BLIA South Island Members Attended World Peace Day event, ring the World Peace Bell to Mourn the late Queen Elizabeth II and World Peace

On 21 September, the World Peace Bell Organisation of New Zealand held a "United Nations World Peace Day and Queen Elizabeth II Memorial" at the Hagley park’s World Peace Bell in Christchurch. Six representatives from Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Christchurch and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) south Island were invited to attend. As a member of the Commonwealth, New Zealand added a "mourning for Queen Elizabeth II" ceremony to this year's Peace Day activities in honor of her passing.

David Bolam-Smith, a representative from the World Peace Bell Organisation of New Zealand, delivered a welcome speech, while a pastor from Christchurch Cathedral led a prayer. Representatives from FGS Christchurch read the "Prayer for World Peace" by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, praying for world peace and blessing the Queen's journey to the Pure Land. Those in attendance were deeply moved.

Representatives from the Christchurch City Council, Christine Hainstock, the Chairman of the Royal Commonwealth Canterbury District, and a representative from the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral also delivered memorial speeches to the Queen, stating that during her 70-year reign, she led the UK, Commonwealth countries, and New Zealand to build a peaceful and prosperous society. Her wise leadership and charisma are unforgettable.

The organisers invited representatives from religious and social groups to ring the Peace Bell seven times, representing Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign. Afterward, there was a moment of silence to express the most sincere respect for the Queen and to pray that society stays far away from natural disasters and man-made disasters, making the world a better place.