A historic gathering at a Lusaka church where Christian choirs, Islamic Nasheed, and a giant shared canvas proved that our differences are what make us whole.
Can people from completely different faiths and backgrounds come together to create a single, unified masterpiece? On April 22, a deeply moving answer unfolded at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Ibex Hill, Lusaka.

Watching separate brushstrokes and contrasting colors slowly bleed into a cohesive, breathtaking mural was a living metaphor for peacebuilding. Alongside this community canvas, professional displays by the MUZU Arts Collective lined the walls, grounding the venue in a visual language that bypassed words entirely.
When a Church Choir and Islam Nasheed Share the Same Stage
"Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of solidarity, dialogue, and mutual respect. Art as a profound tool that transcends language, connecting human hearts in the ultimate pursuit of building peace." — From the HWPL Opening Address
"What is the Key Connection That Enables Us to Become One?"
The emotional high of the music set a perfect stage for the interfaith dialogue panel, where leaders from Christianity, Islam, the Baha'i Faith, and Hinduism dove straight into the core mechanics of human connection.
Sheikh Yussuf Ayami (Islam, Team Leader of FDI): "Universal values like respect, compassion, and justice—all rooted in our shared humanity—are the golden threads that naturally connect us."
Swami Divyabodhananda (Hinduism, Representative of Ramakrishna Vedanta Center): "True unity doesn't require us to be identical. It arises when we look past cultural and religious differences to recognize a deeper, spiritual oneness."
Peace: The Ultimate Determinant of Community Health
The dialogue quickly expanded to include local civic leaders and the younger generation. Mr. Victor Kagoli, Director of the Public Health Department for the Lusaka City Council, brought a fascinating and grounded civic perspective to the table, connecting social harmony directly to physical well-being.
Moving From Fragments to Wholeness
By showing that individual fragments (pieces) can beautifully interlock into a grand design (peace), the youth and leaders of Lusaka have offered a powerful blueprint for the rest of the world.
HWPL official website