Religion plays an important part in the lives of most people. There are several religions in the world and at times several religions in the same country (e.g US). Some people exercise religious tolerance and others do not. Some are religious fanatics; religion can drive people to unconscionable acts. This year on the occasion of UN Peace Day a special mass was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City; it was partly a mass in the traditional sense of the word and partly an interdenominational event.

There were leaders from several religions. They all however believe in promoting peace in the world. The event was also attended by diplomatic representatives from several countries and they were of various religious denominations. The religious barriers were thus transcended. The sermon was interesting in that it appeals to the good will of all and to the spiritualism in all of us no matter what the creed. The message was that in addition to all the human efforts going on to promote peace there is the general belief that if we appeal to spiritual forces above us we will receive additional leverage in our effort; or if the problems are so complex as to be beyond our means there is the feeling that spiritual forces will help us and guide us. Spiritualism also gives us hope that better things are possible and the spiritual forces can make them happen often inexplicably or miraculously.

Most countries follow policies separating religious matters from political matters. However, political leaders everywhere practice religion and often believe that religion helps in whatever they do. Spiritualism, no matter what the religious credos are, can help us all toward things which are better for us individually and collectively. Religion is an important source of social norms including norms of the natural laws of justice. All religions aim at bringing out the best in people. There are divisions along religious lines; however if leaders think interdenominationally, they are able to channel religious forces to the common good of society.

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