Parliament of Worlds Religion 1999 Capetown SA

Author(s): Parliament of the World’s Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

Page 48

A CALL TO OUR GUIDING INSTITUTIONS
DECEMBER
9
9
The Call to I ORGANIZATIONS OF
CIVIL SOCIETY
A
We envision a world in which ... freedom of association is assured and encouraged; ...open discourse is cherished and cooperative common
action is nurtured; ... "public life" is understood as broader and more
fundamental than government, which exists by the
will of the people and for the sake of the society; ... societies are constituted and reconstituted through
a multitude of voluntary associations that give
voice to all; ...conversation about values and visions is a highly
regarded and well-protected element of public life; ... the generations and genders speak and listen to each
other with mutual respect, at home and abroad; ... every society understands how to listen and to
learn as alternative perspectives and courses of action are presented, discussed, debated, and implemented.
In conclusion, we appeal to all the inhabitants of this planet. Earth cannot be changed for the better unless the consciousness of individuals is changed. We pledge to work for such transformation in individual and collective consciousness, for the awakening of our spiritual powers through reflection, meditation, prayer, or positive thinking, for a conversion of the heart. Together we can move mountains! Without a willingness to take risks and a readiness to sacrifice there can be no fundamental change in our situation! Therefore we commit ourselves to a common global ethic, to better mutual understanding, as well as to socially beneficial, peacefostering, and Earth-friendly ways of life.
We invite all men and women, whether religious or not,
to do the same.
Towards a Global Ethic:
An Initial Declaration 1993 Parliament of the World's
Religions. Chicago
B
Civil society has come to mean the network of voluntary, non-governmental associations--clubs, youth groups, sports and service groups, professional organizations, trade unions, cultural alliances, independent political parties, philanthropic funds, advocacy centers, community coalitions--that provide the fertile soil in which an expansive, responsible citizenship takes root and flourishes. Among the noblest functions of civil society is mediation between the power of the state and the rights, needs, and responsibilities of individuals and groups.
The astonishing growth in numbers, projects, and influence of organizations of civil society is one of the most important phenomena of our time.
1999 PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS
45
Jain Education Interational 2010_03