WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chairperson Dr. Pradip K. Ghosh opened the World Congress of Religions 2012 by calling forth the interfaith movement as a powerful force for solving social problems. The Congress commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Dr. Ghosh stated, "We are fortunate to gather a number of accomplished representatives from various religions for interfaith dialog.  Swami Vivekananda's ideals of universal acceptance will go a long way to foster peace and harmony among people of different faiths and beliefs."

Mr. Martin Luther King III's speech celebrated the visionary moral leadership offered by his father Martin Luther King Jr. and Swami Vivekananda. He called for unity and harmony, built upon the common ground of universal sacred values among religions. He provided personal examples of fostering forgiveness and harmony, and rejection of violence. Mr. King encouraged increasing education on non-violence, including teaching conflict resolution and emotional literacy. Emotional literacy is necessary to reject the culture of violence and deal with anger and frustration in peaceful and creative ways.

He called for millions to rise up and end the pollution of our planet in this decade, using non-violent principles and affirming kinship with all life. The stakes are high: we can learn forgiveness and non-violence or face non-existence. Embracing peace, hope and love is the only way for humanity to survive and prosper.

About World Congress of Religions 2012 (WCR2012):

WCR2012 (www.worldcongressofreligions2012.org) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The World Congress of Religions 2012 explores the relevance of religion and spirituality in addressing the critical issues of poverty, the empowerment of women, human rights and peacemaking. The event is inspired by the message of the religious and social visionary, Swami Vivekananda, on the 150^th anniversary of his birth. The event is being held at Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road NW, Washington DC 20008, from November 30 to December 02, 2012. For more information, please email media@worldcongressofreligions2012.org or call 410-564-8128.

SOURCE World Congress of Religions 2012