Since 2019, faith leaders in Grand Junction, Colorado, have gathered under the sponsorship of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) to build lasting bridges of interreligious understanding. Five years into their journey together, this dedicated cohort met virtually on Zoom for an intimate dialogue titled "An In-Depth Look at Our Spiritual Founders."
Guided by a shared desire to understand the human and divine origins of their respective traditions, the leaders focused on the childhoods and formative years of four spiritual pioneers:
Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science): Born in Bow, New Hampshire, her early life was marked by deep spiritual devotion, including an extraordinary childhood experience at age five where reading Scripture brought spontaneous healing through prayer.
The Báb (Baha'i Faith): Born in Shiraz, Iran, in 1819, he displayed innate wisdom from early youth, serving as the herald and gateway between past ages of prophecy and a new era for humanity.
John Wesley (United Methodist Church): Raised in Epworth, England, as one of 19 children, Wesley navigated childhood poverty under his mother’s strict, grounding discipline—an upbringing that forged his lifelong commitment to service and order.
Father Sun Myung Moon (Peace Starts with Me Alliance): Born in 1920 in Jeongju, North Korea, his youth was shaped by a deep empathy for the suffering, frequently sharing meals and befriending local beggars to learn the value of unconditional love.
The historical exploration quickly evolved into a heartfelt expression of solidarity among the leaders. Drawing parallels between historical trials and modern-day challenges, a Baha'i representative shared: "We will continue to pray for Mother Han. We Baha'is know about religious persecution."
The gathered faith leaders warmly echoed the sentiment, committing to keep Mother Han in their shared prayers. What started as an academic study of the past concluded as a powerful demonstration of interfaith unity, mutual respect, and enduring friendship.