01/04/2026
Buddhist monks walking across America to spread peace and compassion stopped by a Baptist church in Gallion, Alabama. The visit served as a meaningful pause during their 120-day pilgrimage. At the time, the monks were on day 53 of their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace traveling from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. On December 17, 2025, they were warmly received by Pastor La’Whaymon White at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
Pastor White referred to the visitors as “the Peace Walkers.” Together, the monks and church members prayed, discussed mindful breathing, and participated in quiet meditation. The group’s spiritual leader, Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, guided a loving-kindness and forgiveness meditation. He shared, “It’s time to release all burdens so we may live in unity, harmony, and love one another as brothers and sisters.”
Before continuing their journey, the monks offered each person a “blessing string,” gently tying it on their wrists as a reminder to practice mindfulness, peace, loving-kindness, and compassion.
(Photo: Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center / Walk for Peace)