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In The
News
Humanitarian Resource Institute would
like to share our appreciation for editorial contributions by Joel Beversluis
(USA, CoNexus
Multifaith Media and Editor, North American Interfaith Network) and Dr. Ralph Swisher (Consultancy:
Director FEMA Community and Family Preparedness Program, Former DOJ, National
Association of Scholars).
INTERNATIONAL
INTERFAITH PEACE DECLARATION
On April
4, 2002, the Humanitarian Resource Institute International Peace Center
introduced the initial draft of the International Interfaith Peace Declaration,
the full text and revisions of which appear on the following pages.
Following this act the international interfaith community, intergovernmental
and United Nations leadership has been asked to assist in the development
and support of this global initiative.
PREAMBLE
Whereas
the pursuit of peace, the respect for life and human dignity is the objective
of the international community,
Whereas
the escalation of systemic hatred, anger, animosity and the motive for
revenge has resulted in widespread destruction in the name of religion,
in direct contradiction to the highest aspirations of the common people,
Whereas
the war on terrorism has resulted in widespread military intervention in
an attempt to counter further deterioration of international stability,
increased conflicts and the potential use of weapons of mass destruction
that threaten the fabric of civilization itself,
Whereas
it is essential that peace efforts move beyond military interventions and
diplomatic relations to a new level of intercultural-interfaith dialogue
and cooperation to achieve a consensus for peace on the grass roots level
within the borders of every nation,
Whereas
the golden rule, as a foundation for peace, is endorsed by all the great
world religions and is best interpreted as saying: "Treat others only in
ways that you're willing to be treated in the same exact situation,"
Whereas
present conflicts call for open dialogue, conflict resolution and negotiations
that will provide a lasting solution for sustainable peace,
Now,
Therefore,
WE,
MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITIES,
proclaim,
THIS
INTERNATIONAL INTERFAITH PEACE DECLARATION is a common standard for
all peoples and nations, to the end that every individual and organ of society,
keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and
education to promote interfaith cooperation and support of progressive
measures, national and international, to secure peace and stability.
Article
1.
All human
beings are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one
another in a spirit of solidarity pursuing peace and justice for all living
beings.
Article
2.
Everyone
is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth by the United Nations
without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion,
political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth
or other status.
Article
3.
Leaders
and representatives of all major and minor religions and spiritual movements
have a responsibility to promote the universal objectives of the Golden
Rule Principle as a priority message to provide a substantive foundation
for dialogue and support of diplomatic relations for peace.
Article
4.
The objective
of conflict resolution, healing and reconciliation is pursued as
a vehicle for revitalization of the economic, environmental, political,
social and moral challenges facing our Earth community.
Article
5.
Measures
are taken to create an atmosphere where present and future generations
can co-exist with mutual respect and trust to awaken to our deepest truths,
and to manifest love and justice among all life in our Earth community.
Article
6.
Functioning
spiritual forums for world peace are initiated and supported at the international,
national and local levels.
Article
7.
The Humanitarian
Resource Institute International Peace Center serves as a host for the
development of a Forum for World Peace to support the recommendations of
this declaration and to engage the international interfaith community,
intergovernmental and United Nations leadership accordingly.
.
10.4.2002:
Consensus Text Revision
Humanitarian Resource Institute grants
permission for and encourages the reproduction and distribution of the International
Interfaith Peace Declaration and related promotional ads. Please include
contact information for the Humanitarian Resource Institute Interfaith Peace
Center url: http://www.humanitarian.net/peace
email: admin@humanitarian.net
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