International Day of Peace Service

"The International Day of Peace service was an inspiring event that celebrated the diversity of faith groups across Sydney," said Mani (Year 11), the incoming 2025-26 School Captain. "It was powerful to see everyone come together as one, reminding us that there is much that unites us. We listened and learned from one another, and found common ground in values like respect, compassion, and hope.

"There was a unique prayer from each religion, some given in different languages and styles. An inspirational moment was when all attendees recited 'Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with us', after each prayer, bringing us all together into a spirit of peace. The service was a great reminder that peace begins with each of us, and together we can carry that spirit into the wider world, through empathy and cooperation. We were privileged to have Reverend Dr Rosalie Clarke MacLarty and Reverend Dr Manas Ghosh run the event."

This event was a collaboration between the Uniting Church minister of St John’s Uniting Church, and Knox Grammar School’s Social Justice and Faith and Spirituality portfolios. It originally began from the vision of Helen Clarke, our Head of Diversity, Justice and Stewardship Program.

"A feature of Uniting Church Schools is the acknowledgement and celebration of the diversity of cultures and faiths in society," said Reverend Dr Rosalie. "As we recognise that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and reconcilers. This event reminds us that there is large capacity for friendship and collaboration between ordinary people with differing religious understandings. This is essential for our community wellbeing."