Golden Rule, Religions and the UN
4 January 2002
Interfaith Delegation Presents
Golden Rules
from Thirteen Religions to the United Nations
GOLDEN RULES FOR PEACE
by Joel Beversluis
A few months ago, my grandson recited a not-so-golden rule
from the playground: "Do to others as they do to you." This
isn't what his parents teach him, and it's not his rule.
But I do wonder what he's learning, especially from those who
lead our commerce, governance, and media? Will he conclude
that self-interest and retribution are the laws of this planet?
Believing otherwise, eight ambassadors from the North
American Interfaith Network (NAIN) carried a collection of
Golden Rules from thirteen religions to the United Nations.
We'd been invited to visit with the Assistant Secretary-General,
Mrs. Gillian Sorensen, to present a framed Golden Rules
poster to her for the UN.
In an unexpected synchronicity with our presentation, a
colorful exhibit from the Global Ethic Foundation in Tubingen
was gracing the lobby of the UN, with posters and booklets
describing the major world religions. The display presented
the principles of a Global Ethic as they'd been drafted by
Dr. Hans Kung and others, and as they'd been approved
at the 1993 Parliament of the World's Religions. The exhibit
also featured a selection of Golden Rules from seven religions.
We had come to the United Nations because it provides
a unique forum where the subtleties of these universal
principles of the Golden Rule can be translated, for the
benefit of all, into the treaties and documents governing
inter-state relations.
Despite the UN's secular, pragmatic, and sometimes
anti-religious climate, diverse versions of these spiritually-
informed principles are very appropriate there because
the principles transcend cultures, religions, and nations.
No other statements so clearly summarize the simple
practices of kindness and sustainable human conduct.
The arrangements for our visit to the UN had been made
by Jonathan Granoff and Sister Joan Kirby from Temple of
Understanding, one of the founding organizations of our
interfaith network. Working with political and spiritual
leaders since 1960, the Temple had first published these
Golden Rules in its literature some 15 years ago.
Others in our delegation included Rev. Deborah Moldow
from United Religions Initiative-UN chapter;
Father Terrence Gallagher from Scarboro Missions in
Toronto; Ralph Singh, Secretary of the NAIN Board; and Dr.
Elias Mallon, a founder of NAIN and Dean of Auburn
Seminary.
Passing up from the lobby through heavy security, we were
escorted to the 38th floor, where Mrs. Sorensen welcomed
us into her office. Outside her windows on Manhattan Island
are the site of the Twin Towers, the Hudson River flowing out
to the Atlantic, and the world beyond, with all its needs
and possibilities.
Together with some of her staff, we sat in a circle and
briefly discussed how the Golden Rules apply to
international affairs. I was honored to read our prepared
Statement [printed below]. One paragraph explains that in
recent years, gatherings of numerous religious and spiritual
leaders have agreed that "this ancient precept is found and
has persisted in many religious and ethical traditions of
humankind for thousands of years. . . [and] should be the
irrevocable, unconditional norm for all areas of life, for
families and communities, for races, nations, and religions"
(Toward a Global Ethic).
I read further how the Golden Rules are already implicit in
UN documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights-- those rights we wish for ourselves shall also be
granted to others. The ancient precepts also imply our
common needs, aspirations and responsibilities--our
interdependence as the human family, as part of the web
of life on Earth. In our Statement we particularly noted
the need for moral responses to environmental
recklessness and the inherent immorality of nuclear
weapons.
Some in our group took the opportunity to speak from the
heart, offering concrete applications. As President of the
Global Security Institute, Jonathan Granoff knows better
than most the potential for catastrophe each day in a world
where the US and Russia still maintain enough nuclear
weapons on high alert to destroy civilization, and where
China, the UK, France, Israel, Pakistan and India threaten
future generations with unacceptable catastrophe. Jonathan
eloquently explained our conviction that nations must
treat other nations as they wish to be treated.
That nations must not do to others what they would not
want done to themselves. That nations and their leaders
ignore these universal laws of reciprocity at enormous
hazard to us all.
Ralph Singh told the story of Gobind Sadan, his Sikh
community in Syracuse, New York. Its place of worship,
a large farmhouse, had been destroyed by an ignorant
and hateful act of arson after the attacks of September 11.
But the community responded from a place of love, with
a statement and prayer of forgiveness. "If we show hatred
to those who act against us . . . we will only perpetuate the
cycle of violence that exists in the world. By forgiving our
enemies we have the opportunity to create peace."
In a touching response, Mrs. Sorensen affirmed that, while
she is not much engaged in a traditional religion, she has
very high regard for personal spiritual commitments and
for a global ethical standard. She also suggested that
Secretary-General Kofi Annan is strengthened and
centered by a spirituality that incorporates ideals such as
these universal Golden Rules. I recalled that his recent
acceptance speech of the Nobel Peace Prize to the United
Nations indicated appreciation for such ideals as well as
for the potential peace-making role of the world's religious
and spiritual communities.
We stood together after our conversation for a simple
conclusion. Father Terrence Gallagher offered a
non-sectarian prayer and a song, in his Irish tenor,
for peace, flowing like a river. And the Rev. Deborah
Moldow led us in the benediction from the World Peace
Prayer Society: "May Peace Prevail on Earth."
With such a rich agenda, we overstayed our appointed time.
The presentation may have been unusual on that floor, but we
know that numerous people of faith and vision are carrying on
the blessed work of peace-making in the UN community, in
non-governmental organizations, and elsewhere.
The year 2002, early in the Decade for a Culture of Peace,
begins with new hope. The citizens of Earth are seeking the
true meaning of peace with renewed impetus, learning that
no nation will find peace until it wants for others the same
peace and security it seeks for itself.
It was a small pilgrimage we took, to place another brick in
the path toward peace, to send a ripple across the waters.
As with all pilgrimages, we went in part to express and
renew our own souls. But we also went to the UN as an
inter-religious witness to the nations and leaders. And we'll
continue to proclaim golden precepts, especially for the
children and grandchildren.
Our simple message is that we are each responsible to seek
not only our own benefit, but also what is good for others,
as they see it. There rests the balance, the common good.
From the playground to places of power,
there is no higher calling.
* * * * *
THE GOLDEN RULES
Gathered for the Golden Rule poster by Paul McKenna
Aboriginal Spirituality
We are as much alive as we keep the Earth alive.
- Chief Dan George
Baha'i Faith
Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be
laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would
not desire for yourself.
- Baha'u'llah, Gleanings
Buddhism
Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find
hurtful.
- The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18
Christianity
In everything, do to others as you would have them do to
you; for this is the law and the prophets.
- Jesus, Matthew 7:12
Confucianism
One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct. . .
loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want
done to yourself.
- Confucius, Analects 15.23
Hinduism
This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would
cause pain if done to you.
- Mahabharata 5:1517
Islam
Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what
you wish for yourself.
- The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith
Jainism
One should treat all creatures in the world
as one would like to be treated.
- Mahavira, Sutrakritanga
Judaism
What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is
the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.
- Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a
Sikhism
I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me.
Indeed, I am a friend to all.
- Guru Granth Sahib, pg. 1299
Taoism
Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your
neighbor's loss as your own loss.
- T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien, 213-218
Unitarianism
We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web
of all existence, of which we are a part.
- Unitarian principle
Zoroastrianism
Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.
- Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29
* * * * *
The Statement
GOLDEN RULES FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE
Presented to Mrs. Gillian Sorensen,
Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations,
on January 4, 2002
Because the United Nations is a home for our highest
human ideals, and because the world's religions have a
duty to articulate and promote those ideals, we are honored
to present you with "The Golden Rule." In this poster,
thirteen religious and spiritual traditions state a universal
principle in elegant and distinctive forms.
These Golden Rules are evidence of a Global Ethic that
transcends nations, civilizations, and religions. Yet no
other statements so clearly summarize the simple practices
of kindness and sustainable human conduct. In recent years,
gatherings of religious and spiritual leaders have confirmed
that "this ancient precept is found and has persisted in
many religious and ethical traditions of humankind for
thousands of years. . . [and] should be the irrevocable,
unconditional norm for all areas of life, for families and
communities, for races, nations, and religions"
(Toward a Global Ethic).
The United Nations provides a unique forum where the
subtleties of this universal principle can be translated into the
realm of international affairs. We are inspired by key United
Nations documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and its premise that those rights we wish for ourselves
shall be granted to others as well. Equally challenging is the
principle that no nation will find peace until it wants for others
the same peace and security it seeks for itself.
We believe that these Golden Rules, also known as the "law
of reciprocity," must be obeyed by all nations, and that, in
the interests of global security, no nations or leaders may
exempt themselves. Whatever is hateful or injurious to
ourselves, we must not do to others.
Failure to adhere to these moral principles brings great
hazards to all, ranging from unsustainable development
practices to environmental crises and nuclear threats with
their inherent potential for catastrophe. Nations must treat
other nations as they wish to be treated.
Together, these precepts remind us that our diversity can
flourish within a greater and simpler unity--the human family,
with its common origins, needs, and aspirations. The Golden
Rules teach that no one--no nation, culture, or religion-- is an
island unto itself. Drawing on time-tested wisdom and
experience, they presume our interdependence and declare
our personal responsibility for the common good.
* * * * *
PHOTO CAPTION
[Photo attached: the Presentation, by Joginder Kaur]
Presenting a framed Golden Rule poster to the Secretariat
of the United Nations were leaders from the North American
Interfaith Network and some of its member organizations
and friends: Rev. Deborah Moldow from United Religions
Initiative at the UN and World Peace Prayer Society;
Sister Joan Kirby, Representative to the UN from Temple of
Understanding; Father Terrence Gallagher, from Scarboro
Missions in Toronto; Joel Beversluis, Editor of the NAIN
newsletter and CoNexus Multifaith Media;
Mrs. Gillian Sorensen, Assistant Secretary-General
of the United Nations for External Affairs; Jonathan Granoff,
from Temple of Understanding, Bawa Muhaiyadeen Fellowship,
and Global Security Institute; Ralph Singh, Secretary of the
NAIN Board, from Gobind Sadan-USA; and Dr. Elias Mallon,
a founder of NAIN and Dean of Auburn Seminary.
* * * * *
CREDITS
The framed Golden Rules poster was presented by
the Board of the North American Interfaith Network (which
has sixty-five member organizations) and Scarboro Missions,
on behalf of the people in the many religious, spiritual and
humanistic communities who honor these Golden Rules.
Paul McKenna and Scarboro Missions of Toronto produced
the Golden Rules poster. It is distributed by CoNexus
Multifaith Media and can be viewed or purchased at
www.conexuspress.com
DISTRIBUTE THIS ARTICLE AS YOU WISH TO YOUR LIST
Copyright Joel Beversluis, January 14, 2002
Joel D. Beversluis is Editor of NAINews and Interfaith Digest ,
a member of Interfaith Dialogue Association, and proprietor of
CoNexus Multifaith Media.
Electronic distribution of these materials, in full or in
part, is granted to all who include appropriate credits and
who do not materially change the meaning.