An interfaith giant made his transition this weekend in the presence of friends and loved ones: Leland Stewart was the founder of Unity and Diversity World Council, one of the oldest interfaith groups in the country and a longtime Cooperation Circle member of United Religions Initiative.
Please join us in remembering his life and carrying on his legacy!
Leland leading the United People's Convergence in September 2015.
If you knew Leland, please comment below with your favorite memories of him! Here are a few that have been shared with us so far:
Kiran Bali, Chair, URI Global Council: May your soul continue to be enlightened on the onward journey. We cherish and celebrate your teachings and your values that will continue to inspire our future generations. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
ande Hart: "You never know the impact you have on another, and you never know what angels have paved your path that you are on right now. Leland paved a highway for all of us in interfaith work. We can all light a candle tonight for Leland and know our world is so much better because he was here and believed with his entire being that we are one human family."
Farrah Nk: "Leland Stewart was a pioneer in interfaith. He's the one who always told my boys when they were little, as I dragged them from one event to another, that they were the next generation of leaders."
Sari Heidenreich: Leland was an incredible man who had big dreams for the peace in our world - and he never stopped taking steps to get us there. I remember attending the United People's Convergence that he lead in September 2015. This was part of his dream that the people of the world would solve our planet's greatest problems by working TOGETHER. What a bold and profound dream! I am immensely grateful for who Leland was and the legacy he leaves behind for all of us to carry on! Leland, you will be dearly missed.
Leland and Rev Carolyn Wilkins speaking at Peace Sunday 2015.
Leland with URI North American Regional Coordinator Sari Heidenreich on Peace Sunday 2015.
Patrick Horn: I always enjoyed talking with Leland Stewart during the Unity and Diversity World Council events at the IMAN center in L.A.
Rebecca Tobias: Rev. Leland Stewart was a blessed friend and mentor to me for over 15yrs. I served on on the Unity and Diversity World Council board for many of these. This one photo is from our shared URI North America participation in International Day of Peace events in Los Angeles in 2013 -- there are scores of other photos and memories which I hold dear. Our first URI BioRegional Gathering in 2010 was designed in part to honor his lifetime of dedicated service to interfaith and intercultural understanding. Then Exec. Dir. Charles Gibbs and Global Council Chair Yoland Trevino officiated over a deeply meaningful recognition ceremony. He was so beloved by so many. He exemplified what it means to be good neighbor and friend to all in community. May he be forever remembered for his many blessings. He certainly will be by me. There's comfort in knowing that he is reunited in the embrace of his beloved Elizabeth once more.
Charles P. Gibbs: He was a fine, fine human being. The Celestial Cooperation Circle is enriched by his presence. I'm leading the noon service at the National Cathedral on Thursday and will light a candle in his memory.
Read more tributes and see more photos in this Facebook thread.
Leland founded the Unity-and-Diversity ministry, which trained ministers based on a study of all religions and many spiritual groups, the relation of science and religion, and the practical aspects of the ministry. The chair of URI's Global Council, Kiran Bali, studied under Leland. She interviewed him in 2015 and published the transcript.
Unity-and-Diversity World Council hosted a creative dialogue to remember Leland and celebrate his life on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Read the description in the .PDF below.
Leland leading the United People's Convergence in September 2015.
