W E L C O M E

I thank you for planning to attend the 2^nd

Annual International Interfaith Symposium

at IUPUI March 19-22, 2008.

---- Many people wonder why I am creating "The World Interfaith Peace Center" in Indianapolis.

--First:  I love the United States of America. What is the reason?  I studied and worked in the States and discovered the 5 most important values are: Freedom, Peace, Good Education for young people Law and Order.

The United States fought against Germany in the Second World War then generously turned around to help Germany and Japan after the War ended. No other country in history has done something like this. It was The Marshall Plan and The Organisation For European Economic Development. Without this help Germany would not have had The German Economic Wonder. Without money you cannot build up a solid industry. We received care packages and food deliveries: I remember getting chocolate milk without paying for it. It was scrumptious and now I really love good chocolate.   In recent history America built the Berlin Bridge and East- and West- Germany would not have come together without American help. For all of this I thank the American people with all of my heart. Now The USA and Germany are friends and allies.

--Second: I was ten years old, when the Second World War ended. I tell you, war is terrible. So many valuable people died and so much trouble came to innocent families. The French, English and American nations influenced our current constitution which was created after World War Two. It allows us only to defend ourselves. Peace is now requested by all Germans.  All Holy Books ask for peace. Therefore we need the religions to work together on a consistent level. We need that because the world is changing so fast. It has to be a permanent institution.

--Third:  We have to work very closely with the United Nations in New York and help to inform the US Government about the different religions in the world.  Mrs. Madeleine K. Albright has strongly recommended this in international newspapers and in her recent book "The Mighty and The All Mighty". It would be easier for me to work in Germany; however I feel America's heartland, Indiana, is the right place for this work to continue. Within the World Interfaith Peace Center we must also install an international business information center because globalization is going on. You cannot stop it. We have computers, internet, cell phones, and television, where everyone can be informed about what is going on in the world instantaneously. We are now like a large village and globalization is good if we work with it. We had the Hanse in the middle ages in Europe. It was something like globalization and all citizens which were involved became wealthy. Merchandise was exchanged so that everyone had an advantage. Today we need to strengthen education systems throughout the world. If we do not have good education people too easily exploit our differences and continue to create trouble.  War will inevitably continue.  With globalization, everyone has to benefit so that problems in the world can be solved peacefully.  We desperately need an effective non-denominational religious institution that is respected by all faiths and nationalities: The World Interfaith Peace Center will promote cooperation that strengthens civil society throughout the world. Religions have much power and we must harness it for the good.

--Fourth: We need to inspire philanthropy.  As I mentioned earlier I am giving 60% of my estate so that everyone can see that I am committed to this proposal. I will establish a foundation according to German law which says it is for art and culture. We need money to establish The World Interfaith Peace Center. Everyone who gives a donation will be mentioned with their name on a special plaque mounted near the entrance of the Center. It will be in the front of the museum, where most people come to visit.  It will be a wonderful sales promotion forever. 

--Fifth: I found that by far most American people deeply value humanity, generosity, ethics, and morality and they want fair play among cultures and other nations. One example will now be shown by Charlie Wiles. Please Charlie come up here.

Also, we are planning another Symposium in October with Prof. Johan Galtung from Transcend.  He will give a speech on Conflict Transformation by Peaceful Means on Oct. 7 and conduct informative workshops throughout the day.  We are also looking at getting other speakers to talk about helping the world by helping yourself.  As we work together during this Symposium and plan for the next, let us pray and give thanks that we have such wonderful inspiration as we move in a direction toward world peace!

Klaus Martin Finzel