________________
Interfaith Services
THE PREAMBLE TO THE UNITED NATIONS CHARTER
We the peoples of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom and for these ends to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security and to ensure by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest and to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples, have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims. Accordingly, our respective governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE (Remain standing)
In remembrance of all those who have died while involved in humanitarian and peace missions.
MUSIC (Please be seated)
Sung by the Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
HYMN FOR A NEW AGE
Lee Hoiby
I hrough the long night we have come
The sun is bright, the wars are done. We will unite. We will be one. A new light has begun.
Smile, heaven on our loving land,
shine blessings on our fair kingdom. Enrich our time to come with growing love, with joy abundant and long, prosperous days.
Man's brotherhood is born again. The face of freedom is revealed in sunlight.
Now sing in praise of life; with poems praise, with voices praise
with drums, with trumpets praise God's loving Kingdom come to us,
the gift of life and the gift of freedom. Now shall peace reign, truth be revealed, and all wounds be healed.
So was it ever meant to be,
resplendent hope of humankind to follow the dove, the way of peace, the way of love.
So shall it be, so shall it ever be.
GREETING
Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali Secretary-General of the United Nations
-125
