Our distinguished panel will discuss the United Religions Initiative (URI), which was begun by Bishop William Swing in 1993 after he was invited by the United Nations (UN) to hold a large interfaith service to mark the UN’s 50th anniversary. The URI envisions a world at peace sustained by a global grassroots interfaith network (known as cooperation circles) that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences.
MLF Organizer Name: Celia Menczel
MLF: Middle East
In association with the San Francisco Interfaith Council
![Image - Kazanjian](https://cdn.commonwealthclub.org/s3fs-public/2019-10/Kazanjian_profile.png)
The Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian Jr.
Executive Director, United Religions Initiative
![Image - Semel](https://cdn.commonwealthclub.org/s3fs-public/2019-10/Semel_profile.png)
Rita Semel
First Global Chair, United Religions Initiative
![Image - Swing](https://cdn.commonwealthclub.org/s3fs-public/2019-10/Swing_profile.png)
The Rt. Rev. William E. Swing (Ret.)
Founder and President, United Religions Initiative
![Image - Pappas](https://cdn.commonwealthclub.org/s3fs-public/2019-10/Pappas_profile.png)
Michael Pappas
Executive Director, San Francisco Interfaith Council—Moderator