Dear Friends,
The Interfaith Peace Project is offering eleven days of reflections for your consideration during the eleven days leading up to The International Day of Peace, September 21st. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70.” (Please see Thomas P. Bonacci’s letter of September 11, 2018.)
In our reflections, we bring together the wisdom of The Declaration of Human Rights, The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
In today’s refection, we consider Articles 6, 7, & 8 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As you prepare to observe The International Day of Peace, please consider these reflections. May they inspire and challenge you to be the peace you seek.
The Interfaith Peace Project
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Articles 6, 7, & 8
Article 6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere
as a person before the law.
Article 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without
any discrimination to equal protection of the law.
All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination
in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement
to such discrimination.
Article 8
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy
By the competent national tribunals
For acts violating the fundamental rights granted him
by the constitution or by law.
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The Bill of Rights
Amendments
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Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury…nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment XIV
Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
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Reflections from 2 Faith Traditions
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“Humans are political and civic beings and have the right to equal access and participation in legal, civic and political decisions affecting them. ” A Social Message on Human Rights 2017
Roman Catholic Church
“A Catholic approach begins with the recognition that the dignity of the human person applies to both victim and offender. As bishops, we believe that the current trend of more prisons and more executions, with too little education and drug treatment, does not truly reflect Christian values and will not really leave our communities safer. We are convinced that our tradition and our faith offer better alternatives that can hold offenders accountable and challenge them to change their lives; reach out to victims and reject vengeance; restore a sense of community and resist the violence that has engulfed so much of our culture.”
Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice, A statement of the Catholic Bishops of the United States in 2000.
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