How the citizens of Lindau were involved.

The Ring for Peace, the wooden sculpture, was inaugurated with a special ceremony on Lindau Island. The public was invited to participate in the ceremony. Many came to listen to the speeches and blessings of the religious representatives and to participate in the multi-faith prayers. Also present was UN High Commissioner Miguel Angel Moratinos, who personally presented the “Memorandum for the Protection of Religious Sites” at the United Nations in New York. The Ring for Peace is intended to remind all who come to admire the sculpture that sacred sites around the world must be protected.

At the Agora, organizations and institutions that reflect the conference theme in their work presented themselves. The Agora served as a meeting place and for interaction between exhibitors, delegates of the World Assembly and interested citizens.

Everybody was invited, regardless of their faith, all with an interest in the dialogue between religions and cultures. Between the churches there was a long row of tables, laden with regional food and international dishes, with tables to the left and right where Lindauers and hundreds of guests enjoyed the food and deep conversations together.

Time to pause, recharge your energies, and to be inspired. During the congress week several ecumenical services were offered. The Lindau parishes cordially invited all those interested to participate.

The Lightning Talks were inspiring conversations in which personal stories were presented and exemplary ideas in the areas of religion, spirituality and peace were demonstrated. In a sequence of seven talks, each lasting about 12 minutes, seven religious representatives from around the world share their personal, moving experiences as well as stories and ideas on their way to building a more peaceful society.