The International Hour For Peace
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Information Site
Do you want to help create peace in our world?
Of course you do, so please mark your calendars to participate in
The 23rd Annual Observance of
International Hour For Peace
Saturday, December 31st, 2008, 4:45 to 6:15 A.M.
(That's Noon Greenwich Mean Time and for us, really, really early Saturday morning!)
Join millions of people all over the planet to create Inner Peace and World Peace for 2009!
All peacemakers and all paths to peace, sacred and secular, are welcome and honored!
Blessed John XXIII University Center
1220 University Ave. in Fort Collins
1 block South of W Elizabeth and 1 block West of Shields, across from CSU, just behind
the Shell station
“When will our conscience grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than
avenge it?”
Eleanor Roosevelt
The International Hour For Peace has been an integral part of Fort Collins New Year’s celebrations every one of the 22 years since its inception in 1986. The theme for the 23rd annual Fort Collins event is “The Right To Live In Peace,” commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the 1978 United Nations Declaration that Peace is a Universal Human Right, and the 60th Anniversary of the 1948 United Nations Declaration of Universal Human Rights. By the way, Rev. Russ Jones of Prayerworks For Peace pointed out that our Universal Human Rights were endowed to us “in the beginning” by our Creator. Unfortunately, it took humanity thousands of years to realize and declare it. And 60 years later, we’re still catching up!
The program will include a brief presentation on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) for achieving rights for all people by members of the Fort Collins Steering Committee of the MDG’s Faith and Film series, January through May of 2009. Christinia Eala, an Elder in the Lakota Tribe and chair of the local UN committee on the Rights of Indigenous People, will give a short talk about the right of Indigenous People to live in peace and have their land, language, culture and spirituality honored.
There will also be a presentation by a representative from Deepak Chopra’s “Alliance For a New Humanity.” There’s currently a chapter in Denver and plans to get one going in Fort Collins. Their service project is Homelessness Prevention, which fits in so well with our theme of “The Right To Live In Peace.” It’s pretty hard to live in peace when one is homeless!
Garth McCann, president of the Fort Collins Area Interfaith Council and longtime member of Toastmasters, will serve as our Emcee. The program also features beautiful music including the lovely keyboard sounds of Annette Kahmann accompanying the 20 minute meditation, an original song by David Willis, and of course Fort Collins’ own beloved Dances of Universal Peace and Interfaith Peace Choir, directed by Grace Marie.
Held again at beautiful Blessed John XXIII University Center, 1220 University Avenue in Fort Collins, the Fort Collins observance of the 2008 December 31st International Hour For Peace is sponsored by many community organizations, both sacred and secular, including:
The International Hour for Peace, also known as World Healing Day and World Peace Day, is a global effort launched in 1986 by John Randolph Price and the Quartus Foundation. It was established to offer people all over the word an opportunity to gather together for peace, love, forgiveness, and understanding through a simultaneous global mind–link at noon Greenwich Mean Time on December 31st of each year. Based on the Quantum Physics theory discussed in the film “The Secret” that thought can direct energy, the event is designed to break down walls of separation and synchronistically join billions of people around the world in meditation, prayer, music, readings, dialogue, and other ways to create lasting peace on Earth.
Five years after the first Hour For Peace in 1986, a 1990 report stated, “dramatic changes have taken place in Eastern Europe, where people there have joined with the 105 countries already represented as of the 1990 preparations.” The publicity and communication worldwide regarding the International Hour for Peace has far surpassed U.S. coverage. The Yomiuri, the third largest newspaper in Japan with 9.3 million copies distributed daily, ran an editorial on the front page entitled ‘Global Mind Link’ and asked readers to unite their minds to help heal this planet Earth from growing illness … to demand an end to hostilities, hunger, poverty and the subjugation of individual freedom. Reports from the Soviet Union claim 1.5 million participants each year since 1986.
Participation in the December 31st International Hour for Peace is a way for area residents to join billions of people all over our planet at Noon Greenwich Mean Time for prayer, meditation, music, readings, dialogue, etc. focusing on world peace and inner peace for the coming year. When many minds join together with the intention of creating peace in the hearts of all people on earth, world peace happens! As Margaret Mead stated, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”.
A correspondent from Italy wrote, “This is our ‘Super Bowl,’ and we plan for the December 31st event just as families and friends in your country anticipate coming together in their homes to watch that media event in January. The victory we see, however, is not one–sided. The prize is peace for all people.”
Sponsoring restaurants will open early to serve breakfast to Hour For Peace participants.
Check out the international
website — www.Quartus.org/WorldHealingDay.html
John Randolph Price World Healing Meditation —
www.quartus.org/world-healing-day/world-healing-meditation
Locations of events all over the world —
www.quartus.org/world-healing-day/locations/
If you’re inspired to participate in any way, contact the Fort Collins coordinator, Dr. Victoria Gardner at 970 407-1351 or DrVickie@att.net. No contribution is too great or too small!
23rd Annual Fort Collins Observance of the International Hour For Peace, Wednesday, December 31st, 4:45—6:15 AM at Blessed John XXIII University Center, 1220 University Avenue. This year’s theme is “The Right To Live In Peace,” commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the 1978 United Nations Declaration that Peace is a Universal Human Right, and the 60th Anniversary of the 1948 United Nations Declaration of Universal Human Rights. For more information, contact coordinator Victoria Gardner, 407-1351 or DrVickie#att.net, or visit www.fortnet.org/hr4peace.
Adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the full text of which appears in the following pages. Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and “to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.”
PREAMBLE: Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of
the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have
outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech
and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion
against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental
human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined
to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United
Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and
fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance
for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non–self–governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery & the slave trade shall be prohibited in all forms.
Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7. All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8. Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10. Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11. (1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defense. (2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article 12. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Article 14. (1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. (2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15. (1) Everyone has the right to a nationality. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16. (1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution. (2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses. (3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17. (1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. (2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21. (1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. (2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country. (3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article 22. Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23. (1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. (2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. (3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection. (4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24. Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25. (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. (2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26. (1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit. (2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. (3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
Article 27. (1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. (2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
Article 28. Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article 29. (1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible. (2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society. (3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 30. Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Create a global partnership for development
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millenium_Development_Goals
http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/goals/index.htm
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
http://www.undp.org/mdg/
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to
each other.”
Blessed Mother Teresa
Five Fort Collins churches, local “Bread for the World” affiliates, The Murulle Foundation (a small-business loan project for low income/minority women) and the United Nations Association-USA, Northern Colorado Chapter have united to raise awareness of and progress towards the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) established in 2000 to end extreme poverty and disease and achieve Universal Human Rights by 2015. Each of five events will include a 30 minute film on the selected goal(s), a facilitated discussion, ways you can make a difference, displays of involved local groups, and refreshments.
Fort Collins Faith and Film Series Schedule, Jan–May 2009
7:00 — 9:00 Friday Evenings
Jan 9th: Blessed John 23rd University Center, 1220 University Avenue, 484-3356
Goal 1: “Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger”
Feb 6th: First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover, 482-2436
Goals 2 & 3: “Universal Primary Education and Gender Equality”
Mar 6th: First Presbyterian Church, 531 South College Avenue, 482-6107
Goals 4, 5, & 6: “Women’s and Children’s Health”
Apr 3rd: Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 916 West Prospect, 482-9212
Goal 7: “Ensure Environmental Sustainability”
May 1st: Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 East Stuart, 482-1226
Goal 8: “Global Partnership For Development”
“Just as you did it for one of the least of these who are my family, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40
Webmaster: Michael Riversong (307) 635-0900, [email protected]