On 15th October 2016, SSIO members participated in an interfaith programme at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. The multifaith service featured prayers, readings from scriptures, devotional songs, and presentations by 11 varied faith groups from the states of Illinois and Missouri, including Baha’i Faith groups, the Boundless Buddha Zen Society, the United Presbyterian Church, and the Church of God in Christ, along with representatives from the Hindu faith, the Jewish Federations and Temple Israel, the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, and the Native American–Pacific Northwest Coast Salish Tradition. SSIO leaders kicked off the event with an overview of the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba, emphasising the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. The faith groups took turns singing sacred songs about the unity of humankind. A memorable highlight was the music played on a flute by a Native Indian tribe member, accompanied by drumming by the Red Cedar Circle of Southwestern Illinois. The event concluded with a sing-along of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” An exhibit on the event was displayed at the Interfaith Partnership of St. Louis’ annual celebration of world religions on 27th October 2016.
