September 11, 2018
Dear Friends,
It is becoming more and more common to observe the time between September 11th and September 21st as the Eleven Days of Peace. September 21st has long been established as the International Day of Peace and we, at The Interfaith Peace Project, are preparing for its observance by offering eleven reflections concluding on September 21st.
The International Day of Peace is primarily a day in which we deliberately and consciously practice peace for twenty-four hours. Such a practice is based on the philosophy that if we can practice peace for one full day, then, one day at a time, we can practice peace in all the affairs of our lives. We strive at The Interfaith Peace Project to make every day an International Day of Peace.
Our dear friend and Communications Director, Susan Batterton, has graciously prepared eleven reflections for our consideration. She brings together the wisdom of The Declaration on Human Rights and the United States Constitution in an inspiring format that can serve us well in the days to come.
It is very important for the authentic practice of Interfaith Spirituality to discern the wisdom of humankind’s search for the dignity and the full human rights of all peoples. We live in challenging times, to say the least, but we must not give in to despair or hopelessness. Now is the time to honestly and sincerely probe our minds, hearts, and souls as we seek to bless the World with that justice that makes peace possible.
Interfaith Spiritual Practice invites us to discover anew the wisdom embedded in our fundamental writings as a Nation and a World so we might live in such a way as to be the peace we seek. These reflections invite us to respond constructively to the problems and challenges of the present age.
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. Discover anew the peace within you and be encouraged to be that peace. On September 21, wherever you are, with the attitude of your heart, the words from your lips, and the deeds of your hands, bless with peace whoever you meet.
Please be aware of our gratitude to you for all you do to be the peace the World seeks.
Peacefully,
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
Executive Director with the Board of Directors
of The Interfaith Peace Project
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United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Dignity & Justice for All Humanity
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages.
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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The Constitution of the United States of America
© James Steidl stock.adobe.com
PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
PREAMBLE
THE Conventions of a number of the States having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution.
RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz:
ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.
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