Faith leaders, families, and community members from across the Twin Cities gathered Saturday for an interfaith celebration of National Parents' Day and the International Day of Peace, united around a simple but powerful message: Peace begins in the family. The event, hosted by the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) and United for Human Rights at the Church of Scientology Twin Cities, brought together people representing diverse faith and cultural traditions, including Christian, Buddhist, Unification, and Scientology communities. By connecting two important observances—the International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations in 1981, and National Parents' Day, established by the U.S. Congress in 1994—organizers highlighted a shared conviction that lasting peace is not built only through institutions or international agreements. It also begins in our homes, in the way people love, respect, communicate with, and care for one another.
Reverend Troy Wilson underscored the urgency of this message, stating, "In a world where conflict has increasingly become the norm, peace is more than the absence of war. It is the lived experience of safety, dignity, respect, and cooperation in our daily lives." His words resonated with attendees who see rising tensions locally and globally and who believe that strengthening families is a foundational step toward a more peaceful society.
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding local parents and families who were nominated for their love, sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, and positive leadership. Honorees reflected the rich diversity of the Twin Cities community and represented a variety of cultural backgrounds. While listening to the reasons why parents were nominated, one of the children present leaned over to her mother and said, "Mom – I hope they give this award to you!" Their recognition underscored the event's central message: parents and families are often the first teachers of compassion, responsibility, respect, service, and peace. When these values are practiced in the home, they can extend outward into neighborhoods, communities, and society.
For more than 25 years, ACLC has worked to bring clergy and faith leaders together across denominational and religious lines to strengthen marriages and families and encourage cooperation among communities of faith. The Twin Cities gathering continued that spirit by affirming a shared commitment to strong families, human dignity, religious freedom, and community peacebuilding. The celebration concluded with a renewed call for people of all faiths and backgrounds to recognize that building a more peaceful world begins close to home. Peace begins in the family—and from strong, loving families, it can spread throughout the community and the world.
