performers prayed with reverence for the blessings of Heaven to restore the Earth. All participants meditated for 60 seconds and prayed with a heart of repentance and atonement, hoping that disasters would end soon and that all living things would be safe. FOWPAL presented a song titled “Children from Heaven” in an aboriginal language. The music was divine, awakening the conscience in people and encouraging them to do more good deeds to make up for their mistakes.

During the key ceremony of the conference, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, delegates from various embassies, and leaders of various organizations shared their kind wishes for the world. Dr. Hong stated, “May the people of the world realize their hopes with conscience and work together for a sustainable future.” Jan du Plain, founder of Du Plain Global Enterprises and a liaison to over 190 embassies, stated, “My wish comes from my dearest best friend, who said, 'A kind word from a good heart is worth everything.'" Dr. E. Faye Williams, a United Nations Peace Ambassador, an accomplished attorney, entrepreneur, civic leader and activist, stated, “I've traveled to most of your countries, so I am a citizen of the world, and I wish for the whole world love, peace, happiness, joy, prosperity, and I hope to be a part of making it all happen." Dr. Hong and other leaders signed their names on a tree of life to pray for the world, which symbolized promoting global security and sustainability with conscience and the power of hope.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, delivered welcome remarks, titled “Awakening Conscience and Realizing the Power of Hope: Promoting Sustainable Development with Love and Peace,” emphasizing the importance of awakening the conscience in everyone for the betterment of the world.

It is the fourth year since the United Nations declared April 5 as the International Day of Conscience. “This is not only a UN-designated international day, but also a day of conscience for everyone. It is our common responsibility to put into practice what we wish to do with our conscience,” said Dr. Hong, adding, “The most difficult times are also the times full of good opportunities. Where there is the will, there is always a way forward. More conscience awakening and actions are needed to inspire more leaders and people to protect the Earth with positive power, to create a culture of peace with love and conscience, and to build a sustainable world.”

“Love, peace, conscience, and human rights are the core values that are indispensable for the sustainable development of humanity,” noted Dr. Hong, emphasizing, “We believe that with strong determination and continuous practice, we will be able to harness opportunities for humanity’s survival and enhance everyone’s wellbeing.”

A total of 11 influential leaders rang the Bell of World Peace and Love and made wishes for peace, praying for the world. H.E. Mr. Bocchit Edmond, Ambassador of Haiti to the United States, rang the bell and stated, “We are all looking for a world of peace, free from violence and conflict. It is time now for all of us to work assiduously to achieve it. So, let us put aside our differences to walk shoulder to shoulder on the path of peace and love.The future generation will be forever grateful for such a legacy that we will leave for them. May peace and love always triumph.”

Ms. Isabelle Vladoiu, founder of the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, rang the bell and stated, “I wish for every child to have the opportunity of education for all. Only through education, peace will prevail in the world.”

Mr. Walter Kirkland, director of the Golf Tournament and founder of 100 Black Men of PG County, rang the bell and stated, “Life is about relationships and people in life. And proximity is power. It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it in life. Stay encouraged.”

Ms. Patricia Watts, director of Technology Engagements at Department of State, rang the bell and wished, “That one day every young woman/girl and boy be free from horrendous criminal acts of human sex trafficking. Protect our children around the world.”

Other bell ringers included, Dr. Tommie Thompson, president of Bazilio Cobb Associates; Dr. Keith E. Rolle, founder and president of Royal Ambassador Ministries; Mr. Manuel Oancia, president, the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights; Ms. Nilima Mehra, executive producer of Global Television Network Inc.; Ms. Jan du Plain, founder of Du Plain Global Enterprises and a liaison to over 190 embassies; Dr. Samuel N Jacobs-Abbey, executive director of Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies; Mr. Hershel Daniels Jr., chairman of Friends of the African Union.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze presented to bell ringers special gifts, including the “Key to the Heart” and a book entitled The History of International Day of Conscience. The key symbolizes that conscience is the key to unlocking a brighter future for the world. The History of International Day of Conscience documents the crucial cooperation among FOWPAL and various Permanent Missions to the UN, which made the United Nations’ designation of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience possible.

Dr. Hong presented mini Golden Bells of World Peace and Love to Mr. Hugues Sanon, COJEP International Special Envoy at the UN; Dr. Charles Olawole, president of the Pan African Unity Summit Group; and Mayor A. Cross, City of Glenarden, Maryland. They have previously rung the bell and have worked closely with FOWPAL to promote love and peace.

Dr. Hong presented certificates of honor for cultural exchange to several leaders, including Rev. Dr. Charles Waters, pastor and founder of Word of Faith Christian Center, and Dr. Richard Myles, president, founder & CEO of Minor Football League.

Dr. Hong presented the Compass Clock of Conscience to a number of leaders, including Mr. Don McNeal, an international lawyer; Mr. Dave Naves, retired NASA engineer and Harlem Globetrotter; Dr. David Nash, the founding dean of the Jefferson College of Population Health; Mr. Gabriel Njinimbot, a candidate for the U.S. Congress Member; Dr. Roshanne Allen, founder of Red Line Industries; Mr. Todd Carson, Senior Associate Director at the Wharton School; Mr. Rod Joseph, a candidate for House Representative; Mr. Hans Garry Dorlean, a journalist and radio personality.

The participants were invited to endorse the Declaration of World Prayer Day ( http://www.fowpal.org/Endorse/1016_endorse/ ) and the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope ( http://www.fowpal.org/Endorse/powerhope_endorse/ ).

The entire event opened and concluded with FOWPAL’s uplifting cultural performances, including the peacock and peony dance. According to legend, the peacock consumes poisons and emits fragrance, symbolizing selfless service while the peony represents beauty and prosperity. The blooming of the peony flowers also signifies the emergence of flowers of conscience around the world. Through the dance, FOWPAL encouraged people to work together for the benefit of all.

FOWPAL also presented hopeful and inspiring songs, dances, and martial arts presentations, such as “A Female Knight-errant’s True Sentiments,” "We Can Change the World" and "Happiness Is Everywhere," conveying the energy of "happiness, love and peace" to the world, which touched the audience members’ hearts and received enthusiastic applause.