The Temple of Understanding (ToU), a pioneering interfaith NGO at the United Nations, will celebrate its 65th anniversary on November 8, 2025 by gathering visionary leaders, activists, and scholars advancing peace, human rights, and environmental justice for a global Symposium titled ‘Envisioning the Future of the Interfaith Movement’, an Intergenerational Panel highlighting youth voices, and the presentation of the Juliet Hollister Awards, named after the founder.
Participants in the daylong symposium at Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan include Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi (she will appear on video), Bhai Mohinder Singh (The Charter of Forgiveness and Peace, England), Azza Karam (ToU and Lead Integrity), and James Lynch (Parliament of the World’s Religions, and Religions of Peace).
ToU was created by Juliet Hollister (1916-2000) in 1960. Luminaries who supported her in the formative years included First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Egyptian President Anwar-el Sadat, Carl Sagan, Pope John XXIII, and Albert Schweitzer.
Honorary International Chair of the Temple of Understanding.
2025 Juliet Hollister Award Honorees
● Rainn Wilson – Actor, author, and co-founder of SoulPancake, amplifying conversations about spirituality and meaning in modern life.
● Johanna Friman – Youth advocate leading global campaigns for women’s rights and gender equity.
● Dr. Ephraim Isaac – Pioneering Ethiopian scholar and peacemaker, advancing interfaith reconciliation.
● Dr. Najah Bazzy – Humanitarian leader and founder of Zaman International, combating poverty through community-based action.
“At a time of deep global division, our 65th anniversary is not only a celebration of legacy but a call to action for the future,” said Alison Van Dyk, Executive Director of the Temple of Understanding. “By bringing together spiritual leaders, changemakers, and young voices, we reaffirm our belief that compassion, dialogue, and solidarity are essential to solving today’s most urgent crises.”
The Temple of Understanding India is an affiliate of TOU. Founded by Dr Karan Singh in 1990, the Indian chapter focuses on promoting interfaith harmony through conferences, educational events, and advocacy within India.
About Temple of Understanding
Founded in 1960, ToU is a non-governmental organization with consultative status at the United Nations (ECOSOC), committed to advancing interfaith understanding and sustainability for a more peaceful world.
To register and learn more about ToU’s 65th anniversary celebration, visit http://www.templeofunderstanding.org. Contact: Suzanne Bird-Harris, email – suzanne@templeofunderstanding.org
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