Yesterday, the United States Mission to the United Nations rededicated a mosaic rendering of Norman Rockwell’s depiction of the Golden Rule. This rededication could not have occurred during a more appropriate week: this week is the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week. Four years ago, the UN General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to recognize the importance of interreligious respect by proclaiming the first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week.
During this week, clergy from all religions and from all regions are asked to address and reflect on the power of interfaith harmony. As members of the human community, we are all called on to contribute to a global movement that puts interfaith respect into practice and turns a vision for peace into reality. One example of that contribution is New York City Mayor De Blasio announcing a plan to close schools for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and for the Lunar New Year.
At Tanenbaum, our focus is on usable tools. We therefore offer speaking points for clergy and other speakers who are ready to stand up and address the importance of World Interfaith Harmony Week. Drawing on the UN Resolution itself, the Golden Rule and Tanenbaum’s Shared Visions project, the speaking points provide a jumping-off point for important conversations about humanity’s interconnectivity.
Tanenbaum also offers Fact sheets, questions and guidelines for educators who want to bring World Interfaith Harmony Week into the classroom. These resources deal with issues of religion and religious diversity in an engaging and integrated way. Download Tanenbaum’s:
- Discussion Questions for Students
- World Religions Fact Sheet
- Religion and Diversity in Schools Fact Sheet
- Conversation Guidelines for Schools and Academic Settings
We hope you’ll take a moment to read these speaking points, download our education tools, and forward our resources to anyone who might find them useful. You can also visit the official World Interfaith Harmony Week website and access a calendar of events going on around the world – there’s probably something happening near you!