Parliament of Worlds Religion 1999 Capetown SA

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

Page 68

A CALL TO OUR GUIDING INSTITUTIONS
DECEMBER
9
9
a) In the great ancient religious and ethical
traditions of humankind we find the directive: You shall not kill! Or in positive terms: Have respect for life! Let us reflect anew on the consequences of this ancient directive: All people have a right to life, safety, and the free development of personality insofar as they do not injure the rights of others. No one has the right physically or psychically to torture, injure, much less kill, any other human being. And no people, no state, no race, no religion has the right to hate, to discriminate against, to "cleanse,' to exile, much less to liquidate a "foreign" minority which is different in behavior or holds different beliefs.
deserve protection, preservation, and care. Limitless exploitation of the natural foundations of life, ruthless destruction of the biosphere, and militarization of the cosmos are all outrages. As human beings we have a special responsibility - especially with a view to future generations-for Earth and the cosmos, for the air, water, and soil. We are all intertwined together in this cosmos and we are all dependent on each other. Each one of us depends on the welfare of all. Therefore the dominance of humanity over nature and the cosmos must not be encouraged. Instead we must cultivate living in harmony with nature and the cosmos
b) Of course, wherever there are humans
there will be conflicts. Such conflicts, however, should be resolved without violence within a framework of justice. This is true for states as well as for individuals. Persons who hold political power must work within the framework of a just order and commit themselves to the most non-violent, peaceful solutions possible. And they should work for this within an international order of peace which itself has need of protection and defense against perpetrators of violence. Armament is a mistaken path, disarmament is the commandment of the times. Let no one be deceived: There is no survival for humanity without global peace!
e) To be authentically human in the spirit
of our great religious and ethical traditions means that in public as well as in private life we must be concerned for others and ready to help. We must never be ruthless and brutal. Every people, every race, every religion must show tolerance and respect-indeed high appreciation for every other. Minorities need protection and support, whether they be racial, ethnic, or religious.
2 Commitment to a Culture of
Solidarity and a Just Economic Order.
c) Young people must learn at home and in
school that violence may not be a means of settling differences with others. Only thus can a culture of non-violence be created
Numberless men and women of all regions and religions strive to live their lives in solidarity with one another and to work for authentic fulfillment of their vocations. Nevertheless, all over the world we find endless hunger, deficiency, and need. Not only individuals, but especially unjust institutions and structures are responsible for these tragedies. Millions of people are without work; millions are exploited by poor wages, forced to the edges of society, with their possibilities for the future
d) A human person is infinitely precious
and must be unconditionally protected. But likewise the lives of animals and plants which inhabit this planet with us
1999 PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS
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