Proclamation
WHEREAS,
Wisconsin has a long history of celebrating the
diversity of belief; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin has been a leader in human rights
throughout 156 years of statehood; and
WHEREAS, December 10, 2004 is Human Rights Day designated
by the United Nations and the 57th anniversary of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which
states in Article 18 that "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;" and
WHEREAS, the State has developed great spiritual
and religious diversity and diverse beliefs have
played an important role in the development of our
State; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of diversity diminishes
no one, but enriches everyone; and
WHEREAS, we affirm the right of every person to
believe and act according to their beliefs as long
as it does not infringe upon the rights of others;
and
WHEREAS, interfaith efforts of different churches
and faith groups have a rich history in the State;
and
WHEREAS, interfaith coalitions, interfaith dialogues
and interfaith activities are growing locally, regionally,
nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin is the home of the International
Committee for the Peace Council, an international
interfaith effort that had its beginnings at the
1993 Parliament for the World's Religions; and
WHEREAS, Madison, the Capitol of the State of Wisconsin,
is located on an isthmus, which is considered a
place of peace and reconciliation; and
WHEREAS, December 2004 holds holy days of many religious
and faith groups;
We...
David Cieslewicz, Mayor of Madison,
Kathleen Falk, Executive of Dane County,
James Doyle, Governor of Wisconsin,
do hereby proclaim December 5-11, 2004 as INTERFAITH
AWARENESS WEEK in the City of Madison and State
of Wisconsin, and encourage citizens to learn more
about each others' beliefs in the spirit of community.
