[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Peace City Gala Night in Germany

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's Peace City Gala Night in Germany :)

Frankfurt, Germany Hosts “Peace City Gala Night”
European Religious Leaders Step Forward to Resolve Conflict Through a Declaration on Peace and Mutual Respect

“Peace City Gala Night – First European Edition” Held

On December 18, 2025, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch in Germany hosted the “Peace City Gala Night – First European Edition” in Frankfurt under the theme, “The Role of Leaders in Building a Peaceful and Healthy Society Amid Crisis.” The event brought together more than 600 participants and introduced a city-based peace model that integrates municipal leadership, religious responsibility, civil society participation, youth empowerment, and international law advocacy into a unified framework. The Peace City initiative aims to connect the ideals of peace with institutional commitments and active civic engagement, encouraging practical peacebuilding within communities.

The gala served as the grand finale of three Peace City Nights held in Frankfurt. A total of 607 participants attended the event, including leaders from the fields of politics, religion, youth, NGOs, education, and media, along with representatives from various European countries.

Proclamation of the “European Religious Leaders’ Declaration on Peace and Mutual Respect”

Pan-European Religious Leaders’ Conference Brings Together Seven Religions

Prior to the gala, a Pan-European Religious Leaders’ Conference was held, bringing together representatives from Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Yazidism, Judaism, and Buddhism. During the conference, 27 religious leaders signed the “European Religious Leaders’ Declaration on Peace and Mutual Respect,” affirming the responsibility of religion to promote reconciliation and uphold human dignity.

A Sikh representative presenting at the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA)

During the conference, Kahlon Singh, Head of the Gurdwara Gur Prakash Sahib Ji in Austria, stated:

“Discrimination does not originate from religion itself, but from ignorance and misunderstanding. When people lack knowledge about other faiths, fear and division grow. Education and understanding are the most important ways to overcome these challenges.” He emphasized that Europe is becoming increasingly multicultural and multi-religious, making it essential to create spaces where communities—and especially religious leaders—can learn from one another.

He also highlighted HWPL’s International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA) as an important platform where religious leaders from different traditions can study together, respect differences, and discover shared values. He called on religious leaders across Europe to unite for peace and actively engage in interreligious cooperation.

Christian speaker Pastor Jonathan Amseln addressed the gathering, noting that more than 45,000 Christian denominations exist worldwide. While diversity itself can be meaningful, he explained that division arises when traditions take precedence over the core teaching of Jesus—loving one’s neighbor. He stressed that unity does not require uniformity, but rather intentional cooperation among leaders.

Quoting John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,” he explained that true peace is not merely a diplomatic compromise, but a peace that brings hearts together. He encouraged Christian leaders to keep their doors open and work together despite differences.

During the event, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch also highlighted the expansion of the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), which has engaged religious leaders around the world since 2023. The event further introduced ongoing initiatives that support practical peacebuilding, including: WARP Offices (World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Offices), Youth activities led by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), Peace education programs, Volunteer initiatives.

Held at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and social fragmentation, the Peace City Gala Night demonstrated that religion can serve not as a source of conflict but as a catalyst for reconciliation and peace. Through the Peace City initiative, the HWPL Frankfurt Branch continues to support efforts to position Frankfurt as a city that actively practices and promotes peace.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/