Tuesday 01.02.2011 18:57 Age: 5 yrs
The Elijah Interfaith Institute is proud to support United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week during the first week of February
In October 2010, the General Assembly of the UN reiterated its belief in the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions and proclaimed the first week in February to be a week each year during which the world’s people, in their own places of worship could express the teachings of their own faith about tolerance, respect for the other and peace. This mirrors the mission of Elijah: sharing wisdom, fostering peace.
Jordan’s Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal, nephew of Elijah Board of World Religious Leaders member, Prince Hassan Bin Talal, Jordan, presented the resolution to the General Assembly. In his speech, Ghazi, who is coordinator of the Common Word group, provided details on the thinking behind this initiative. “Our world is rife with religious tension and, sadly, mistrust, dislike and hatred,” he said. “The misuse or abuse of religions can thus be a cause of world strife, whereas religions should be a great foundation for facilitating world peace.”
Members of the Elijah Educational Network, India, are mobilized to bring this message to their local communities through various activities. Elijah encourages everyone to make a special effort during this week to engage in dialogue or to participate in cross-religious projects.
Following is the text of the resolution proclaiming the week:
The General Assembly,
· Recalling its resolutions 53/243 of 13 September 1999 on the declaration and programme of action relating to a culture of peace, 57/6 of 4 November 2002 concerning the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, 58/128 of 19 December 2003 on the promotion of religious and cultural understanding, harmony and cooperation, 60/4 of 20 October 2005 on a global agenda for dialogue among civilizations, 64/14 of 10 November 2009 on the Alliance of Civilizations, 64/81 of 7 December 2009 on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace and 64/164 of 18 December 2009 on the elimination of all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief,
· Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions in enhancing mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people,
· Recalling with appreciation various global, regional and subregional initiatives on mutual understanding and interfaith harmony including the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, and the initiative "A Common Word",
· Recognizing that the moral imperatives of all religions, convictions and beliefs call for peace, tolerance and mutual understanding,
1. Reaffirms that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace;
2. Proclaims the first week of February of every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs;
3. Encourages all States to support, on a voluntary basis, the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world's churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, based on love of God and love of one's neighbour or on love of the good and love of one's neighbour, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the General Assembly informed of the implementation of the present resolution.
