Japanese religious leaders representing ancient Buddhist and Shinto sects as well as newer faiths took the stage Tuesday at the United Nations interfaith summit to pray and pledge their willingness to work for peace.
Making his first public appearance in an official capacity outside of Japan, Kuniaki Kuni, the high priest of Ise Shrine, offered prayers Monday during the opening ceremony of the four-day summit.
On Tuesday, the chief custodian of Ise -- considered to be one of the oldest Shinto sanctuaries and representative of the mythic origins of the Japanese people -- addressed more than 700 religious and spiritual leaders of other faiths at the U.N. General Assembly Hall, calling on them to deepen their mutual respect through greater knowledge.
"In order to realize world peace, it is extremely important, I believe, that people and nations of the world . . . learn each other's history, spiritual heritage, philosophy and feelings and sensitivities proper to the people," Kuni said.