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NEWSLETTER                                                   No. 1,   2006~
A global goodwill, interfaith newsletter spotlighting newsworthy  articles, events, people, and information in world affairs.

 

A.  Articles
B.  Books and Authors
C.  Health and Well-Being
D.  Events
E.  Subscribe

"Wisdom is the light of truth, the knowing, the real, which enables us to help.
The Will to Good is the light of Wisdom in the action of loving understanding, compassion, 
and,  pure-practical reasoning." - CJ Wheat
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Give light, and the darkness will disappear itself." - Erasmus

"May Peace Prevail On Earth"

 World Disaster Relief

Redcross.org Mercycorps.org SalvationArmy.org

A.  Articles - Interfaithnews.net, URI.org, GTW.org, Worldgoodwill.org, SaveTibet.org, MercyCorps.org,        G
                       TheHungerSite.com, The Great Invocation

A LETTER TO FRIENDS ON THE PATHWAY TO PEACE
"At the turn of the new year, Mussie Hailu, Vice Chair of the United Religions Initiative’s (URI) Global Council, wrote a touching and inspiring letter to URI members worldwide. Though written specifically to the URI, its content is broad and I commend it to all participants in the global interfaith movement...."
Read the article at http://www.interfaithnews.net/wp/2006/02/01/a-letter-to-friends-on-the-pathway-to-peace/ 

REFLECTING ON HAMAS AND THE PROSPECTS FOR MID-EAST PEACE
"URI Executive Director Charles Gibbs offers his reflections on the recent victory of Hamas in Palestinian Parliament elections—beginning with despair and ending in hope...."
Read the article at
http://www.interfaithnews.net/wp/2006/02/02/reflecting-on-hamas/ 

URI - New weekly column on 'Interfaith as a Global Hope', online, by Charles Gibbs
"
Charles Gibbs has begun writing a weekly column for the United Press International (UPI) Religion and Spirituality forum. Titled "A Global Hope," this series is an excellent opportunity for the voice of Charles and the URI to be heard on the internet on a regular basis. Please check it out at http://www.religionandspiritualityforum.com to read, enjoy, and share with others. Each week his new column will be posted on the front page of this Forum on Monday and Tuesday, and thereafter will be available through Charles' listing as a columnist. "
Read the article at 
http://www.uri.org/Features/Features_Main/CGCOLUMN.html 

GATHER THE WOMEN
"We often find ourselves discussing language here at Gather the Women. We are keenly aware that the words we are using to communicate always carry energy, always create a reaction in the receiver. Sometimes that reaction is warm and welcoming; other times the reaction is to recoil or contract. When the reaction is contraction, there is no longer any real communication possible. The interactive opportunity has shut down, and we are left with separation.  Because Gather the Women holds the intention to heal that which separates, we have dedicated ourselves to exploring this issue of language, meaning and assumptions. We will be featuring a regular column in Reflections called "What about this word..." that will step right into the center of the tension around some of the powerful words in our global conversation..."
- by Kathlyn Schaaf
Read the article at http://www.gatherthewomen.org 



THE POWER OF TRUE LEADERSHIP                        
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"As well as focusing on various aspects of leadership, we are also acknowledging and celebrating the work of this group of world servers. After all, a celebration is not necessarily a party, but a joyful affirmation whose power is equal to that of prayer and meditation in its effect. The members of this group form a living organism, a movement rather than an outer organisation and they come from all walks of life and all disciplines. Their vision for humanity and common motive to serve creates a subjective inner link between them. Therefore, though some might not consciously consider themselves as part of a world wide group, they are united through aim and intent, striking up an instant and powerful.........."
Read the article at 
http://www.lucistrust.org/goodwill/nl/2005/4/2005nl4_p2.shtml 



INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET               G

In 2002, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a respected Buddhist leader, and Lobsang Dhondup were arrested by Chinese authorities for crimes that they did not commit. Both men were sentenced to death for "incitement to separatism" and "crimes of terror" involving a series of explosions in Sichuan Province. On January 26, 2003, the Sichuan Provincial Court rejected Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's appeal, and Lobsang Dhondup was executed the same day. Today, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche remains in a Chinese prison for a crime he did not commit. He has reportedly been tortured and his physical condition has deteriorated.

January 26th marks the third anniversary of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's failed court appeal, and the first anniversary of his wrongful life sentence.
  On this anniversary, you can voice your support for Tenzin Delek Rinpoche by collecting signatures for this petition that will be sent to Mr. Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Chinese, calling for the immediate release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.
Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was a highly regarded community figure in eastern Tibet, where he helped build schools, monasteries and homes for the elderly. Threatened by his leadership role outside the Communist Party, Tenzin Delek Rinpoche became a political target of the Chinese government. To date, the Chinese authorities have not produced any credible evidence of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's involvement in the explosions, and the prosecutions have not met minimum standards of due process. A smuggled tape made by Tenzin Delek Rinpoche asserted, "Whatever the authorities do and say, I am innocent."

Despite having his sentence commuted to life in prison, the case has yet to be resolved justly. 
Therefore, ICT calls for the immediate release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.


In 2006, we will continue to work vigorously for the freedom of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche 
and for all Tibetan political prisoners. The voiceless Tibetans inside Tibet are counting 
on us to speak up."
Please make a tax-deductible, donation to support ICT's work in the coming year.

Sincerely,
John Ackerly, President

In 2006, we will continue to work vigorously for the freedom for all Tibetan political prisoners.



"MERCY CORPS is a non-profit organization that exists to alleviate suffering,
poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, just communities."

                                                                               
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AFGHANISTAN has emerged from decades of conflict and oppression to find itself facing another terrible foe: the opium poppy. These poppies, which produce addictive opium that can be processed into heroin, have taken over the country's economy, accounting for more than half its gross domestic product in 2005. Opium products are exacting a horrific toll on the people of Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Thousands of new users are tumbling into addiction every day, ruining local economies and wrecking families.

Mercy Corps has a way to combat this ever-increasing problem.
READ MORE

Shelter remains the top priority for Mercy Corps aid workers in northern PAKISTAN, where immense needs remain from October's 7.6-magnitude earthquake.

Mercy Corps teams are also working to ensure families living in large-scale tent camps have clean water and proper sanitation. Activity at our tented health facilities also picked up last week, as acute respiratory illnesses topped the list of ailments reported by the 3,500 patients. Medical outreach teams continue to visit and treat residents of isolated villages.
READ MORE

"Please visit http://www.mercycorps.org/items/2288/ today and see how you can join our efforts."
"We need your help to ensure critical aid and assistance to children and families in need.
Mercy Corps' programs in Sudan, India, Pakistan, North America, South America, Africa and throughout the world, are helping provide families hope for the future--one child at a time."
http://www.mercycorps.org/home/ 



THE HUNGER SITE                                                    
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Your click on the "Give Free Food" button at The Hunger Site funds food for the hungry, paid for by site sponsors whose ads appear after you click, and provided to people in need around the world through the efforts of Mercy Corps and America's Second Harvest.


                                                        
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"May Peace Prevail on Earth!"

THE GREAT INVOCATION

From the point of Light within the Mind of God

Let Light stream forth into the minds of men.

Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God

Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.

May Christ return to Earth.

From the centre where the Will of God is known

Let purpose guide the little wills of men -

The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the centre which we call the race of men

Let the Plan of Love and Light work out

And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

"The above Invocation, Mantra or Prayer belongs to all Humanity. There are certain central truths and laws that are accepted by all people worldwide, inherently and rightly so, - the truth of a Being of the Highest Power Whom we contribute all things known and unknown, governing, guiding, motivating energies of power which are the just laws of the universe - LOVE."
(See Externalisation of The Hierarchy, pg 26...; Discipleship in the New Age, Vol. II, pg 148...;
The Reappearance of The Christ
, pg 31; Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, pg 138 - Alice A. Bailey)


"The definition of religion, which will in the future prove of greater accuracy than any yet formulated by the theologians, might be expressed as follows:  Religion is the name given to the invocative appeal of humanity and the evocative response of the greater Life to that cry." - D.K.  (See "The Reappearance of The Christ")        

The Glory of The ONE


B.  Books and Authors                                                    G                                                                              

"KEY CONCEPTS IN THE PRACTICE OF SUFISM" -
by M. Fethullah Gülen - " 'The heart is the home of God; purify it from whatever is other than Him so that the All-Merciful may descend into His palace at night.' Though simple in outward appearance,
Gülen is original in thought and action. He embraces all humanity, and is deeply averse to unbelief, injustice, and deviation. His belief and feelings are profound, and his ideas and approach to problems are both wise and rational. A living model of love, ardor, and feeling, he is extraordinarily balanced in his thoughts, acts, and treatment of matters."

"PRAYERS FOR HEALING" -
by Maggie Oman - "As recent scientific research shows, the simple act of praying can be emotionally, spiritually, and even physically healing. With Prayers for Healing, Maggie Oman invites readers into the healing space she has created within the pages of this daybook to reap its benefits in times of stress, illness, depression, or spiritual longing. With inspiration from such diverse sources as the Tao Te Ching, the Koran, the Torah, Native American texts, and the Bible, contributors include Thich Nhat Hanh, Wendell Berry, Jack Kornfield, Rumi, Rainer Maria Rilke, Marian Wright Edelman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Marianne Williamson."

"WHAT MATTERS TO THE HEART" - by P.K. McCary - "From motherhood to sisterhood, P.K. shares her insights and wisdom as well as her most intimate moments that brought her closer to God in this anthology on hope and love.  She is a master storyweaver and author whose philosophy in life is that we must strive to bring humanity to its highest attributes. Living in Houston, Texas, Ms. McCary has dedicated her work and life to peace and justice. The stories she writes emphasizes her belief that God blesses the entire world ... no exceptions."

"MAKING A HEART FOR GOD" - by Dianne Aprile and Patrick Hart - "Aprile offers a thorough, readable introduction to the Trappists and experiencing one of their monasteries. The monastic experience demystified and an essential guide to what it is like to spend a week inside a Catholic monastery. A life of quiet, work and prayer, monasticism has been a part of the Christian spiritual tradition for over 1,700 years, and it remains very much alive today. This guide will prepare you for your own first venture into experiencing monastic spirituality and a fascinating way to deepen your spiritual life no matter what your faith tradition. Whether you're simply curious about what is behind the mystery, or interested in experiencing it firsthand, this is the ideal handbook. Also included are a helpful glossary of terms and a listing of monasteries throughout North America that receive visitors."


C.  Health and Well-Being                    

1.  Project C.U.R.E. Medical Travel Teams
Since 1987, Project C.U.R.E. has saved thousands of lives in the developing world through its delivery of medical supplies and equipment. Today, Project C.U.R.E. is offering health care professionals and volunteers an international opportunity to 
share their expertise and commitment.
Where do you fit in? http://projectcure.org/cure/ruswoody.aspx 
URGENT SPECIAL NEED - A clinic in Hanoi, Vietnam urgently needs cardiovascular surgeons to help a young boy. Please contact us immediately at niecylocricchio@projectcure.org or 303-754-2442!!

2. Americans Consuming More Organics than Ever 
The number of Americans who've tried organic foods has jumped to 65 percent in 2005, compared to 54 percent in 2003 and 2004, and a quarter of 1,000 people responding to a survey said they're consuming organics more than they did a year ago, said Whole Foods Market.

3. From: The Humanitarian Action Network
"WE COMMIT ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to make a better, safer world for all."
Join a Global Movement to End Poverty
  - "Show support for making poverty history by wearing a simple white band. Sign the ONE Campaign declaration at http://www.one.org  or find out more about what is happening around the world by going to http://www.whiteband.org."

"WE BELIEVE that in the best American tradition of helping others help themselves, now is the time to join with other countries in a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty." http://capwiz.com/interaction/home/ 


D.  Events   2006                                                           G                                                      

February 21  - "International Mother Language Day 
For information:
http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=19644&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html  

April 3 - 7  - "National Youth Violence Prevention Week "
For information click  
http://www.violencepreventionweek.org/ 

March 8  - "International Women's Day" 
For information click http://www.internationalwomensday.com/default.asp 

March  21 - "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination"
For information click  
http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/racial/ 

March 22  - "World Day for Water"
For information click  http://www.worldwaterday.org/ 

March 23  - "World Meteorological Day"
For information click 
http://www.wmo.int/wmd/ 

March 24  - "World Tuberculosis Day"
For information click 
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/2005/tbday/en/ 

March 28  - "Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members"  
For information click 
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sgsm9783.doc.htm 

April 7  - "World Health Day"
For information click http://www.who.int/world-health-day/2006/en/index.html 

April 23  - "World Book and Copyright Day"
For information click 
http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=5125&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html 

May 3  - "World Press Freedom Day"
For information:
http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=1530&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html 

 

United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)
International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010)
United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012)
International Decade for Action: Water for Life (2005-2015)

View Past Newsletters 
2004#1 ,
2005#1, 2005#2 , 2005#3
 2006#1 , 2006#2 , 2006#3
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