International Day of Peace walk unites religions at Janesville’s Fourth Ward Park

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Followers of four different religions come together in a show of unity on the International Day of Peace.

A few dozen Janesville residents gathered Monday evening at Fourth Ward Park to strengthen their community bond and call for peace.

Representatives of Baha’i, Christianity, Islam and Judaism spoke about their religious teachings on unity and stewardship before the group marched around the park in silent reflection and meditation.

The event was organized by the Wilson Avenue Interfaith Peace Gathering group, an informal discussion group of neighbors and friends who meet monthly to exchange ideas on faith and spirituality.

Organizer Dan Heussner was encouraged by the show of support from the community and hopes his group can continue to bring people together during a time of widespread division in society.

His group switched to meeting over Zoom during the pandemic, but the International Day of Peace walk was an opportunity to gather safely outdoors with masks and proper social distancing.