Toward an Interreligious Council at the United Nations

T o w a r d a n I n t e r r e l i g i o u s C o u n c i l a t t h e U n i t e d N a t i o n s

Consultation Handbook

© 2010 Universal Peace Federation

Cover photo: Dr. Sun Myung Moon first introduces the proposal for an interreligious council United Nations, August 18, 2000

I n t e r f a i t h , t h e U n i t e d N a t i o n s a n d P e a c e i n t h e 2 1 s t C e n t u r y | 3

Contents

Vision for an Interreligious Council ..................................................................................................... 4

UPF Founder’s Address at the United Nations .................................................................................... 5

A Decade of Progress ........................................................................................................................... 6

Guiding Principles and Structure of the Proposed Council .................................................................. 8

The Mission of the Council .............................................................................................................. 8

Guiding Principles ............................................................................................................................ 8

Proposed Scope of Activities of the Council ................................................................................... 8

Membership of the Council .............................................................................................................. 9

Funding ............................................................................................................................................ 9

How will the Council be helpful to the United Nations? ................................................................... 10

Timeline / Next Steps ......................................................................................................................... 10

Ambassadors for Peace Draft Resolution ........................................................................................... 11

The Council in Action: Possible Scenarios ........................................................................................ 12

Preventive diplomacy ..................................................................................................................... 12

Rebuilding after conflict ................................................................................................................ 13

Equitable benefit from natural resources ....................................................................................... 13

Advancing Millennium Development Goals.................................................................................. 13

Consultation Discussion Topics ......................................................................................................... 14

Recommendations from UPF Consultations in 2010 ......................................................................... 15

Why an Interreligious Council Is Needed ...................................................................................... 15

Membership .................................................................................................................................... 16

Challenges To Consider (UK) ........................................................................................................ 16

Grass Roots Work .......................................................................................................................... 17

Desired Outcomes .......................................................................................................................... 17

Statements of Support ........................................................................................................................ 18

Political Leaders ............................................................................................................................. 18

Diplomats ....................................................................................................................................... 20

Website ........................................................................................................................................... 21

Address by UPF Chairman, Dr Hyung Jin Moon .............................................................................. 22

4 | U n i v e r s a l P e a c e F e d e r a t i o n

Vision for an Interreligious Council The United Nations was founded in 1945 to protect succeeding generations from the scourge of war, poverty, hunger, and disease and to work towards the realization of world peace. Despite its inception with such lofty ideals, the UN has not been able to come close to global peace even with the investment of tremendous resources, and today it faces even greater challenges. Member States and many Secretaries-General have all agreed that the United Nations needs reform and renewal.

The founder of the Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Sun Myung Moon, is introducing a timely proposal for the strengthening of the UN in order that it may fulfill its original founding purpose, principles, and ideals as the embodiment of humanity's aspiration for peace. Dr. Moon, who has often publicly expressed his gratitude to the United Nations for liberating him from a communist prison camp during the Korean War, recognizes the UN as a unique forum where nations can work collectively to address the world’s problems, bringing together diverse resources, knowledge, and expertise. He is emphasizing the importance of introducing a spiritual or religious dimension as an important element for much-needed UN renewal and reform.

Assessments of conflicts and social ills from spiritual or religious perspectives have not been included in the UN’s studies, and its reports do not include recommendations from spiritual or religious perspectives. In order to add this perspective, Dr. Moon proposes to combine statesmanship and good governance with the wisdom of the world’s faith traditions and principles of spiritual practice.

Although there are deep-rooted conflicts between major religious traditions that too often result in wars and hinder religious groups from working together, Dr. Moon calls upon religious people to engage in reflection, transcend dogma, and put universal principles into practice.

In August 2000, at an assembly on the theme of Renewing the United Nations and Building a Culture of Peace, Dr. Moon first proposed establishing an interreligious assembly or council of spiritual and religious representatives within the structure of the United Nations as it assesses and addresses the perplexing and challenging problems facing humanity:

The existing United Nations structure, composed of national representatives, may be regarded as a congress where the interests of each member nation are represented. However, I submit that serious consideration should be given to forming a religious assembly, or council of religious representatives within the structure of the United Nations. This assembly or council would consist of respected spiritual leaders in fields such as religion, culture, and education.

Of course, the members of this interreligious assembly will need to have demonstrated an ability to transcend the limited interests of individual nations and to speak for the concerns of the entire world and humanity at large.

The chambers, working together in mutual respect and cooperation, will be able to make great advances in ushering in a world of peace. The wisdom and vision of great religious leaders will substantially supplement the political insight, experience and skill of the world's political leaders.

Remarks at the United Nations, August 18, 2000

On the tenth anniversary of this assembly, this report is a review of progress that has been made toward this goal and a reflection on the challenges remaining.


UPF Founder’s Address at the United Nations Excerpts from the August 2000 address by Rev. Sun Myung Moon At their root, human problems are not entirely social or political, and so social and political approaches will always be of limited effectiveness. In the modern age, in most nations, religious ideals have come to hold a place wholly separate from the centers of secular political power, and most people have come to accept this reality as the way things ought to be. However, it is time that international organizations whose purpose is to support the ideal of world peace reconsider their relationship with the great religious traditions of the world.

On this point, the United Nations, more than any other international organization, can set a good example and lead the way. The world has great expectations for the United Nations as an organization embodying humanity's aspiration for peace. In the United Nations, the representatives of all nations work in concert to promote peace and human prosperity. Of course, the conscientious efforts to establish peace, undertaken by these national representatives at the United Nations, often meet stubborn resistance. The accomplishments and achievements attained through the United Nations have been significant. However, there is much room for improvement.

Even at this moment, more and more conflicts are breaking out across the world over disputed borders. As a result, the world is sustaining substantial loss of human life. In addition, the money poured into war-making and peacekeeping runs into the billions of dollars. So many resources and efforts are being wasted. Yet, comprehensive solutions have not been fully achieved with respect to any given conflict. There is an urgent need today, within the United Nations and through its many activities, to encourage mutual respect and increased cooperation between the world's political and religious leaders.

World peace can be fully accomplished only when the wisdom and efforts of the world's religious leaders, who represent the internal concerns of the mind and conscience, work cooperatively and respectfully with national leaders who have much practical wisdom and worldly experience about the external reality or "body." In this light, it is time for us to give serious consideration even to the prospect of restructuring the United Nations. For example, perhaps it is possible to envision the United Nations with an added new body, a body similar to the Human Rights Council, to fulfill the mandate and vision of an interreligious council.

It is proposed that each nation, in addition to its current ambassador, send a religious ambassador to the United Nations to serve as a member of this interreligious council. The mission of the representatives to the Council would require that they have a genuinely ecumenical or interreligious consciousness and that they have the training and ability to teach a universal, transnational ideal of peace. The nature of their purpose and mission would prohibit their promoting the narrow interests of a particular country. Rather, they would carry out their duties for the ideal of peace and for the sake of all humanity in accordance with God's Will.

The interreligious ambassador appointed as a member of the United Nations interreligious council should have a global consciousness and take responsibility to represent the United Nations' global vision and agenda. In this sense, these persons could be thought of as global ambassadors from the United Nations. Wherever they go in the world, these ambassadors would promote movements dedicated to the realization of peace and social welfare. Moreover, in all nations, they would serve as conscientious guardians of lofty ideals such as justice, security, and peace. This will provide hope to the citizens of the world, and especially the youth.


A Decade of Progress In 2002, the Hon. Jose de Venecia, Jr., then Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines, was inspired to act on the call for the establishment of an interreligious council at the United Nations. During his tenure, he brokered ceasefires and peace agreements with Muslim insurgent groups and initiated the move to unite the National Union of Christian Democrats and the Union of Muslim Democrats to form Christian Muslim Democrats, a Philippines political party.

Hon. de Venecia enlisted the support of the Philippine Government to spearhead the introduction of a resolution at the United Nations promoting interreligious dialogue that was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 2, 2004. Resolution 59/23 (“Promotion of interreligious dialogue”) affirmed that interreligious dialogue constituted one of the “important dimensions of the dialogue among civilizations and of the culture of peace.” It also invited the Secretary-General “to bring the promotion of interreligious dialogue to the attention of all Governments and relevant international organizations.”

2000 Founding Vision Address by Dr. Sun Myung Moon at the UN

2004 Promotion of Interreligious Dialogue, GA resolution 59/23 (Sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations)

2005 Universal Peace Federation Models the activities of a future council

2006 Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace at the UN Partnership of Member States, UN bodies & NGOs

2007 Establishment of a Focal Unit in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations; GA Resolution 61/221

2010 UN Decade of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace. Resolution not yet approved

Additional resolutions garnered more co-sponsors and extended the initial provisions. Resolution 61/221 called on the Secretary-General to designate a “focal unit” within the Secretariat to handle interreligious matters, which was implemented in 2007. These resolutions put the UN on record as affirming that interfaith cooperation is a necessary component of peace activity and established a mechanism to monitor progress.

A Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace was launched in 2006 as a partnership of 16 UN Member States, three UN bodies (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the World Bank), and the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN. In addition to holding information sessions, it spurred the “High-Level Conference on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace” at the UN General Assembly in September 2006.

In July 2008, King Juan Carlos of Spain and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia convened a conference of religious leaders in Madrid. The Hon. Jose de Venecia enlisted the conference’s support for a proposed interreligious council at the UN.


The UN has promoted an “Alliance of Civilizations” and set themes for various years in the past decade, such as declaring 2010 the year for the Rapprochement of Cultures. Under consideration is a General Assembly resolution to proclaim 2011-2020 as a Decade of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace. While this resolution does not propose a permanent institution, it encourages extensive dialogue and long-term cooperation.

In summary, the UN General Assembly has affirmed interfaith cooperation as a necessary component in promoting peace, various entities have convened conferences, and there is a focal unit in the Secretariat to monitor interfaith developments. While this is notable progress and these efforts are essential building blocks towards developing and encouraging intercultural and interfaith dialogue, there is still an urgent need for the establishment of an interreligious assembly or council within the UN system.

UPF holds an Interreligious Consultation at the UN offices in Geneva (September 2009)

A Consultation at the House of Commons in London (August 2010)


Guiding Principles and Structure of the Proposed Council

The Mission of the Council

The Council will work to solve global problems, such as war, conflict, poverty, hunger and disease, offering assessments and recommendations for addressing these global problems based on the knowledge, expertise, wisdom, and vision of spiritual leaders, which will supplement the political insight, experience, and skill of the world’s political leaders.

In addition, The Council would address situations of religious and ethnic conflict and make recommendations thereon. It will promote interreligious dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace.

Guiding Principles

The work of the Council will be guided by the universal principles that affirm the sacred value and rights of all human beings, regardless of religion, nationality, ethnicity, and race.

Proposed Scope of Activities of the Council

Work in close cooperation with UN member states, and all UN agencies, as well as with governments, regional organizations, faith communities large and small, and other institutions of civil society;

Promote interreligious dialogue, understanding, and cooperation in support of peace-building efforts in consultation with the member states of the United Nations;

Contribute, through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, towards the prevention and reconciliation of religiously-based conflict and respond promptly to emergencies;

Make recommendations with regard to the development of interreligious dialogue, understanding, and cooperation as primary tools of conflict prevention and post-conflict peacebuilding;

Analyze, review, and provide reports and recommendations on solutions to global problems facing humanity;

Consult, guide, and support various UN-sponsored projects in health, education, welfare, and other fields;

Guide constituents to engage in cooperative efforts to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals;

Encourage and support close consultation with regional and sub-regional organizations to ensure cooperation in the process of promoting peace and development;

Invite consultation with civil society, non-governmental organizations, including women’s organizations, and the private sector that are interested in interreligious dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, as appropriate.


Figure 1: The Activities of the Council.

Membership of the Council

Each nation, or perhaps each region, could appoint a religious ambassador to the United Nations to serve a term as a member of the religious assembly; alternatively, the council members could be appointed by consensus among the respective religious communities

Terms shall be staggered; council membership should take into account the geographical distribution and breadth of religious traditions

Funding

In addition to a regular budget at the UN, a multi-year standing fund could be established to promote interreligious understanding, respect, and cooperation, and provide analysis and recommended solutions to global problems, funded by voluntary contributions with the objective of ensuring the resources needed to respond to requests and fulfill the mandate of the General Assembly and the founding purposes of the United Nations, as inscribed in the Charter of the UN.

Assess Global

Issues and advise UN

bodies

International

and Grass Roots Action

Dialogue and Deliberation

Conflict

Prevention

Post Conflict Resolution


How will the Council be helpful to the United Nations? An interreligious council can help the UN to fulfill its mandate as inscribed in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. An interreligious council could be helpful in the following ways:

The experience and wisdom of religious and spiritual leaders can provide fresh and unique perspectives to the UN’s efforts to fulfill its mandate, as inscribed in the Charter of the United Nations.

In addition to military, economic, and ecological factors, human security involves people’s values and ways of thinking, which are deeply affected by religion.

An interreligious council can complement the work of the United Nations by adding another dimension to assessing the world’s problems and proposing solutions.

Religious differences are often exploited to stir up conflict, and such efforts can be effectively addressed by an interreligious council.

An interreligious council can promote intercultural dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among religions.

A diverse network of spiritual and religious NGOs working together on this proposal can demonstrate a model of how spiritual and religious groups can rise above differences and work together for the common good.

Effective interreligious councils on local or national levels can serve as models to demonstrate the value of such a body in the UN system.

Timeline / Next Steps 1. A series of consultations were completed in August and September 2010 to prepare a draft

resolution by NGOs in support of the creation of a council for consideration by the UN General Assembly in the 2011 Session.

2. UPF Chapters and Ambassadors for Peace are encouraged to a. Join one of the future consultations in person, if possible, and offer input and

recommendations. b. Sign the Ambassadors for Peace resolution. c. Reach out to garner further support for the proposal from government leaders,

religious leaders, NGOs, etc. d. Develop UPF programs and activities as model examples of interreligious dialogue,

understanding, and cooperation. 3. In 2011, formal introduction of a draft resolution to establish the council, to be adopted by

the General Assembly. 4. In 2012, the seating of the first council.


Ambassadors for Peace Draft Resolution Supporting the Establishment of an Interreligious Council at the United Nations WHEREAS, religion plays a central role in the lives of billions of people worldwide and affects the way human beings view themselves, other human beings and the world around them, and, as such, religion affects all human endeavor, including the cultural, economical, political, educational, and social arenas; and WHEREAS, virtually all the world’s religions affirm the existence of a divine origin, universal shared values, and moral teachings that encourage ethical and virtuous behavior, including the imperative of treating one’s fellow human beings with dignity, respect, and compassion; and WHEREAS, there also exists discord and disharmony among religions which has at times contributed to conflict and violence, and which has often been fueled by narrow sectarianism or extremism, this unfortunate part of the history of religion needs to be overcome; and WHEREAS, secular institutions, including government, have been ill-equipped in their ability to mediate interreligious conflicts and need the proactive involvement of broad-minded religious leaders to help resolve such disputes and encourage responsible, tolerant behavior by their fellow coreligionists; and WHEREAS, it is essential that governments maintain a neutral role in their equitable treatment of all religions, governments, and other secular institutions can greatly benefit from the expertise, counsel and cooperation of religious leaders in promoting universally-shared values, interfaith harmony, tolerance and cooperation; and WHEREAS, the United Nations, an association of all the world’s governments, is best suited to convene an assembly of world religious leaders to provide their advice, counsel, and recommended action to uphold universally-accepted values, resolve religious disputes, and promote interreligious understanding and cooperation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Ambassadors for Peace that we hereby encourage the United Nations to establish an interreligious council, composed of representatives of the world’s religions, with mandates and powers to be determined, and subsequently approved by the UN General Assembly; and FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that we call on the government of to support the establishment of such an interreligious council. ________________________________ _________________ Name Date Organization/Title


The Council in Action: Possible Scenarios Consultancy groups are encouraged to consider locally appropriate and compelling scenarios for how an interreligious council might function, either hypothetically or in response to an actual situation. Here are some illustrations of issues that an interreligious council can address.

For example, broad-minded religious leaders can bring together representatives of the people involved in a conflict and encourage constructive communication. Then such council members can share the insights and best practices with other people in the community.

Preventive diplomacy

When there are permeable borders and one nation offers more economic opportunities than others, people tend to migrate, seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Often such migrants speak a different language and come from cultures and religions (or branches of a religion) that differ from the new culture, leading to misunderstandings and tensions that tend to escalate. An interreligious council can convene stakeholders to work toward solutions. These may include labor leaders, employers, educators, health professionals, security officials, mayors, members of parliament, traditional elders, religious leaders, NGO leaders, women leaders, and youth leaders.

The UPF conducted a seminar at the UN on the Impact of Migration on Families sponsored by the Mission of Guinea and cosponsored by the Missions of Kazakhstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Qatar, Sri

Lanka, and Sudan. (International Day of Families 2010)


Rebuilding after conflict

Consider a case where for generations people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds have lived side by side in relative harmony, even intermarrying. From time to time, however, disputes over land and resources, fed by political and economic interests, give rise to armed conflict. The mass media often focuses on the violence, and even religious leaders may encourage hostilities and reprisals. After a ceasefire is arranged, the process of rebuilding begins. Rebuilding can be facilitated by dialogues among traditional elders, religious leaders, educators, mayors, members of parliament, women leaders, business leaders, NGO leaders, and representatives of the UN Peacekeepers.

Equitable benefit from natural resources

Consider a case where a mining company from another nation comes to extract mineral resources. While towns, schools, and roads are built for miners and their families, most of the profits leave the nation. Local people protest, seeking a greater share of the benefits. Military units sent by the central government may add to the problems. An interreligious council can address the situation by convening military commanders, mine officials, labor leaders, mayors, educators, religious leaders, traditional elders, landowners, women leaders

Advancing Millennium Development Goals

Consider a place where many people are still contracting malaria and dying from it. Insecticide-treated bed nets are difficult to obtain locally, and the people who have them do not use them regularly. An interreligious council can help by convening educators, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, religious leaders, traditional elders, women leaders, UN representatives and public health officials.

Volunteers of the Religious Youth Service at work in Thailand The Council would set aside time for field visitations and activities.


Consultation Discussion Topics The following is a list of possible topics for consideration at consultations. All feedback is sought, with a particular interest in the following topics. Consultation groups are invited to focus on two or three topics:

How to choose members of such a council? A rotating position? How long a term? What about minority faiths?

How to ensure a balance of representation both geographically and religiously? How to include voices of smaller branches of a religion?

What areas or issues should be the primary focus of the council? What are the most pressing challenges the council will face in this era of increasing globalization?

How to enlist the support of other interreligious organizations such as the World Council of Churches, United Religions Initiative, Religions for Peace, Baha’is, Brahma Kumaris, local NGOs, as well as churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, etc.?

How to enlist the support of other peace organizations, and in particular how to bring closer cooperation between them?

How can NGOs work more effectively within the UN system and with national and local governments on interreligious matters?

What lessons can be learned from the challenges faced by the Commission of Human Rights that led to the establishment of the Human Rights Council? (Reference: General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/251, April 3, 2006) What measures could be put in place to ensure that narrow, self-centered concerns do not undermine an interreligious council?

The first meeting of the UPF Peace Council of Albania


Recommendations from UPF Consultations in 2010

What follows is a selection of key recommendations developed during UPF consultations held throughout the summer of 2010 in nations around the world.

Why an Interreligious Council Is Needed

To give the world’s political leadership guidance on moral and spiritual issues for the purpose of creating a better world. (UK)

To connect peacemaking initiatives to God as the source of peace. Since the thrust of the UN is to promote peace and development for all humanity, God should be recognized as the source of true love and peace. Including an interreligious council at the UN would promote spiritual values and bring the presence of God into deliberations of global issues. (Sierra Leone)

Religion can change the hearts of people and improve the quality of relationships between people, communities, and nations. The power of politics is more limited, influencing minds. Also, religions can more effectively impact local communities than national governments or intergovernmental bodies. The moral authority of religious leaders may also add weight to UN calls for a ceasefire, even if they were unable to stop the Iraq War. (UK)

To be a recourse for minority communities. Communities such as Muslims in Europe, Shi’a in Saudi Arabia, Christians in China, Ahmadis in Pakistan, Muslims in Thailand, agnostics living in a religious state, etc., could bring their concerns to an interreligious council. (Canada)

To challenge the misuse of religion as a cover for politically-motivated violence. Religious extremists often deny the rights of others whose beliefs or non-beliefs are different from their own. The result is labeling, which isolates the group and makes it a potential target for persecution. This is offensive to the principles of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights; moreover, it is offensive to the basic foundation of all religions, which is love for all humanity. The Qur'an, for example, declares that: "if anyone saves a person it will be as if he has saved the whole of humanity." In Hinduism, we are called to live "beyond the reach of I and mine"; in Buddhism, we are asked to "practice compassion." The Sikh scripture advises us that "God's bounties are common to all. It is we who have created divisions" (Canada). Conflicts that may appear to be, or be presented as being, religious in nature may in fact be a result of corruption on a governmental level. (Lebanon)

To support politicians seeking to counter religious extremism. At a time when religion is abused by some to justify violence and religious differences are used to enflame economic and political disputes, politicians need the support of mainline religious leaders to persuade the faithful to repudiate extremism. (UK)

To counter the notion that Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship different gods. In reality, Muslims, Christians, and Jews do worship the same God, albeit in different ways and with differing emphases. Each of the three religions teaches that life has profound value and meaning. The widespread ignorance about each other is a continuing major obstacle to mutual respect and building harmony. All of us must work harder in the new century to eliminate this knowledge deficit. (Canada)

To build bridges between liberals and fundamentalists in the same faith. Fundamentalists must develop a more compassionate assessment of their opponents to be true to their religion's traditions. Secularists must be more faithful to the benevolence, tolerance, and respect for humanity which characterizes modern culture at its best and address themselves more emphatically to the fears,


anxieties, and needs which so many of their fundamentalist neighbors experience and which no society can safely ignore. (Canada)

To ensure that development aid is cultural and religiously sensitive. Some types of aid sent to the Pacific islands by UN-related agencies are not culturally or religiously sensitive. An interfaith council at the UN would provide a forum for representatives of aid recipients to voice those concerns and explain the cultural sensitivities involved with certain types of aid. (Samoa)

To address root causes and historical backgrounds of problems. The religious viewpoint on a situation can serve to provide an understanding of the root cause of a problem, rather than merely dealing with the symptoms. Through religious teachings, people can begin to gain a new perspective and insight about resolving historical issues and resentments. (New Zealand)

To model that people of different faiths can get along. Leaders of different religions who come to understand each other and practice tolerance can affirm their similarities, reduce discrepancies, and share this experience of togetherness with their followers so that they too can feel part of the same. (Peru)

To build unifying energy that can counter Balkanizing forces. The tendency for nation states to break up into smaller entities based on ethnic or religious differences can be most effectively addressed through an interfaith council. (New Zealand)

Membership

The council should be composed of religious leaders and civil society representatives. (Congo)

People selected as religious ambassadors to serve at the UN should be people of high morals and integrity in order to serve as good role models. (Sierra Leone)

Council seats should be apportioned among representatives of historic religions, aboriginal and minority faiths, interfaith organizations, Nobel Peace laureates, well-known religious leaders, and people from countries not otherwise represented. (Canada)

Challenges to Consider (UK)

How do we prevent religious leaders aggrandizing against states or states imposing laws on religions?

Will the religious process inevitably become politicized?

How can we get non-religious people to accept the importance of spiritual and religious values?

Do you select religious leaders based on the office they hold or on their charisma?

How do you ensure that women, young people, and minorities are represented?

How do you ensure that faith communities have the necessary expertise to translate lofty ideas into practical policies?

How do you ensure that religious leaders do not try to usurp the role of heads of state?

How do you prevent nations from using religion to give a cloak of respectability to questionable policies?


Grass‐Roots Work

Interreligious dialogue is needed on the local, national, and regional levels. This will help develop the consciousness among religious leaders that will allow an interfaith council at the global level to function well. (New Zealand)

Establish national interreligious peace councils and have them gain recognition by their governments as a basis for an interreligious council to be incorporated into the UN system. (Thailand)

A model needs to be developed of how an interreligious council might function and contribute to the UN. (Switzerland)

Case studies are needed. To garner support by parliaments and UN missions, case studies should be compiled that demonstrate the value of drawing on the wisdom of the world’s religious traditions and the heart of compassion in building peace. (Canada)

Documentation of grass-roots reconciliation work done by local interreligious councils would be helpful. (Canada)

An interreligious body that succeeds in addressing conflict in places such as the Middle East, where conventional approaches have not brought resolution, would be an effective argument for establishing an interreligious council at the UN. (Australia)

Use “soft power” to develop rapport and dissolve barriers; for example, tea ceremonies. (Australia)

Desired Outcomes

Interfaith dialogue should lead to collaborative service. Many religious groups are involved in community service, but generally they work by themselves. Interfaith collaboration in community service would send a powerful message and build bridges among communities. (New Zealand)

To raise up “custodians of peace.” Peace zones should be established in conflict areas and overseen by religious ambassadors serving as custodians of peace in the best interests of all the nations in the world. (Sierra Leone)

Give people hope for a better future. In these troubled times, people's hopes may have been shattered, leaving them feeling as if God has abandoned them. An interreligious council could offer a hopeful vision and direction. (Israel)

A Consultation in Montreal, Canada


Statements of Support

Political Leaders

Rt. Hon. Tsakhia Elbegdorj

If one religious leader speaks, it might sound more attractive to those who belong to that religion. If representatives of all religions speak, this sounds like the voice of mankind. If every nation and religion can show respect to each other, there shall be no terrorism. - Prime Minister of Mongolia (1998, 2004-06)

H.E. Ramiro de Leon

The only organization that can make decisions at the worldwide level is the United Nations. Just as there are several commissions within the United Nations charged with specific tasks, such as the permanent Security Council, there should also be a permanent commission charged with educating people about peace, promoting reconciliation and encouraging a peace culture. This commission should create the right frame for dialogue so that the nations that exercise major world leadership can permit Third World countries to make decisions, propose solutions and offer proposals about a peace culture. Its executives should educate and promote moral and ethical values, including strengthening the family, as the key to help present and future generations. - President of Guatemala (1993-96)

H.E. Kenneth D. Kaunda

We need a United Nations that can effectively direct the abundant financial, academic, spiritual and technical resources when provided. Though the problems which are endemic to many parts of the world may be manifested in social, economic, political and cultural spheres, their origins are rooted in values. The process of creating one world through globalization in all its external aspects cannot be stopped. But this process must be parallel with a universal value system that meets the hopes for happiness and fulfillment for all humanity. This task is not the work of one single religion but the combined work of all religions, the entire spirituality of mankind working together. This challenge makes religion once again relevant in the daily affairs of mankind. Whether they be Jews, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists or indigenous religions, they all can find nourishment in order to fulfill mankind’s oldest dream — one world of peace, harmony and unity with justice for all mankind. It is time for this challenge to come to the recognized universal body of nations, the United Nations. – President of Zambia (1964-91)

H.E. Abdurrahman Wahid

If it is true, as someone said, that war is too important to be left to the generals, then world peace is also too important to be left to the politicians. If we believe in the current system and its institutions, then we will be at the mercy of the politicians. That is why I hope that the interreligious council will be able to fight for peace outside the framework existing now. In the long run, the benefits will be evident. The effort to establish it is very worthy. It demands from us the utmost attention because without us the world will lose the most valuable commodity: patience, thoughtfulness and the whole-sum approach to life. - President of Indonesia (1999-2001)

Hon. Hamilton Green

The noble initiative to establish an interreligious council at the United Nations to complement the other peacemaking efforts is an epoch-making venture. The role of religion and caring people is vital. If we can persuade governments and businesses that embracing inclusiveness and righteousness are qualities that should characterize their administrations, we can rest assured that peace will overtake all places and every corner of the globe. It is imperative for us to plead with the leaders of all nations to open their minds and hearts and allow the Creator to guide them to the throne of glory through compassion, respect for human dignity, and most of all, love. - Prime Minister of Guyana (1985-92)


H.E. Abd-Elaziz Hegazy

It is our job to find common ground to work together toward the path of peace. We must work according to the will of Allah if we are to attain peace in this life and His most favorable reward in the life after. Let us build more friendships and more friendship associations for the implementation of the message of God the Almighty, the Merciful, on earth. To coordinate these efforts worldwide we need to establish an entity that can set policies and programs of action so we can carry out evaluations and accountability and so enlarge the community of peace-loving people. We also have to establish a code of ethics to govern our way of life, a system of self-accountability. Otherwise, we seem to miss the road of God. We should join in prayer so that God will lead us to the righteous path, the way of those to whom God has bestowed His grace, those who do not go astray. - Prime Minister of Egypt (1974-75)

H.E. Rahim Alievich Huseynov

The creation of an interreligious council in the UN will clear the path for peace in our societies and our nations. It will enable our children to be educated in the spirit of goodness. The pure, innocent and sincere quest for peace throughout the world calls us to create the conditions for constructive cooperation between both the secular and religious approaches to world peace. Only through consolidative, constructive and altruistic approaches—both in our social lives and our individual lives—can peace truly be realized in our fragmented world. - Prime Minister of Azerbaijan (1992-93)

H.E. Luis Alberto Lacalle

Nations and empires have always been centers of power. But religion and the media are also effective centers of influence. When Pope John Paul II speaks, he does so not just as someone who has infallibility, but also he speaks as one of the most important political leaders of the world. When the churches come together ecumenically, that is a great political power. – President of Uruguay (1990-95)

Rt. Hon. Sir Lloyd Sandiford

I am strongly supportive of the call for an interreligious council at the United Nations to harness the power of religion and ethical and moral technology in the struggle to solve global crises of our time. For it is at the United Nations that the great dialogue among nations and people takes place, and it is there that the voices of love, peace, justice, equity and non-discrimination must be heard echoing from the principles of a right relationship with God, a right relationship with true parents and families, and a right relationship among nations. - Prime Minister of Barbados (1987-94)

H.E. Tursunbek Chyngyshev

A special organization [at the UN] must be created that would work on communication between nations, religions and the optimization of international religious relations. It must include people who are genuinely dedicated to the cause of peace, who are capable of valuing such ideas above racial, national and religious interests. - Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan (1992-93)

H.E. Edward Schreyer

So-called coalitions of the willing that sometimes have turned into coalitions of the bribed, the bullied and the intimidated are not a substitute for the United Nations. The United Nations needs help against the threat of these kinds of circumventions, and I for one regard the interreligious and international peace council as a wise and hopeful attempt to provide just that. - Governor General of Canada (1979-84)

H.E. Stanislav Shushkevich

The United Nations should go to a new level. Any efforts toward such cooperation and mutual understanding will be hopeless unless based upon healthy moral and spiritual principles. President of Belarus (1991-94)


Diplomats

Hon. Richard Thornburgh

I am intrigued by the notion of creating a religious base for a culture of peace because one of the ultimate tragedies of this century, and indeed throughout history, has been the number of wars and conflicts that have been undertaken in the name of one religion or another. By involving people of faith and the faith communities in efforts to create a true culture of peace, one goes to the source of a lot of the conflict and discontent in the world today. - USA; former UN Under-Secretary-General

H.E. Yuli M. Vorontsov

We need meetings of the religious leaders, congresses of religious leaders, where they will discuss not their differences in doctrine but the world situation. I don’t think there will be serious differences of view when the topic is war and peace in a given region or peace on the planet or the global ecological crisis. I believe that these issues are very important for religions. - Russia; former Under-Secretary-General of the UN and High-Level Coordinator

H.E. Anwarul Karim Chowdhury

The UN Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace highlights the ideals, norms and objectives of a global culture of peace and identifies the actors involved in their realization. It has been an honor for me to chair the negotiations that led to the adoption of the Declaration and Program of Action. It identifies actors who have a role in advancing a culture of peace. In addition to states and international organizations like the United Nations, it includes religious and community leaders, parents, family, teachers, artists, professors, journalists and students—people from all walks of life. - Bangladesh; Former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

H.E. Makarim Wibisono

The role of religion in promoting peace and harmony cannot be overemphasized. We all share a belief in universal truths and in a moral order ordained by God and discovered — not created — by man. Religious leaders are in a unique position to come into contact at grass-roots level of the societies they serve and inculcate the values of tolerance, harmony and forbearance. As messengers of peace, they often succeed in spreading this gospel more than governments. It is significant that religious leaders, together with statesmen, diplomats, scholars and professionals, gather to exchange views and experiences on ways to seek a better and more harmonious world. There is indeed much that can be accomplished if people belonging to all faiths can embark upon a path together for improving the lives of human beings all over the world. - Former Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN; former President of ECOSOC

Dr. Guillermo Reyes

We live in an era when cultural, religious, civilizational and ethical identities and values are deeply fundamental and relevant to understanding the global situation. One reason for establishing an interreligious council in the world’s most important political and governmental forum, the United Nations, is to support and implement this great and historical institution’s capacities to address and resolve the root causes of conflict and to assist in the search for solutions to critical worldwide problems. Dialogue among cultures and civilizations is also an invitation to countries, governments and religions, and suggest a new worldwide political system where people of all religions and cultures may work together as one whole family without division, hate or violence. Through an interreligious council, a union of strength can be fully achieved. - Former Counselor, Permanent Mission of Colombia to the UN

Dr. Isaac C. Lamba

Professor Kenneth Galbraith of Harvard University is said to have cited three major problems in the world today: the gap between the rich and the poor, nuclear weapons that threaten security, and discrimination


focused on religion, race, gender and other divisions. All of these the United Nations and its agencies are supposed to address. The peace council idea introduces novelty and creativity in the search for peace with a fundamental base in religious convictions. Peace without a religious conception and foundation cannot be sustained to form the desired culture. - Former Permanent Representative of Malawi to the UN

Mr. Zia Rizvi

When I joined the UN, I thought the UN was the voice of the voiceless. It was supposed to provide power to the powerless. In time, I realized that it can also be a tool for the powerful to play power games. I believe that an interreligious council can be a counterbalancing force to bring into the United Nations a new dimension, which might perhaps bring more sense, more humanity to politicians. The Constitution of UNESCO says that since war first begins in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that defenses of peace should be constructed. Peace is solid and durable when peace is born inside the mind of man. Therefore, with the approach now being adopted, which is to work on men’s minds with God’s guidance, you will build peace very differently from the way we have been trying to do it for the last century. This is a noble task that certainly deserves support. - Director General, Independent Bureau for Humanitarian Issues, Pakistan

Ambassador D.L. Mendis

All over the world, politicians and diplomats have acted more on national or individual self-interest and not on core interreligious values. Hence, it is of paramount importance to incorporate interreligious values such as fairness, equity, merit, justice, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, good faith, trust, reconciliation and living for the sake of others into the principles of good governance to achieve lasting peace in the world. Only then can we avoid a clash of civilizations, religions or ethnicities and avoid conflict, poverty and underdevelopment. - Former Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN

Delegates at the UPF Assembly in New York

Website

The Universal Peace Federation has developed a number of resources to help advance discussion and the consultation process. The most complete collection of these is to be found online at http://www.upf.org/united-nations/interreligious-council


Address by UPF Chairman, Dr. Hyung Jin Moon Consultation Meeting on a Interreligious Council at the UN Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, House of Commons, London, UK Distinguished British leaders from all walks of life, Ambassadors for Peace, Ladies and Gentlemen! Dr. Braybrooke and Imam Sajid, thank you for your inspiring, eloquent words and for gracing this occasion with your presence, and for your lifelong commitment in service to God and global peace.

It is my distinct honor and privilege to stand before you today in this historic venue, the “mother of all parliaments,” and to share with you a few words on behalf of my parents, Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon, Father and Mother Moon.

I am very happy to be in the UK, and I want to thank you sincerely for taking time to participate in today’s program dedicated to consideration of my Father’s vision for an interreligious council at the United Nations.

It was ten years ago, August 2000, that my Father outlined his vision at a speech he delivered at the United Nations. He explained that just as each of us has both a mind and a body, and just as each one of us is both a spiritual being and a material or physical being, so too are human institutions and organizations. They too must have a mind and a spiritual center.

I am reminded that the first General Assembly of the United Nations was convened here in London, in 1946, at the Central Hall of the Methodist Church. I also note that the first meeting of the British parliament took place in Westminster Abbey. I believe England has always understood the necessary link between spiritual principles and values, on the one hand, and the public sphere of social, political, and economic institutions, on the other hand.

My Father has great respect for the United Nations. Had it not been for the United Nations Peace Force, comprised of 16 nations, not only would the nation of South Korea not exist today as a free and democratic society where religion has flourished, but neither would my Father have survived to carry out his providential mission. Nor would I be here today. For, 60 years ago, on October 14, 1950, he was about to be executed in a North Korean prison camp where he had been imprisoned by the communist authorities for practicing his faith. On that day, miraculously, the UN Peace Force liberated my Father from Heung Nam concentration camp. Gen. Alexander Haig, former US Secretary of State and long-time friend of my Father, led the bombing raid that liberated my Father and spared him from certain death.

In his message at the United Nations in the year 2000, my Father explained that the UN would not be able to fulfill its mission without creating a council that would uphold the spiritual wisdom and heritage of humanity, representing God’s guidance for all of us. Toward this end, he recommended that there be a senate or upper house of spiritual leaders within the UN system, perhaps similar to your very own House of Lords. This council would include exemplary and mature representatives and learned advocates of the world’s spiritual traditions.

Throughout its history, this nation has been a great champion of religious freedom and interfaith cooperation. In virtually every city, village, and hamlet, there are Sikhs and Jains, Muslims and Jews, Hindus and Buddhists, Protestants and Catholics. In many cities there are interfaith councils. I believe all of you can appreciate the value of my Father’s proposal. It is an idea whose time has come.

I was recently in Jerusalem, where I had the opportunity to meet with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders and with representative leaders of Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and the Druze tradition. Everyone expressed a strong desire for peace and explained that peace is an ideal that stands at the


center of their sacred scriptures. At our UPF Consultation in Jerusalem they affirmed wholeheartedly the importance of Father Moon’s vision for an interfaith council, for a UN centered on God. My Father sometimes calls this ideal a “Parent UN” or an “Abel UN.”

A few weeks ago in Nepal I met with Hindu leaders in the capital and Buddhist leaders in Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha. Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains fully appreciate and understand that lasting solutions to our global problems and a comprehensive peace cannot be realized without a spiritual awakening and the full participation of those who affirm and practice spiritual principles.

We all realize that peace is not simply the cessation of conflict. Rather, as we have learned from the great teachers and prophets of the ages, peace is much more than a political, economic, or military accomplishment. Peace is rooted in our relationship with God. Hence, for example, Muslims say, salaam alekhem, Jews say shalom, Hindus say shanti, and Christians call Jesus the prince of peace.

When we are lacking in spiritual discipline and wisdom, peace is not possible. Peace arises when we are in a right relationship with God, when our mind and body are united. If we are people of internal struggle, selfishness, and sin, then all our efforts in this world will bear no good fruit, and will only lead to struggle and conflict.

My Father teaches us that the root of peace is the family. For this reason, he has championed the international and interreligious World Peace Holy Blessing ceremonies, bringing together couples from every corner of the world, calling each to dedicate their marriage and family to God’s ideal of true love and universal peace. There is no better way to create a world of peace than by strengthening marriages and building God-centered families. My Father teaches us that peace is rooted in the family, that the family is rooted in God, and that God's essence is true love.

In this way, on the foundation of the individual and family centered on God, we can expand the realm of peace to other levels, to the tribe, society, nation, and world.

Jesus instructed his disciples to pray centering not on “man’s kingdom” but “God’s kingdom.” The Kingdom of God is a world of peace, a world that fulfills the hope of all ages and all religions for a unified world of peace. Jesus also called his disciples to repent, to forgive our enemies, and to work to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin. This is a formula for peace.

As important as political and secular social movements have been, God’s central providence throughout history has been led by the founders of the great religions. That process continues today. We ignore the essential and necessary importance of religion only at our peril. Those who advocate atheism, moral relativism, and selfish materialism are leading humanity down a wrong path that leads only to destruction. Likewise, only nations who center on God’s true love should stand in central positions in the world today.

Hence my Father has called the UN to include the great faith traditions in its noble mission, and establish a council within the UN system. Otherwise, the efforts of the UN will fall short of their objective, and humanity will suffer. We cannot disregard the truths of God that religion brings.

I hope that each of you will make a determined effort to promote my Father’s vision for an interreligious council at the UN. More importantly I hope you will support him in his wider mission to establish God’s Kingdom on this earth.

Thank you.

Toward an Interreligious Council at the United Nations

Documents

Transcript of Toward an Interreligious Council at the United Nations