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A United Nations of Religious Groups / One World Interfaith

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March 27, 2024, 12:55:24 pm Mark says: Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked  When Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida began a speech marking the 100th day of the war in Gaza, one confounding yet eye-opening proclamation escaped the headlines. Listing the motives for the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, he accused Jews of "bringing red cows" to the Holy Land.
December 31, 2022, 10:08:58 am NilsFor1611 says: blessings
August 08, 2018, 02:38:10 am suzytr says: Hello, any good churches in the Sacto, CA area, also looking in Reno NV, thanks in advance and God Bless you Smiley
January 29, 2018, 01:21:57 am Christian40 says: It will be interesting to see what happens this year Israel being 70 years as a modern nation may 14 2018
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October 16, 2017, 03:28:18 am Christian40 says: anyone else thinking that time is accelerating now? it seems im doing days in shorter time now is time being affected in some way?
September 24, 2017, 10:45:16 pm Psalm 51:17 says: The specific rule pertaining to the national anthem is found on pages A62-63 of the league rulebook. It states: “The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem. “During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.”
September 20, 2017, 04:32:32 am Christian40 says: "The most popular Hepatitis B vaccine is nothing short of a witch’s brew including aluminum, formaldehyde, yeast, amino acids, and soy. Aluminum is a known neurotoxin that destroys cellular metabolism and function. Hundreds of studies link to the ravaging effects of aluminum. The other proteins and formaldehyde serve to activate the immune system and open up the blood-brain barrier. This is NOT a good thing."
http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-08-11-new-fda-approved-hepatitis-b-vaccine-found-to-increase-heart-attack-risk-by-700.html
September 19, 2017, 03:59:21 am Christian40 says: bbc international did a video about there street preaching they are good witnesses
September 14, 2017, 08:06:04 am Psalm 51:17 says: bro Mark Hunter on YT has some good, edifying stuff too.
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« Reply #180 on: January 22, 2014, 04:12:24 am »

Campaign Calls Christians to Recognize the Image of God in Gays, Liberals, and Every Human

 A new campaign launched by prominent Evangelical leaders is intended to “change the discussion” on a number of cultural issues. The Imago Dei project—headed by Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Coaltion; Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family; actress Roma Downy; and others—calls on Christians to affirm that “every human being, in and out of the womb, carries the image of God; without exception.Therefore, I will treat everyone with love and respect.”

According the website, Christians are too often defined by opposition:

“Accordingly, followers of Christ should be known not by what we oppose but rather by what we propose; a personal relationship with God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Rodriguez says the campaign is not intended to focus on any particular group or orientation. Rather, the purpose is to affirm and highlight central truths from Scripture:

“The Imago Dei campaign does not sacrifice truth on the altar of cultural or political expediency but rather it elevates it on the catalytic stand of grace and love.”

But that message may already be getting lost. Time magazine’s Swampland blog misses the main purpose of the campaign and zeroes in on gay marriage:

“That change in tone is significant for organizations that have used the image of God doctrine to defend their opposition to gay marriage. A position paper still posted on the Focus on the Family website says: ‘Focus on the Family is dedicated to defending the honor, dignity and value of the two sexes as created in God’s image—intentionally male and female—each bringing unique and complementary qualities to sexuality and relationships.’ When asked whether or not that position page would change given the Imago Dei Campaign, Daly did not say, but he clarified that affirming the image of God in people does not condone their behavior.”

Leaders of the Imago Dei campaign are highlighting their message through social media channels, public service announcements on radio and TV, and apparel.

http://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/campaign-calls-christians-to-recognize-the-image-of-god-in-gays-liberals-and-every-human.html
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« Reply #181 on: January 22, 2014, 02:43:16 pm »

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“Accordingly, followers of Christ should be known not by what we oppose but rather by what we propose; a personal relationship with God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Which involves putting off the deeds of the "old man", because a true born-again Christian is a "new creature", not walking after the lusts of the flesh, but in the spirit. And part of that involves recognizing and believing that homosexuality is by definition of the law a sin, thus we are called to stop doing sinful things, though we are no longer under the law but grace.

A person who does not stop their homosexual ways while claiming they are Christian, claiming it is not sinful, is doctrinally mistaken at best, and by claiming that, may well not even be a saved person in the first place. The difference is that a gay person MUST be born-again, THEN they start to change, and put off their former carnal ways once they realize they were living in sin. You don't get to say your Christian and still be gay when the bible clearly says homosexuality is a sin. You can't have it both ways. You either serve the flesh or the Spirit, but only one way will lead to eternal life.
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« Reply #182 on: March 28, 2014, 07:29:54 am »

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« Reply #183 on: March 28, 2014, 07:32:22 am »

From my experiences going to these church buildings - these hireling pastors have pretty much attended their respective city's interfaith activities.

And they always tell their pews to live holy and pure lives? Hypocrites indeed!
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« Reply #184 on: July 10, 2014, 05:40:47 pm »

Heresy Rising: Christian Pastors Embracing New Age Syncretism

For all the heated accusations about personalities like megachurch pastor Rick Warren preaching Chrislam, one man of God is admitting how Buddha has influenced his prayers to Jesus.

Rowan Williams, perhaps better known as the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams, is not hiding his strange religious rituals—rituals that smell like syncretism.

Williams says he spends up to 40 minutes a day squatting and repeating an Eastern Orthodox prayer while performing breathing exercises as part of a routine influenced by Buddhism, according to the Telegraph.

In an article headlined, "Rowan Williams: How Buddhism Helps Me Pray," he also shares how he spends time pacing slowly and repeatedly prostrating himself as part of an intense early morning ritual of silent meditation and prayer. His prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner."

"Over the years increasing exposure to and engagement with the Buddhist world in particular has made me aware of practices not unlike the 'Jesus Prayer' and introduced me to disciplines that further enforce the stillness and physical focus that the prayer entails," he says.

Williams goes on to explain, using what sounds like New Age language, how he pictures the human body as a "cave" through which breath passes and is sure that people who practice these rituals regularly could reach "advanced states" and become aware of an "unbroken inner light," the Telegraph reports.

This smacks of syncretism. Syncretism is a blend of different religious, cultures or schools of thought. Syncretism defies logic, often mixing contradictory beliefs in the name of unity.

Although I am not opposed to people from different faiths working together, many times such endeavors lead to Christians compromising their beliefs in the name of unity—and that's one of the key dangers of syncretism. We cannot compromise the Word of God for the sake of getting along with Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Mormons or any one else. Once we've started embracing elements of other religions, we've compromised the gospel that has the power to save those who know Christ in name only.

The New Age movement is syncretistic, blending various religions, relying on various gods, and crediting the "universe" with power it doesn't have. Chrislam, as its name suggests, is also syncretistic, blending elements of Christianity and Islam.  Muslims use Chrislam theology as a way into Christian pulpits, essentially opening the door to false worship.

Pope Francis recently welcomed Israeli and Palestinian presidents to meet at the Vatican (a first in history) where they incorporated Jewish, Catholic and Muslim prayers in several languages—and readings from the Quran. Although the spirit of unity is admirable, these sorts of world events forward the gospel-eroding cancer of syncretism.

Don't be fooled. Just because something has Christian elements doesn't make it Christian. In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul points to "enemies of the cross" (Phil. 3:18). Islam is not a friend of the cross. Buddha was not a friend of the cross. Leaders of false religions are not friends of the cross. And we cannot reconcile the enemies of the cross to the Christ who hung upon a tree to pay the price for their sin if we compromise the gospel and essentially worship their god.

How does God feel about syncretism? "For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Ex. 34:14). God Jesus said, "If you love Me keep My commandments (John 14:15). Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27). Jesus said, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad" (Matt. 12:30).

Friends, too many religious leaders are making headlines for practicing syncretism. Although Rick Warren has called his affiliation with Chrislam "nonsense" and "a lie that won't die," Rowan Williams is openly admitting embracing what sound like New Age practices. Don't be fooled in these last days. Ask God to give you a discerning spirit. Remember, unity without an unadulterated gospel isn't unity at all—it's syncretism that pours water in the gospel's gas tank and fails to redeem the enemies of the cross.

http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/44538-heresy-rising-christian-pastors-embracing-new-age-syncretism
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« Reply #185 on: September 08, 2014, 08:24:41 am »

Israel's Shimon Peres proposes new peace initiative "UN of Religions" to pope at Vatican visit

Retired Israeli President Shimon Peres has proposed a new global peace initiative to Pope Francis: A "United Nations of Religions," given that most wars today have religious, not nationalistic, undercurrents.

The Vatican said Peres pitched the initiative during a 45-minute audience Thursday in the Apostolic Palace. The two men last met when Francis invited the then-Israeli president and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to pray for peace together in the Vatican gardens on June 8.

A few weeks later, war broke out in the Gaza Strip.

Peres told the Catholic publication Famiglia Cristiana that the U.N. is ill-suited to handle today's conflicts and that a "'U.N. of Religions' is the best way to fight terrorists who kill in the name of God."

Francis promised the Vatican's attention to the proposal.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/09/04/israel-shimon-peres-proposes-new-peace-initiative-un-religions-to-pope-at/
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« Reply #186 on: October 24, 2014, 02:36:09 pm »

Barack Obama, Vatican Issue Ecumenical Statements Wishing Hindus a ‘Happy Diwali’

Barack Obama and the Vatican’s Council for Interreligious Dialogue issued greetings this week to Hindus worldwide in observance of the religion’s annual festival of lights known as Diwali.

“I want to wish a Happy Diwali to all those who are celebrating the festival of lights here in the United States and around the world,” Obama stated in a video message released on Wednesday. “For Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, lighting the lamp—the diya—is a chance to remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail.”

Diwali is an ancient festival originating in India, and is considered the largest shopping season in the Hindu religion. In addition to hanging lights and sharing legends and mythological stories about battles between good and evil, Hindus offer prayers to one of more of their deities—most commonly Lakshmi, the “goddess of wealth.”

“I was proud to host the first Diwali celebration at the White House back in 2009,” Obama said in his recorded greeting. “And I know that Michelle and I will never forget the wonderful time we had celebrating Diawali in Mumbai with food, dancing and the company of friends.”

Obama has observed the Hindu holiday at the White House for the past six years, with Congress participating in the polytheistic day for the first time last year. As previously reported, legislators from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill in 2013 as diyas were lit and a Hindu priest chanted Vedic mantras. Special jasmine garlands were distributed to attendees, who also were marked with the traditional red tilak on their forehead. There has not been word as to whether Diwali will be observed by Congress this year.

However, as it did last year, the Vatican—the center of Roman Catholicism—issued a greeting to Hindus and called upon the world’s religions to coexist with each other.

“The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue joyfully greets all of you ‎on the festive occasion of Deepavali,” the statement, signed by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, read. “May the Transcendent Light illumine your hearts, homes and communities, and may all your celebrations deepen the sense of belonging to one another in your families and neighborhoods, and so further harmony and happiness, peace and prosperity.”

The greeting also provided commentary on this year’s Diwali theme, “Fostering Together a ‎Culture of Inclusion.”

“As people grounded in our own respective religious traditions and with ‎shared convictions, may we, Hindus and Christians, join together with followers ‎of other religions and with people of good will to foster a culture of inclusion for ‎a just and peaceful society,” Tauran said.

However, some Christians have spoken out against about ecumenicism with other religions, including in America’s capital.

In 2007, when Hindu Rajan Zed was asked by Senate Majority leader Harry Reid to open the Senate with prayer, the occasion was met with protest from attendees in the balcony, as a man could be heard declaring, “Lord Jesus, forgive us for allowing the prayer of the wicked. This is an abomination in Your sight. This is an abomination! You shall have no other gods before Me!” Police escorted the protesters out of the room, and later charged them with disrupting Congress, a misdemeanor.

Zed’s prayer began with, “We meditate on the transcendental glory of the deity supreme, who is inside the heart of the earth, inside the life of the sky and inside the soul of the heaven. May He stimulate and illuminate our minds.”



http://christiannews.net/2014/10/24/barack-obama-vatican-issue-ecumenical-statements-wishing-hindus-a-happy-diwali/
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« Reply #187 on: November 01, 2014, 01:54:58 pm »

Salt Lake City first U.S. city to host Parliament of World Religions

The Beehive State will welcome the world’s largest and most historic interfaith gathering to Salt Lake City in 2015.

This is the first time in 22 years the Parliament of the Word’s Religions has voted to hold its conference in the United States.

“America is the home base of the interfaith movement, and it’s about time the Parliament come back home,” Parliament Chair Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid said in an announcement.

Reid Neilson, managing director of the LDS Church’s Historian Department, wrote his doctoral dissertation on the Parliament. Neilson pointed out the significance of the Parliament’s choice of Salt Lake City, the global center for the Church.

“This says the Church is being taken seriously,” Neilson said. “We are a global face and should be included in any major global conversation.”

Salt Lake City will host religious and spiritual leaders from around the globe at the Salt Lake Palace Convention Center Oct. 15–19,  2015.

“The world is no stranger to Salt Lake, and we are no stranger to the world,” said Scott Beck, president and CEO of the Visit Salt Lake company. “Salt Lake has hosted various international gatherings, including the 2002 Olympic Games and Rotary International. We are excited to again welcome a national and international audience to experience what Salt Lake has to offer, both physically and spiritually.”

First held in Chicago in 1893, the Parliament has convened every five years in a major international city since 1993. Its mission is to achieve a just, peaceful and sustainable world through cultivating religious harmony and global engagement.

“Parliament of the World’s Religions is not about uniting to create one religion, but we strive for something that is more achievable, that is, harmony between people of different faiths,” Mujahid said. “The Parliament is the largest summit of interfaith activists around the globe which provides listening, learning and sharing opportunities.”

The 2009 Parliament, held in Melbourne, Australia, attracted more than 10,000 attendees. The Parliament expects similar numbers for the 2015 conference, with representatives from 80 different countries. Previous Parliament guests include the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, President Jimmy Carter and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The conference will engage international religious representatives as well as the local faiths in the Salt Lake Area, including those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This is marked improvement from more than a century ago, when the Church was first allowed to represent itself at the 1893 Chicago World Fair but not at the Parliament’s Congress, held that same year.

“We feel that there is an extraordinary openness and desire on the part of the LDS Church to be a part of the multi-religious movement,” Mujahid said in a recent press conference. “We have been very thankful for their openness and hospitality.”
Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, chair of the Board of the Parliament of the World's Religions, addresses audiences at a conference that announced Salt Lake City as home to the 2015 Global Intefaith Summit. The conference will be held in Oct. 2015. (Parliament of World's Religions)

Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, chair of the Board of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, addresses audiences at a conference that announced Salt Lake City as home to the 2015 Global Intefaith Summit. The conference will be held in Oct. 2015. (Parliament of World’s Religions)

It is not known who will represent the LDS Church at the 2015 conference. LDS area authorities and BYU professor Fred Woods attended the Parliament conference in 2009. Perhaps Church leaders will attend the conference alongside other prominent worldwide religious leaders.

Beck is excited for Salt Lake City’s opportunity to host this historic interfaith gathering and hopes all those who attend will come away with a greater appreciation for the city and its community.

“Having the honor to again host thousands of people from dozens of countries representing scores of religions offers us, Salt Lake and the state of Utah, a fantastic opportunity to display our truly welcoming community,” Beck said. “Those attending the Parliament, I believe, will come away from their time in Utah with an appreciation of Salt Lake as a globally aware and service-minded community.”

Mauro Properzi, assistant professor of religion and world religions professor at BYU, said it is a great honor for Utah to host the Parliament.

“The gospel teaches us to love and respect people from all nations and religious perspectives as our brothers and sisters,” Properzi said. “Mutual understanding facilitates this process of brotherly care and cooperation without obscuring the obvious doctrinal differences that are key to our distinctive religious identities. If the Parliament of the World’s Religions has these objectives, then it is an honor for Utah and Salt Lake City to be able to host it.”

- See more at: http://universe.byu.edu/2014/10/24/salt-lake-city-chosen-to-host-parliament-of-worlds-religions-in-20151/#sthash.TM3leHmo.dpuf
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« Reply #188 on: November 15, 2014, 07:46:09 am »

Pope Francis: A new stage in relations between Catholics and Evangelicals

In a meeting on Thursday with a delegation from the World Evangelical Alliance, Pope Francis expressed his confidence that the Holy Spirit “can inaugurate a new stage in the relations between Catholics and Evangelicals—a stage that allows us to realize more fully the will of the Lord to bring the Gospel even to the furthest ends of the earth.”

Pope Francis spoke about the Sacrament of Baptism as “an inestimable divine gift” that all Christians have in common. “The Sacrament of Baptism reminds us of a fundamental and very consoling truth: that the Lord always goes before us with His love and His grace… The reign of God always precedes us, as does the mystery of the unity of the Church.”

The Holy Father frankly acknowledged the presence of divisions among Christians “from the beginning,” and noted that “rivalries and conflicts” continue between Christian communities. “Such situations,” he said, “weaken our capacity to fulfil the command of the Lord to preach the Gospel to all nations.” Christians would be able to better proclaim the Gospel if they could overcome their differences so that, together, they might spread the Word of God and witness to Christian charity.

Pope Francis said he was pleased to learn of efforts in various countries to build better relations between Catholic and Evangelicals. He pointed especially to the work of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Theological Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance. The Holy Father also expressed his hope that a joint document, “Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct” might “become a motive of inspiration for the proclamation of the Gospel in multi-religious contexts.

Below, please find the full text of the Holy Father's address to the delegation:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins that He might rescue us from the present evil age in accord with the will of our God and Father” (Gal 1:3-4). With these words, the Apostle Paul expresses our common faith, our common hope. I would like for this my greeting, which proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour, to also reach the members of your communities of origin.

In offering our whole will, with renewed love, to the service of the Gospel, we help the Church to become ever more, in Christ and with Christ, the fruitful life of the Lord “until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ” (Eph 4:13). This reality has its foundation in Baptism, through which we participate in the fruits of the death and resurrection of Christ. Baptism is an inestimable divine gift that we have in common (cf. Gal 3:27). Thanks to it, we no longer live solely in the earthly dimension, but in the power of the Spirit.

The Sacrament of Baptism reminds us of a fundamental and very consoling truth: that the Lord always goes before us with His love and His grace. It precedes our communities; it precedes, anticipates, and prepares the hearts of those who proclaim the Gospel and of those who welcome the Gospel of Salvation. “Reading the Scriptures also makes it clear that the Gospel is not merely about our personal relationship with God. Nor should our loving response to God be seen simply as an accumulation of small personal gestures to individuals in need… or a series of acts aimed solely at easing our conscience. The Gospel is about the kingdom of God (cf. Lk 4:43); it is about loving God who reigns in our world” (Ap. Exhort. Evangelii gaudium, 180). The reign of God always precedes us, as does the mystery of the unity of the Church.

From the beginning there were divisions among Christians, and even now unfortunately rivalries and conflicts remain between our communities. Such situations weaken our capacity to fulfil the command of the Lord to preach the Gospel to all nations (cf Mt 28:19-20). The reality of our divisions disfigures the beauty of the seamless garment of Christ but never completely destroys the profound unity generated by the grace in all the baptized (cf. Ec. Conc. Vat. II, Decr. Unitatis redintegratio, 13). The efficacy of the Christian announcement would certainly be greater if Christians would overcome their divisions and could celebrate together the Sacraments and together spread the Word of God and witness to charity.

I am pleased to learn that, in different countries in the world, Catholics and Evangelicals have established relations of brotherhood and collaboration. Furthermore, the joint efforts of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Theological Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance have opened new perspectives, clarifying misunderstandings, and showing ways to overcome prejudices. I hope that such consultations can ultimately inspire our common witness and our efforts as evangelizers: “If we really believe in the abundantly free working of the Holy Spirit, we can learn so much from one another! It is not just about being better informed about others, but rather about reaping what the Spirit has sown in them, which is also meant to be a gift for us” (Ev. gaud., 246). I hope, too, that the document “Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct” may become a motive of inspiration for the proclamation of the Gospel in multi-religious contexts.

Dear brothers and sisters, I am confident that the Holy Spirit, who inspires in the Church, with his mighty breath, the courage to persevere and event to seek new means of evangelization, can inaugurate a new stage in the relations between Catholics and Evangelicals—a stage that allows us to realize more fully the will of the Lord to bring the Gospel even to the furthest ends of the earth (cf. Acts 1:Cool. I assure you of my prayers for this, and I ask you also to pray for me and for my ministry. Thank you!

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/11/06/pope_francis_on_relations_between_catholics_and_evangelicals/1110330


Sorry Frank, cant worship the cookie god nor the weeping statue...
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« Reply #189 on: November 24, 2014, 11:57:50 am »

http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/Modern-Parenthood/2014/1124/Interfaith-marriage-The-tale-of-Form-B
Interfaith marriage: The tale of 'Form B'
Two young kids fall in love and decide to get married and start a family. When their faiths aren't the same, he's required to sign a form saying he'll adhere to her faith. Then they learn there is a 'Form B.'


11/24/14

As the story goes, when my parents were still teens, they started dating, fell in love, and decided to one day get married. That “one day” became sooner than expected when my mother found out she was expecting a baby.

Through the surprise and related concerns, my parents remained dedicated to each other and their goal of marriage and forged on, albeit ahead of schedule, toward their nuptials. 

My mother was raised a devout Catholic, and my grandparents insisted that she be married in the Catholic Church. Honoring their wishes, my parents took steps to be married by the priest at St. Hugo’s, my mother’s parish church.

Father Esper, the elderly pastor of mom’s church, guided my parents through premarital counseling, which included the required reading of Anthony Wilhelm’s book “Christ Among Us” and they talked about values of family, raising children, and how to remain faithful to each other and to God.

**And this is exactly what the "religious right" has pushed(and the whole "marriage" conference at the Vatican with Rick Warren and Russell Moore) - "family values".

My Catholic mother and my father, a Christian Scientist, proved worthy of partnership and they completed their counseling in time for a June wedding before my brother’s November arrival.

At the end, Father Esper presented my father with a form to sign, which served as proof of completion of counseling and fulfilled the final step before earning permission to marry in the Catholic Church.

In its essence, the form was an agreement that my father would raise his children to be Catholic.

After carefully reviewing the document, my father told Father Esper that he couldn’t sign it.

Over the course of counseling, Father Esper and my father built a mutual respect for each other – my father felt he could be pretty direct, with all due respect, with the elder priest.

He explained that he could not sign the form in good conscience, since he didn’t know in which specific denomination his children would be raised, only that they would be raised in a Christian home.

My father has told this story throughout the years, from the time my two older brothers and I attended Sunday School (we ended up being raised attending a Christian Science church), until now, as we all have been married and started families of our own.

Today, my oldest brother is married to a Jewish woman, and their daughter is learning the best of both Christian and Jewish faith traditions. My second-oldest brother, who often considers a good surf as sacred as a good sermon, married a Presbyterian, and they are raising their kids in that denomination.

I seem to be the odd one out in the family, having married someone within the same denomination as I was raised, and he is currently serving as a protestant chaplain in the US Navy.

According to this week’s cover story in The Christian Science Monitor on interfaith marriage, my brothers and my parents represent a growing trend, as the number of interfaith marriages in the United States has risen from 20 percent in the 1960s to 40 percent today.

The article points out that interfaith marriages, once considered taboo in many circles, continue to grow in number and acceptance, as couples stay rooted in their faith traditions while incorporating those of a spouse.

According to the cover story, scholars say the phenomenon of not feeling compelled to adopt a spouse’s faith largely coincides with American views of religion as an individual choice, instead of being something that you are born into, which is part of your being, as it is seen in many other parts of the world.

Along with the increase of interfaith marriages across the US is the number of programs supporting families that wish to raise kids with an appreciation and understanding of different religions. According to the cover story, groups like the Interfaith Families Project, outside of Washington, host weekly gatherings for hundreds of individuals, including dozens of families, that include hymns, readings, and prayers pulled from multiple faith traditions.

Backing up to 1974, the options for how to raise kids to appreciate two faiths was not as clear cut.

According to my father, upon hearing his objections, Father Esper paused to absorb my dad’s comments. A few moments later, he nodded to his secretary, who opened up the drawer and pulled out the document that will forever be referred to as “Form B.”

“Form B” stated that my mother and father would raise their children in a Christian home. My father signed the document and less than a month later my parents were married at St. Hugo’s.

As my father has told this story through the years, many of his peers have marveled that there was a second option. Some others who have heard the story have complained that they never thought to ask, they simply signed the form.

The bigger point to my father’s story is not that there was a second form, but rather that he was willing to ask questions, not only of his own faith and my mother’s, but of the constructs of faith within relationships and family. He and my mother admittedly did not have all the answers, but they felt strong enough in their faiths that the right answers would be provided in due time for them and their family.

My parents would go on to raise me and my brothers in a household that regularly attended church and Sunday School, and pulled from their own understanding of their faiths to help teach us lessons about honesty, caring for others, and working for positive change in the world.

And now on any given weekend, you will find my immediate family members remaining faithful at a mass, a church service, or a Shabbat service.
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« Reply #190 on: December 03, 2014, 07:30:17 am »

Pope's anti-slavery initiative gets new support from Hindu, Buddhist, Jews and Muslims

Religious leaders from a half-dozen faiths signed a new Vatican initiative Tuesday to end modern-day slavery by 2020, declaring that human trafficking, organ trafficking and forced labor and prostitution are crimes against humanity.

Pope Francis was joined by the Hindu guru Mata Amritanandamayi, known as Amma, as well as Buddhist, Anglican, Orthdox, Jewish, Shiite and Sunni Muslim leaders in signing a joint declaration at an unusually high-profile ceremony inside the Vatican walls.

The declaration commits the signatories to do everything in their power within their faith communities to work to free the estimated 35 million people enslaved across the world by 2020.

"In the eyes of God, each human being is a free person, whether girl, boy, woman or man, and is destined to exist for the good of all in equality and fraternity," the declaration read.

Francis has made eliminating modern-day slavery one of the key priorities of his pontificate, inspired by his ministry in the slums of Buenos Aires. Earlier this year, the Vatican launched the Global Freedom Network, a multifaith initiative to encourage governments, businesses, educational and faith institutions to rid their supply chains of slave labor.

One of the network's founding members, the Walk Free Foundation, estimates that five countries account for 61 percent of the world's population living in slavery: India, with an estimated 14.2 million people enslaved, China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia.

Tuesday's ceremony, held in a palazzo in the Vatican gardens, added more faith leaders onto the network's initial roster. Francis sat between Amma, the ebullient Indian guru known for her marathon sessions hugging complete strangers, and the small, bald Sister Chan Khong, the first ordained monastic disciple of Zen Master Thich Hnat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist.

Alongside them was the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, head of the 77 million-strong Anglican Communion, and Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi of Iran. Also present was a representative of Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, grand imam of Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest and most revered centers of religious learning for Sunni Muslims.

Their speeches were remarkable in demonstrating how different faiths all abhor slavery, but there were also some differences of opinion.

The Anglican members of the network insisted that the declaration refer to "forced prostitution," to highlight that more and more prostitutes today are victims of human trafficking and are not prostituting themselves by choice. Francis, however, believes no one willingly goes into prostitution.

http://www.startribune.com/world/284439651.html
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« Reply #191 on: December 06, 2014, 06:44:28 am »

In the latest episode of Ancient Aliens on H2, called Alien Resurrestions..

Quote
Ancient Aliens: Alien Resurrections
(44 min) tv-pg

Throughout history, incredible stories have been told of the dead rising from their graves, mummies journeying into the afterlife, and people on the brink of death mingling with deceased relatives in a celestial netherworld. Are they simply legends or could some of these stories actually be true? Our culture is filled with accounts of beings who are able to lift the veil between life and death, and today scientists are trying to mimic this by suspending death in the operating room for hours at a time, and microscopic organisms have been found that can resuscitate themselves after lying dormant for weeks. Are we on the verge of decoding the mysteries of life, death, and resurrection?
http://www.history.com/shows/ancient-aliens/videos/alien-resurrections


They fully have fallen in with the Catholic Church and their false cookie god. I was a little amazed that this series fell in with the Catholic Church's teaching on transubstantiation and creating the cookie god through magic. 

 Also just saying, this episode really has NOTHING to do with aliens ans is almost 100% new age teaching. Oh and the cookie god. Smiley
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« Reply #192 on: December 06, 2014, 07:06:28 am »

Just want to say, why would aliens from another plant, travel thousands of light years (impossible with matter) to Earth, and their whole entire message is against Jesus. Really? Then they admit that Jesus exists, but he is a space ship commander. I mean really, come on man... How can you NOT see through this deception.

Also, just want to say. Ancient Aliens had a little bit more credibility before they made David Wilcock a regular on the show. Seriously this falsr prophet has been proven false almost every time he opens his mouth. He claims to be Edgar Casey reincarnated, wich for this episode would have fit right in, but he is also a star ship commander.  Cheesy He said we would all die in 2000, and when that didnt happen he said 2001. Woops another false claim. Tan came his 2012 claims. Woops again he is a false prophet and his spirit guides on his command space flag ship ave been proven false.

Ancient Aliens had a little credibility in believing a lie. You could distort history to make some of this stuff work. Still a lie. But by making Davis Wilcock a regular contributor on the series, well that just makes the whole show a joke.  Well, Christians didnt buy into it to begin with, but the gullible unsaved easily would, those that were seeking answers. I was before i came to know the Lord.
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« Reply #193 on: January 02, 2015, 06:40:47 pm »

http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=29592
12/31/14
THE COMING STRONG DELUSION THAT WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER THE RAPTURE

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-4

When most people think of the United Nations, they think of an organization which is called upon to mediate, when countries are at odds with one another. People also believe that the U.N. intervenes in that which is considered inhumane treatment of the masses by governing authorities.

But the reality is that this organization has its roots and foundation in Occultism. The intent of this article is to educate those who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and want to understand the Strong Delusion, which is coming. The U.N. will be the main vehicle by which deception and delusion comes to the earth.



The Beginning

Alice Ann Bailey, a leading disciple of the Russian theosophist Madame Helena Blavatsky, formed the Lucifer Trust in 1920. In 1922, the name was changed to Lucis Trust. I can only imagine that this was done after realizing that the name of Lucifer would certainly alarm many who read and love the Word of God. But make no mistake, the inner workings and thrust of this group remained the same.

Madame Helena Blavatsky is known as the “mother” of the New Age movement and modern occultism. In her “Secret Doctrine” she taught that Lucifer was higher and older than the God of the Bible, and that Lucifer had to be sacrificed and sent to earth, because of the coming dogma of the Church. She taught that Satan was truly “good” and that he was known by many names, but mainly as God of Wisdom — the cosmic reflection of God. She also called him “Son of the morning” and in many writings, called him Son of God.

After years of contact with her so-called spirit masters,( we know they are demons) Blavatsky published “Isis Unveiled” in 1877; a hugely successful writing, followed by “Secret Doctrine” in 1888. She also established an Occult magazine in London, called “Lucifer.” By this time, Blavatsky had acquired a huge following.



While Christianity teaches that Lucifer is the essence of evil, the New Age teachers embrace him as enlightened, and one to be worshiped. As he is adored, our God is detested. In occultism and New Age philosophy, Lucifer is regarded as an agent of intellectual and spiritual freedom. We who are born-again from above, know that Lucifer was cast from heaven by our God, after Lucifer had determined to be like the most high God:

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”  – Isaiah 14:12-15

Alice Ann Bailey received her knowledge from “Ascended Masters” departed spirits. As Christians, we know that these spirits are merely demons, doing the bidding of their master – the devil. We know that Lucifer’s name was changed to Satan after being cast from heaven, the Luciferians continue to refer to him as Lucifer.

What does this have to do with the UN?

The Lucis Trust has been for years, the philosophical and religious consulting firm to all members of the U.N. It is interwoven into the fabric of the United Nations, and done so in such a deceptive way. The average person knows little to nothing of the Lucis Trust.

“We have meditations at the United Nations a couple of times a week. The meditation leader is Sri Chin, and this is what he said about this situation: “… The United Nations is the chosen instrument of God; to be a chosen instrument means to be a divine messenger carrying the banner of God’s inner vision and outer manifestation. One day, the world will treasure and cherish the soul of the United Nations as its very own with pride, for this soul is all-loving, all-nourishing, and all-fulfilling.” – Donald Keys, president of Planetary Citizens and author of Earth At Omega

“The United Nations is steadily becoming the center of a syncretic new world religion, a weird and diabolical convergence of New Age mysticism, pantheism, aboriginal animism, atheism, communism, socialism, Luciferian occultism, apostate Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. The devotees and apostles of this new faith include the kind of strange admixture of crystal worshipers, astrologers, radical feminists, environmentalists, cabalists, human potentialists, Eastern mystics, pop psychologists, and “liberal” clergymen one would normally tend to associate with the off-beat, sandals-and-beads counterculture of the 1960s.

But today’s worshipers in this rapidly expanding movement are as likely to be scientists, diplomats, corporate presidents, heads of state, international bankers, and leaders of mainstream Christian churches.” [1] source

As frightening and bizarre as this all may seem to us, it makes perfect sense that Satan would establish an institution such as the U.N. to unleash his diabolical deception and delusion upon the lost world. It is said “Knowledge is power.” For believers, having this knowledge of the U.N., and what is REALLY happening there, will help us to discern the times, and perhaps even to open the eyes of some of the unbelieving unsuspecting world.

Part 2 of this article coming up next week.

Maranatha!
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« Reply #194 on: January 02, 2015, 07:07:39 pm »

http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=29653
1/1/15
STRONG DELUSION: THE LUCIS TRUST AND THE UNITED NATIONS PT. II (VIDEO)

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE U.N. WILL BE ONE OF THE INSTRUMENTS USED BY SATAN TO BRING ABOUT THE STRONG DELUSION, WHICH WE ARE TOLD IN THE WORD OF GOD WILL TAKE PLACE UPON THE EARTH?

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

The Theosophical society’s mission is divulged in this statement:

“To oppose every form of dogmatic theology, especially the Christian, which the Chiefs of the Society regard as particularly pernicious … to counteract, as far as possible, the effects of missionaries to delude the so-called “Heathen” and “Pagans” as to the real origin and dogmas of Christianity and the practical effects of the latter upon public and private character in so-called Christian countries.” [3]



Satan has used God’s Word, but has twisted it and placed it upside down. Good is evil, evil good, just as the Prophet Isaiah said would happen. The Age of Enlightenment is seen by the elite as higher – loftier — more appropriate for a group of representatives from all over the globe.

They look to their Ascended Masters for Enlightenment, not realizing that they are being played by their precious Lucifer. He is sending his minions of fallen angels (demons) to communicate with the leaders of mediation and psychic readings groups. Most people would be shocked to know that the U.N. is the largest gathering of Occult and New Age followers on the planet.

Various quotes by Alice Ann Bailey on NWO:

“The new world order must meet the immediate need and not be an attempt to satisfy some distant, idealistic vision. The new world order must be appropriate to a world which has passed through a destructive crisis and to a humanity which is badly shattered by the experience. The new world order must lay the foundation for a future world order which will be possible only after a time of recovery, of reconstruction, and of rebuilding.”


“In the preparatory period for the new world order there will be a steady and regulated disarmament. It will not be optional. No nation will be permitted to produce and organize any equipment for destructive purposes or to infringe the security of any other nation. The new world order must be appropriate to a world which has passed through a destructive crisis.” (emphasis mine)

“We are concerned with only one subject, the ushering in of the new world order….the present world order (which is today largely disorder) can be so modified and changed that a new world and a new race of men can gradually come into being. Renunciation and the use of the sacrificial will should be the keynote for the interim period after the war (WWII), prior to the inauguration of the New Age.” – Alice Bailey: Quotes From Various Works

As you can see, clearly the goal of the United Nations is the establishment of the New World Order. This NWO sets the global stage for the coming of someone. We will see who this long awaited person will be.

For whom are they waiting?

Knowing that the Lucis Trust was built upon a Satanic foundation, it is not difficult to surmise their ultimate goal. They are waiting for the “Lord Maitreya”, or as they call him “The Christ.” But don’t be fooled. This is beyond a shadow of a doubt not our Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Maitreya - A New World Order


They await the arrival of ANTICHRIST AKA – Lord Maitreya.

Maitreya’s Deceptive Predictions: A period of violence and destruction for the earth.

“This ‘end of an age’ inevitably produces a certain number of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and we are seeing a dramatic climax in the number of disasters taking place around the world… Maitreya says: ‘The last time I came, as Jesus, it was written in the Bible that when I appeared again the very elements of nature would be disturbed.’ ” “…After the disasters have peaked there will come a period of calm -the violence and destruction will come to an end. As people gain awareness, their guilt will recede…”

Maitreya’s Mission, Volume Two, Benjamin Creme, Share International Foundation, 1993, pp186-187

When I read “their guilt will recede” I thought about the guilt of sin, and repentance. However, occultists do not speak of the need to repent of sin. They only speak of enlightenment.

“The bible predicts many catastrophes in the book of Revelation, beginning with the polar shift of the sixth seal (http://www.redmoonrising.com/list.htm, Section II), and including a meteor impact into the ocean (8:8), major famines and plagues (6:8), intense heat from the sun (16:8), and many others.”

These Occultists use the Word of God when it is convenient, but invariably change and corrupt it for their purposes. There are millions of people involved in New Age practices, worldwide. Kabbalah, practiced in Israel, and all over the world, is New Age. There are even well respected Rabbis in Israel who are known as “Kabbalist Rabbis.” Undoubtably, the Antichrist will be New Age. It is not surprising that Israel will be deceived by this man of perdition during the first 3 /12 years of the tribulation. source – Lord Maitreya’s predictions

Maitreya predicts the collapse of the current financial system.

“When the US’s “oasis of prosperity” begins to dry up, as it must in the current global financial crisis, stock markets in the West will plunge. This collapse will provide an opportunity for governments to re-evaluate their economic priorities, says futurist Benjamin Creme. The nations of the world will meet together to discuss how to cope with the future in an orderly fashion.” – from the Share International website  [2]

This is absolutely counterfeit and demonic. All we need to know is found in the Word of God. Satan is desperate to deceive as many people as he can. He knows what our Word says about the End Times, but he also knows that there are more people who do not believe God’s Word than do believe it. He wants to keep it that way.

Brethren, there is so much more to write, but this article would be immense. I encourage you to go to the sources referenced in this piece. There you will find names of individuals and corporations who take part in the Lucis Trust, and many of the names will shock you.

I felt an urgency to write about these things. We who love the Lord Jesus Christ, need to know how the Strong Delusion will come upon the peoples of the earth.

We are blessed who know THE TRUTH. JESUS is TRUTH.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

DO NOT BE DECEIVED!

Maranatha!
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« Reply #195 on: January 28, 2015, 12:53:56 am »

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« Reply #196 on: February 08, 2015, 09:10:30 pm »

http://news.yahoo.com/prince-charles-says-fears-christians-middle-east-000239569.html
Prince Charles says he fears for Christians in Middle East
2/7/15

LONDON (AP) — Britain's Prince Charles says he fears there will be "very, very few" Christians left in the Middle East after the turmoil wracking the region.

The heir to the British throne, who is on a trip to the region, told the BBC that the plight of Christians persecuted by Islamic extremists was "a most agonizing situation," though it was important to remember they were just one persecuted minority among many around the world.

"But at the same time I fear that the problems in the Middle East are not going to go away immediately," the prince said in a pre-recorded interview with "The Sunday Hour" radio program. "And so there is a danger that there is going to be very, very few left."

He appealed for more work to build bridges between religions.

If he succeeds his mother Queen Elizabeth II as monarch, Charles will become temporal head of the Church of England and take the title "Defender of the Faith." He said that although the title refers to the Anglican faith, he believed the role involved protecting others' freedom to worship.

"It always seems to me that while at the same time being Defender of the Faith you can also be protector of faiths," he said.

On Saturday the 66-year-old prince began a six-day trip to Jordan and the Gulf states.

He met Iraqi Christian refugees in Amman and will spend time with Jordan's King Abdullah II, days after Islamic State militants released a video showing a captured Jordanian fighter pilot being burned alive.

Hundreds of people from Britain have joined militants in Syria. Charles said the number of young Britons turning to extremism was alarming — although "some aspect of this radicalization is a search for adventure and excitement at a particular age."

He said "The frightening part" was how many people became radicalized through "the extraordinary amount of crazy stuff" on the Internet.
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« Reply #197 on: February 08, 2015, 10:22:49 pm »

Marking World Interfaith Week, top UN officials hope for collaboration on sustainable development
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50027#.VNhPSzKvW4M
2/6/15

6 February 2015 – At a special event today which marked World Interfaith Week, top United Nations officials celebrated the importance of dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people.

The President of the General Assembly told the event, titled “World Interfaith Harmony: Multi-religious Partnership for Sustainable Development,” that the message of peace and goodwill was as important as ever in light of the recent disturbing rise of intolerance and prejudice in many of our communities.

“As intolerance, bigotry and hatred continue to fuel conflicts, violence and extremism in many corners of the world, we need to strengthen our efforts to foster respect and mutual understanding between cultures, religions and ethnic groups,” said Sam Kutesa. “Every time we chose dialogue and reconciliation over confrontation, we take a step forward on our collective path to lasting peace.”

He referred to the Assembly’s recent meeting on the rise of anti-Semitic violence and said he would convene a high-level thematic debate in April on promoting tolerance and reconciliation.

He also looked ahead to the world’s “historic journey” towards formulation of an inclusive and transformative future development agenda, saying 2015 is a year of hope and opportunity, representing an unprecedented chance to set the world on a path toward sustainable development and to eradicate poverty and hunger.

“The task ahead of us is momentous and will require profound shifts in how we think and act,” he said. “Interfaith collaboration can not only help promote common values shared by all humankind; it can also serve as an important foundational element for the advancement of our post-2015 development objectives.”

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, the UN’s new communications chief, Christina Gallach, also pointed to the principles of tolerance and respect for the others that are deeply rooted in the world’s major religions.

At the same time, she called for solidarity in the face of those who spread misunderstanding and mistrust.

“Too many communities around the world face violence and discrimination based on their religious identity,” she said. “Cowards are attacking civilians. Political figures and others are using emotive appeals to manipulate people based on their religious affiliations. Those who go down the path of violence and hatred may invoke the name of religion – but they only distort those faiths and bring shame upon themselves.”

She noted the immense influence of religious leaders and communities and highlighted the power they have to build cooperation, learning, healing and sustainable development.

“They can set an example of dialogue, and unite people based on precepts common to all creeds,” she said. “And they can point the way toward addressing underlying causes of disharmony, including poverty, discrimination, resource scarcity and poor governance.”
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« Reply #198 on: February 24, 2015, 05:22:53 am »

Boston Clergy Share A Prayer For Snow-Weary City

The winter from hell is bringing people of all faiths together in Boston.

Reverends, rabbis and imams appear in a YouTube video posted Friday by the Temple Israel of Boston called “A message from the clergy of Boston. . .,” directed at those sick of the snow.

“In this winter of record-breaking snow Boston clergy share a prayer. . . and a shovel,” the introduction states, before 13 religious leaders take turns offering words of support from different corners of the city.

Boston has received 99.9 inches of snow this winter, its second-highest total in recorded history. The unprecedented snowfall has devastated public transportation, collapsed dozens of roofs and made life generally miserable for residents stricken with snow fatigue.

“Boston, are you weary?” asks Rev. Jay Williams of Union United Methodist Church.

“Weary of digging out?” says Rev. Burns Stanfield of the Fourth Presbyterian Church in South Boston.

The video asks Boston residents to turn to each other for support and think of those who “don’t have the luxury of snow days” who are having a tough winter.

“We have each other to lend a hand, to share a smile,” the clergy say. “We have each other to tend and befriend.”

“Can I get an Amen?” asks Rev. June Cooper of the City Mission Society of Boston.

The video has more than 7,000 views so far.

List of video participants, in order of appearance:

Reverend Jay Williams, Union United Methodist Church
Rabbi Matt Soffer, Temple Israel of Boston
Reverend Burns Stanfield, Fourth Presbyterian Church South Boston and President of GBIO
Reverend Nancy Taylor, Old South Church
Reverend Dan Smith, First Church Cambridge
Reverend Rosemary Lloyd, First Church Boston
Reverend Sam Lloyd, Trinity Church
Cantor Jodi Sufrin, Temple Beth Elohim
Rabbi Ronne Friedman, Temple Israel of Boston
Suzan M. El-Rayess, Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center
Imam Ismail Fenni, Islamic Society of Boston
Reverend Dr. Ray Hammond, Bethel AME Church
Reverend June Cooper, City Mission Society of Boston

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/22/boston-clergy-share-a-prayer-for-snow-weary-city/

Not one of those prosperity pimps in that video is a true Christian. Every single one of them is a devil from hell. Read your Bible and look to the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation
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« Reply #199 on: March 02, 2015, 11:12:51 am »

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« Reply #200 on: March 02, 2015, 01:02:43 pm »

http://www.uri.org/about_uri

PURPOSE

The purpose of the United Religions Initiative is to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings.

VISION

URI envisions a world at peace, sustained by engaged and interconnected communities committed to respect for diversity, nonviolent resolution of conflict and social, political, economic and environmental justice.

MISSION

URI is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world.

We implement our mission through local and global initiatives that build the capacity of our more than 600 member groups and organizations, called Cooperation Circles, to engage in community action such as conflict resolution and reconciliation, environmental sustainability, education, women’s and youth programs, and advocacy for human rights.

Cooperation Circles are unique to URI's organizational design. Click here to learn more about URI's charter, structure and history.
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« Reply #201 on: March 02, 2015, 01:08:33 pm »

http://www.uri.org/about_uri/charter

The idea for URI came to California Episcopal Bishop William Swing in 1993, after an invitation by the United Nations to host a large interfaith service in San Francisco, marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter. He asked himself, “If the nations of the world are working together for peace through the UN, then where are the world’s religions?”

Through dozens of meetings with world religious leaders, he discovered a thread of competition, a focus on expanding individual denominations, and little institutional commitment to building bridges. But in those at the grassroots of the world’s religions, he found a deep desire for cooperation and peace. From this inspiration, the vision for URI took shape: a supported network connecting people across religions and cultures in the service of peace and justice.

Bishop Swing hired a small staff in San Francisco, led by Executive Director Charles Gibbs. In partnership with Professor David Cooperrider from Social Innovations in Global Management at Case Western University and Dee Hock, developer of VISA and the Chaordic Alliance, they launched a four-year organizational design process that included meetings among hundreds of stakeholders of diverse religions, cultures and disciplines all over the world. What emerged was a group of committed founders who formed the heart of URI’s global community, and a highly regarded, inclusive Charter that provides a unique, grassroots-based structure and a set of principles for action on behalf of the common good. With the signing of this Charter, the global URI organization was born on June 26, 2000.

You are warmly invited to participate in the life of URI and become part of this extraordinary force for peace and justice around the world.

Welcome!
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« Reply #202 on: March 20, 2015, 10:35:38 pm »

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50381#.VQ0B8o7F9GY
On International Day, UN chief calls for efforts to 'fill world with happiness'

20 March 2015 – Happiness for the entire human family is one of the main goals of the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared, as the Organization kicked-off its global celebrations marking the annual observance of the International Day of Happiness.

Peace, prosperity, lives of dignity for all – this is what we seek. We want all men, women and children to enjoy all their human rights. We want all countries to know the pleasure of peace,” the Secretary-General said in his message for the Day.

We want people and planet alike to be blessed with sustainable development, and to be spared the catastrophic impacts of climate change.”

In April 2012, the UN held a high-level meeting on “Happiness and Well-Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm at the initiative of Bhutan, a country which recognized the supremacy of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s and famously adopted the goal of Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product (GDP).

In July of that year, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in people's lives and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.

As part of its effort to emphasize the importance of happiness in daily life, the UN along with global music streaming service MixRadio has launched the #HappySoundsLike campaign, appealing to the global citizenry “to nominate a song that brings a smile to your face.”

The campaign seeks to seize the power of music and “inspire hope for a better tomorrow” as it encourages people to suggest songs that best represent the feeling of happiness.

Mr. Ban nominated his Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder's song “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” to the playlist, adding that to him #HappySoundsLike a new climate deal and an agreed set of sustainable development goals, both on the agenda of world leaders for later this year.

Celebrity advocates including Charlize Theron, Lang Lang, Michael Douglas, Angelique Kidjo, along with internationally-acclaimed artists such as James Blunt, Idris Elba, David Guetta, John Legend, Cody Simpson and Pharrell Williams, will also contribute to create the world's happiest playlist, which will be launched today.

“Let us give thanks for what makes us happy,” Mr. Ban stated. “And let us dedicate our efforts to filling our world with happiness.”
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« Reply #203 on: March 25, 2015, 03:04:53 pm »

New Trend: ‘Radically Inclusive’ Churches That Embrace All Religions And All Lifestyles

If you want as many people to attend your church as possible, why limit yourself to just Christians?  All over America, “radically inclusive” churches that embrace all religions and all lifestyles are starting to pop up.  Church services that incorporate elements of Hinduism, Islam, native American religions and even Wicca are becoming increasingly common.  And even if you don’t believe anything at all, that is okay with these churches too.  In fact, as you will see below, one Presbyterian minister in Oregon is even inviting people to “bring their own god” to church.  But if these churches don’t really stand for anything at all, what is their purpose?  And what does the popularity of these churches say about the future of religion in America?

One such church that has gotten quite a bit of attention lately is led by D.E. Paulk.  The son of Earl Paulk, he was once considered to be the “heir apparent” at one of the largest megachurches in America.  But these days he leads worship at a church that recognizes “all gods and prophets, including Mohammed“…

    The Spirit and Truth Sanctuary, which D.E. founded in 2012, welcomes everyone from Wiccans to atheists, Hindus to Muslims, recognizing all gods and prophets, including Mohammed.

    ‘[Scandal] has a way of wiping out the things that keep you from being authentic,’ he said.

    ‘All you have left is who you are. The games are gone… If there was anything I wanted to say I thought would be unacceptable to the church, now is the time to say it.’

    After much soul searching, D.E. established his church based around one principle: ‘Christ cannot be, and will not be, restricted to Christianity‘.

Paulk insists that there is “no hell except what one creates with one’s own actions“, and he is very proud of the diverse group of people that currently attends his services…

    Today, the church is a rarity on many levels: interfaith, interracial, a mosaic of people deep in the Bible Belt where many churches remain segregated. The church has gay couples, college students, agnostics, some Muslims and even a Wiccan priest. Pictures of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi adorn the walls.

    A stained glass window looming over the pulpit captures the spirit of the church. It’s a design that contains a Christian cross, ringed by symbols from Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. In the middle is a dove, which symbolizes the spirit of peace that binds them all together.

A CNN reporter visited one of Paulk’s recent services, and it was definitely far different from what Earl Paulk’s services would have looked like in the old days…

    The service then started to feel like a Pentecostal tent-revival but with an unusual twist.

    A group of singers took to the stage and opened with a hypnotic Tibetan Buddhist chant that evoked the spirit of compassion: “Om Mani Padme Hum.”

    The chant segued into “Shanti, Shanti Om,” a Hindu prayer for peace. Then as the chanting grew louder, the drums and bass kicked in as the singers switched to a Muslim chant about the sovereignty of God: “La ilaha, Il Allah.”

And of course D.E. Paulk is far from alone.

All over America there are ministers that are going out of their way to be more “inclusive”.

As I mentioned above, there is even one Presbyterian minister out in Oregon that wants people to “bring their own god” to church…

    A Presbyterian USA minister in Oregon who says that he doesn’t believe in God—and doesn’t require his members to believe either–remarked in a recent article that he is offended by those who assert that he is not a Christian.

    “Someone quipped that my congregation is BYOG: Bring Your Own God. I use that and invite people to ‘bring their own God’—or none at all,” wrote John Shuck of Beaverton’s Southminster Presbyterian Church in a guest post for Patheos last week. “While the symbol ‘God’ is part of our cultural tradition, you can take it or leave it or redefine it to your liking.”

Even though Shuck has publicly acknowledged that he does not believe in God, he insists that he is “still a proud minister”, and he gets offended when people try to tell him that he is not a Christian…

    Shuck reiterated his unbelief in his article “I’m a Presbyterian Minister Who Doesn’t Believe in God” on Tuesday, as he asserted that “belief-less Christianity is thriving.”

    “We all have been trained to think that Christianity is about believing things,” he wrote. “Its symbols and artifacts (God, Bible, Jesus, Heaven, etc) must be accepted in a certain way. And when times change and these beliefs are no longer credible, the choices we are left with are either rejection or fundamentalism.”

    But Shuck says that although he rejects the Bible as being literal, and denies the existence of Heaven and Hell, he takes offense when people tell him that he’s not a Christian.

    “Even though I hold those beliefs, I am still a proud minister. But I don’t appreciate being told that I’m not truly a Christian,” he stated. “Many liberal or progressive Christians have already let go or de-emphasized belief in Heaven, that the Bible is literally true, that Jesus is supernatural, and that Christianity is the only way. Yet they still practice what they call Christianity.”

Elsewhere in the Northwest, other ministers are trying similar approaches.

Just consider the following excerpt from an article in the New York Times…

    Clad in proper Pacific Northwest flannel, toting a flask of “rocket fuel” coffee typical of Starbucks’ home turf, Steven Greenebaum rolled his Prius into a middle school parking lot one Sunday morning last month. Then he set about transforming its cafeteria into a sanctuary and himself into a minister.

    He donned vestments adorned with the symbols of nearly a dozen religions. He unfolded a portable bookshelf and set the Koran beside the Hebrew Bible, with both of them near two volumes of the “Humanist Manifesto” and the Sioux wisdom of “Black Elk Speaks.” Candles, stones, bells and flowers adorned the improvised altar.

    Some of the congregants began arriving to help. There was Steve Crawford, who had spent his youth in Campus Crusade for Christ, and Gloria Parker, raised Lutheran and married to a Catholic, and Patrick McKenna, who had been brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness and now called himself a pagan.

Other churches are attempting to become more “inclusive” by being willing to embrace alternative lifestyles.

For example, one of the largest evangelical churches in San Francisco has decided to take a new approach to the LBGT community…

    Now, San Francisco’s City Church is putting an end to its policy of banning LGBT members who are unwilling or unable to take a vow of celibacy.

    What led to the change of heart at City Church? Apparently, Ken Wilson’s book A Letter to My Congregation was a big part of it. Fred Harrell, senior pastor of City Church, feels the mind-changing book “shows great empathy and maturity to model unity and patience with those who are at different places in the conversation, all while dealing honestly with Scripture.”

    “Our pastoral practice of demanding life-long ‘celibacy,’ by which we meant that for the rest of your life you would not engage your sexual orientation in any way, was causing obvious harm and has not led to human flourishing,” Harrell wrote in a letter to the church from the elder board. “It’s unfortunate that we used the word ‘celibacy’ to describe a demand placed on others, as in Scripture it is, according to both Jesus and Paul, a special gift or calling by God, not an option for everyone.”

But if people can just “believe whatever they want”, what makes these churches “Christian” at all?

We live in a society in which it has become very trendy to “choose your own path” and in which nobody wants to do anything that might “offend” someone else.

For instance, consider the words that one CNN reporter used to describe her transition from “Christian” to “seeker”…

    After years of spiritual reflection and inquiry, I am at a place where I don’t want to feel guilty, hypocritical, judgmental, closed-minded or arrogant. So, where do I stand now — 30 years after “finding God,” questioning my faith, committing sins, seeking hazardous adventure and trying to love life and people to the best of my ability?

    I am a “seeker.” A constant seeker within this world, among people and, of course, for spiritual enlightenment of all kind. Because if I did possess the truth — the “final answer” — I am convinced I would spend the rest of my years missing out on the enrichment and surprise of seeking it.

Those are some lovely words.

But it almost sounds as if she is actually afraid of the truth.  It is almost as if she does not want to find it, because if she did it might offend someone.

In the final analysis, this CNN reporter is just like so many other Americans.  Most people end up believing exactly what they want to believe.  And what this CNN reporter wants is to avoid feeling “guilty, hypocritical, judgmental, closed-minded or arrogant”.

Of course there are thousands upon thousands of Christian ministers all over the nation that want the same thing.  They never use the word “sin” because they want people to feel good about themselves.  And they never talk about anything controversial because they want people to keep coming back and they want the donations to keep rolling in.  So they preach messages about how wonderful everyone is and about how God wants to help all of us “achieve our destinies” and make all of us very wealthy.

But meanwhile our nation continues to swirl even farther down the toilet.

In the Scriptures, we were warned that such a day would come…

    For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, having itching ears, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn to myths.

So what do you think about the state of religion in America?

Do you believe that churches are headed in the right direction or the wrong direction?

http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/new-trend-radically-inclusive-churches-that-embrace-all-religions-and-all-lifestyles
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http://www.globalresearch.ca/spirituality-in-the-new-world-order-is-a-one-world-religious-authority-in-formation/5436818
Spirituality in the New World Order: Is a One World Religious Authority in Formation?
3/16/15

LAST September, Israel’s former President Shimon Peres asked Pope Francis to head a future “UN of religions”, a proposed organisation with “unquestionable” authority to proclaim God’s will. Peres argued globalising faith under a SINGLE world authority is required to combat terrorism. Is this concept, which has major implications, really about peace, or is there a darker agenda behind it?

Pope Francis with Shimon Peres in June 2014. Source: UltimasNoticias

For some time now, political and economic decision-making power has devolved away from citizens and the nation-state to global multilateral organisations. As these organisations shape a new global ORDER favouring corporate and financial elites, LOCAL populations have a diminished say in economic decisions affecting them – especially when represented by careerist politicians more aligned to the global elite.

Lately there have been signs of a top-down push for the globalisation of religion as well, with calls for global political authority over the world’s spirituality.

The most obvious drive came last September when former President of Israel, Shimon Peres met with the Pope to propose the formation of a new “U.N. of religions”, which the Pope would head. Peres suggested this organisation should wield the “unquestionable” authority to declare what God does and does not want, in order combat religious extremism.

The implications are huge. 84 percent of the world’s population has a spiritual faith of some kind. Together the Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist religions are followed by more 5.3 billion people, and a diverse mix of folk beliefs and smaller minority faiths, from Bahai to Wicca, ACCOUNT for almost another half billion. With spirituality playing a central role in the lives of most of the world’s population, it would seem “global governance” must inevitably take religion into account.

Various theorists have SUGGESTED a “One World Religion” will emerge as part of a “New World ORDER”. Is it possible that powerful people in the global elite desire – if not an actual monolithic world faith – then a global hegemony over the world’s spirituality, so that religions, and their followers, can be influenced through a central authority? If so, it would mean a similar model of top-down globalisation via multilateral organisations as deployed in politics, economics and trade, would be rolled out to spirituality.

But just how noble are the intentions of those vending this idea? Is their rhetoric bona fide? A closer examination suggests such a scheme is highly suspect, and part of broader agenda with ominous implications.

The Blueprint for a Global Religious Authority

Before his September meeting with the Pope to discuss forming a “U.N. of religions”, Shimon Peres detailed his ideas in an interview with Italian Catholic magazine Famiglia Cristiana.

Francis and Peres at the Vatican meeting in September 2014. Source: The Jerusalem Post

“What is needed is an Organisation of United Religions, a U.N. of religions. It would be the best way to combat these terrorists who kill in the name of faith”, Peres was QUOTED. “In the past, the majority of wars were motivated by the idea of nationhood. Today, instead, wars are sparked above all with the excuse of religion,” he said.

Global interfaith religious initiatives ALREADY exist, such as the United Religions Initiative, but evidently Peres envisages a much more top-down and authoritative “Organisation of United Religions”. He was quite blunt about the proposed organisation’s power: “What is needed is an unquestionable moral authority that says in a strong voice ‘No, God does not want this and does not permit it’.” He suggested the Pope lead it because “he is perhaps the only leader who is truly respected”.

The Pope was reportedly sympathetic, but made no “decision or personal commitment” and it remains to be seen whether this new body materialises.

Peres is not the first elite political figure to champion such an approach however. I have written before about Tony Blair’s Faith Foundation, the former UK Prime Minister’s eponymous CHARITY which focuses on “faith and globalisation”. In January 2014 Blair wrote a widely republished essay stating what his foundation seeks to do:

Francis and Peres at the Vatican meeting in September 2014. Source: The Jerusalem Post

“…the purpose is to change the policy of governments: to start to treat this issue of religious extremism as an issue that is about religion as well as politics, to go to the roots of where a false view of religion is being promulgated, and to make it a major item on the agenda of world leaders to combine effectively to combat it. This is a struggle that is only just BEGINNING.”

Much like Peres, Blair has argued religious extremism is the prime cause of conflict in the world today, and world leaders must unite to ADDRESS it. Also, like Peres, he claimed a political authority should have the power to determine which religious views are “false”.

Blair, too, also sought support from the Vatican, which leads the world’s largest religious congregation. However, despite being a recently-converted Catholic, Blair was not very successful when he made overtures to the Vatican in 2011, and one prominent Catholic scholar, Professor Michel Schooyans, believed the former UK leader had sinister objectives:

One of the aims of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation will be that of remaking the major religions, just as his colleague Barack Obama will remake global society. With this purpose, the foundation in question will try to expand the ‘new rights’, using the world religions for this end and adapting these for their new duties. The religions will have to be reduced to the same common denominator, which means stripping them of their IDENTITY

This project threatens to set us back to an age in which political power was ascribed the mission of promoting a religious confession, or of changing it. In the case of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, this is also a matter of promoting one and only one religious confession, which a universal, global political power would impose on the entire world. (source)

Blair’s attempt to claim religious extremism is the root cause of today’s global conflict, while at the same time stubbornly justifying his deceptive role in the invasion of Iraq – and calling for more DIRECT military intervention in the Middle East – was always going to raise eyebrows. Given his lack of credibility as a peace advocate, it’s not surprising to see a different retired world leader lobbying for religious globalisation at the Vatican.

The recently-retired Peres seems a much better FIT for the job. While Blair has a hawkish reputation, Peres is considered to have transformed into a “dove” in his later years in office, where he appeared mild in comparison to some of his more hard-line Zionist compatriots. Pope Francis, who has been a PR coup for Church and was named TIME Magazine’s Man of the Year, also has the credibility and clout to lead such an initiative, a fact Peres seems well aware of.

So is this a legitimate initiative to promote peace, or something else?

Questionable Advocates

Blair and Peres in July 2014

Despite their superficial differences, the core argument Peres and Blair make is the same: religious extremism is responsible for today’s conflict, and a global political authority needs to wield control over religions. While religiously-motivated violence, particularly in the Islamic world, is undoubtedly a major problem, this argument is extremely deceptive and duplicitous, because it ignores the hidden (and not so hidden) hand which inflamed this problem, and ACTIVELY works to sustain it.

The fact is the root cause of the explosion of extremist violence in the Middle East has been destructive foreign policies of NATO governments and its allies.

The invasion of Iraq, which Blair co-led, was based on outright lies about the country having weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The war killed up to a million people, destroyed its secular government, military and infrastructure. The ensuing chaos ENABLED religious extremists to ravage the region, first as Al Qaeda in Iraq (who had no presence there before the war) and now via the self-proclaimed Islamic State formerly known as ISIS.

Though seen as a “dove” now, Peres also has a chequered past when it comes to PROMOTING world peace which includes being associated with war crimes and acting as a major architect of Israel’s covert nuclear weapons PROGRAM. It’s an open secret that Israel has an undisclosed nuclear WMD stockpile. Israel began its secret nuclear weapons PROGRAM in the 1950s, stealing nuclear secrets and materials from many countries, including the USA. Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan boasts that Peres recruited him as an Israeli spy and smuggler in a Tel Aviv nightclub in 1965 for this nuclear program.

In the mid-70s, Israel sought to sell nuclear weapons to apartheid South Africa. DOCUMENTS obtained by The Guardian and published in 2010 reveal that in 1975 Shimon Peres, then Israel’s defence minister, was in direct negotiations with his South African counterpart and offered to sell the nation nukes “in three sizes”.

Both Blair and Peres have a shady association with WMDs. In ASSESSING their calls for religious globalisation, purportedly to promote peace, we have to ask ourselves: can we really trust a person who lied about WMDs, and another who tried to proliferate them?

A False Premise

The arguments of Blair and Peres also wilfully ignore how the foreign policy of the US government and its allies has fomented Islamic extremism since the 70’s, when the CIA funded and armed the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan to draw the Soviets into a proxy war, a tactic which gave rise to the Taliban and Al Qaeda. In a similar vein, the current foreign policy of the US government and its allies has created ISIS, a fact a retired US General almost admitted in an apparent Freudian slip.

After Iraq’s military and government were pulverised, NATO later turned its attention to Libya and bombed it into a failed state while backing jihadist rebels to topple Gaddafi (both COUNTRIES formerly had secular governments which kept religious extremism at bay). When Libya fell, Jihadist fighters and weapons began flooding into Syria, which has a secular regime the US government has also sought to topple. In Libya, ISIS is now being led by a rebel NATO directly backed to overthrow Gaddafi.

When ISIS, now calling itself the Islamic State, crossed the Syrian border into Iraq in 2014, the war torn country was unable to prevent the incursion. In Syria, where a civil war CONTINUES to rage, the US government and its allies have been arming and TRAINING so-called “moderate” rebels to overthrow the Assad government, despite these rebels having links to “Jihadists”. Many of these weapons and fighters funded by the US government have ended up in the ranks of ISIS, which also happens to be fighting Assad. There are also recent reports the Iraqi government arrested US and Israeli military advisors in the country this month for DIRECTLY aiding Islamic State terrorists there. Such connections between the US government and ISIS are apparent even while the US government is supposed to be fighting ISIS in the Middle East at the same time. It seems a geopolitical “double GAME” is being played. See more on the origins of ISIS/the Islamic State in the video below:

There is a pattern here. The regimes threatened by this foreign policy are secular, and bringing war and chaos to them only favours the rise of extremist groups like the Islamic State, whose recruitment is bolstered further by foreign airstrikes or drone attacks which inevitably kill civilians and cause outrage. At the same time, these extremists “accidently” receive the benefits of funding and weapons provided by the US government and its allies.

Surely changing this destructive and self-defeating foreign policy is the first point of ORDER if reducing global conflict and religious extremism is your objective?

But what if that is not the real objective?

PROBLEM Reaction Solution

The pattern of arming and BACKING extremists, and fighting them later, has been going on for so long that it’s difficult to believe these “side effects” are purely accidental.

“Problem, Reaction, Solution” describes a PROCESS where rulers create a problem, provoking a reaction from the public who demand something be done about it, which then allows the government to bring in its pre-prepared “solution” to solve the problem it created.

The war on terror is a case in point. By continually fuelling the fires of extremism, it keeps the war going. This justifies continued military expenditure, foreign interventions, and the reduction of civil liberties on the home front where a SECURITY state is constructed. Since the enemy, “terrorism”, is vague and interchangeable, the war has no end in sight. This means police state measures like mass surveillance can become permanent and entrenched.

The “war on terror” serves multiple ends. While the political and military impacts are more understood, the spiritual implications are less so. It has made religious extremism, presently of the Islamic persuasion, the scapegoat for today’s global conflict – not the foreign policy which has fuelled it, funded it, and ENABLED it to thrive.

In the case of the wars in the Middle East, there is evidently an attempt to pit Christian and Muslim societies of the world against each other in a manufactured “clash of civilisations” which serves the military industrial complex. Interestingly, certain prominent atheists, some of whom are vehemently opposed to all religions, have been stridently supporting this militarism.

Perhaps it is from the ashes of this conflagration that a one world religion will emerge; because increasingly this same manufactured “extremist” threat is being invoked in calls for the top-down globalisation of religion.

This is where the global agenda towards spirituality intersects with the war on terror in the new world order. In addition to sustaining perpetual war, it provides a pretext for a one world religious authority.

Parallels between War on Terror and the War on Alternative Spirituality

If a one world religious authority is the end game elites are working toward, then it would not be the first strategy EMPLOYED to control spiritual options by exploiting fear toward a manufactured threat.

Many people do not realise that a concerted campaign against alternative spirituality has been raging in the West for many decades now. It was sparked by a major catastrophic event, much like the war on terror: the Jonestown massacre. This tragedy at a remote Christian commune in the jungles of Guyana in 1978 RESULTED in the largest death toll on US civilians by human acts until September 11 terrorist attacks, and its aftermath sparked a deluge of fear-based propaganda.

Contrary to popular belief, most people did not commit suicide at Jonestown by drinking “Kool Aid”. There was not even any Kool Aid there. Most people were systematically murdered by lethal injection, a finding CONFIRMED by coronary evidence from the scene, where massive quantities of psychiatric mind control drugs were also discovered. The coronary evidence was “lost” by US officials and autopsies of the dead were “botched” behind closed doors on a US base.

The mass suicide story originated from a CIA report dispatched from Guyana before any officials had investigated the crime scene. This story was repeated in the mainstream media by “experts” – the most prominent being medical professionals with ties to US government mind control research PROGRAMS such as MK-ULTRA (under which covert illegal experiments were done on INMATES of prisons and psychiatric institutes).

The Dark Alliance between the anti-cult movement, government and media

Capitalising on the hysteria generated by the Jonestown massacre, the anti-cult movement became a powerful force fuelling a moral panic with a media platform. Psychologist Margaret Singer, one of its leading luminaries with a BACKGROUND in mind control research for the US military, touted the unsubstantiated theory that so-called “cults” (the new de facto label for any organised belief operating outside a major religious institution) use sophisticated brainwashing techniques. The CIA claimed its own mind control attempts were unsuccessful and “useless” in spite of having vast funds channelled into black projects, secrecy, qualified scientists, drugs, sophisticated technology, and electroshock “therapy” at its disposal. Yet the former government researcher Singer, and her high-profile associate Louis Jolyon West, an MK-ULTRA psychiatrist, wanted people to believe that small, poorly resourced spiritual groups could accomplish what the entire machinery of US government claimed it could not.

Jonestown Guyana. READ MORE about it in Jonestown Massacre: The 9/11 of the War on Alternative Spirituality

The media bought it, and embraced it. Even though Singer’s theory lacked scientific acceptance – and the courts ended her lucrative CAREER as a paid “expert” witness in religious cases after her theories were debunked and rejected – her ideology CONTINUED to be sold by the anti-cult movement and uncritically repeated by journalists.

The RESULT was a massive disinformation campaign. After Jonestown there was an explosion of media propaganda about small religious groups which conditioned the population to fear alternative spirituality and led to the online censorship of alternative beliefs. A shift in perception occurred where any group that was small and unconventional was, by default, now a “cult”. This pejorative label, rare before Jonestown, was used with astounding regularity in the media after the massacre, and became conflated with death and suicide. It was vague enough to encompass anything, which meant thousands of harmless groups became guilty until proven innocent and associated with evil. Jonestown also maligned the idea of living in an alternative community, religious or otherwise. Gathering with others to pursue a lifestyle different from the STATUS quo became suspect.

Drastic Impacts

Government tanks at the siege and destruction of the Branch Dravidian community

This hysteria sometimes had tragic consequences. During the siege of the Branch Dravidian’s ranch at WACO in 1993, leading figures of the anti-cult movement were on the scene encouraging law enforcement to use force against the community. The military-style raid and siege, in which tanks and helicopters surrounded the ranch and pyrotechnic military tear gas rounds were fired against the community’s premises, precipitated a disaster, with most of the MEMBERS dying in a fire inside their ranch while besieged. It was a tragedy that could have been avoided.

A prominent presence at the siege was the founder of the “Cult Education Institute”, a self-styled “cult expert”. The Cult Education Institute originally bore the eponymous name “Rick A. Ross Institute for the STUDY of Destructive Cults, Controversial Groups, and Movements”, after its founder. The mind control psychologist Margaret Singer (who is now deceased) was on its advisory board.

A composite of WACO IMAGES
At the WACO siege, the controversial founder of this institute was influencing both the media’s coverage and the government’s actions, despite having no formal qualifications beyond a high school DIPLOMA. He was hired by CBS as an analyst and appeared widely on other networks. He reportedly had unparalleled access to, and influence upon, agents of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF/ATF) who were conducting the siege. Although the Justice Department later claimed the FBI did not “rely” on his advice, according to Professor Nancy T. Ammerman, the FBI’s interview transcripts reveal he was “closely involved” with both the FBI and BATF, and, “The BATF interviewed the persons he directed them to and evidently used information from those interviews in planning their February 28 raid.” Ammerman alleges he recommended that agents “attempt to humiliate Koresh” (the community’s leader) and “the FBI was evidently listening” based on the strategy it employed to embarrass Koresh. All of this occurred despite the FBI being aware that this “cult expert” had ‘“… a personal hatred for all religious cults” and would willingly aid law enforcement in an attempt to “destroy a cult.”’

There was more about his BACKGROUND that should have raised red flags. This same “expert”, who was convicted of burglary in his 20s, had another run-in with the law in 1991 after he was hired as a “deprogrammer” to detain and “deprogram” an 18-year-old member of the Pentecostal church, who was wrestled to the ground and dragged into a van by the “deprogrammer’s” associates. In a civil trial later FILED by the abductee, the jury found the “deprogrammer” had “intentionally or recklessly acted in a way so outrageous in character and so extreme in degree as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency and to be regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized community”. The court found him liable for conspiracy to deprive an individual of his civil rights and religious liberties.


Chinese officials destroy a Christian Church in Wenzhou in 2014. Source: The Telegraph

Interestingly, this figure is also regarded as an authority in communist China where he is invited to speak at anti-cult symposiums. The communist government in China only sanctions five government-controlled religions, and labels and suppresses anything else an “evil cult”, including Christians and Buddhists. In the case of one heavily persecuted new religious movement, Falun Gong, investigative reports have demonstrated the government has TARGETED members with live organ harvesting. This horrendous fact has not stopped this cult expert from supporting the Chinese government’s propaganda. It is rather telling that the views of a Western anti-cult activist are in accord with an authoritarian communist regime suppressing religious freedom and committing human rights violations.

In the West however, the anti-cult campaign mostly takes place on the internet. To this end, the Cult Education Institute website hosts a forum which, while claiming to be a “free speech zone”, actually functions something like a virtual inquisition: anonymous posters can start their own witch hunt and accuse people and groups of anything without any ACCOUNTABILITY, while attempts by those accused to refute allegations are, by some accounts, met with censorship, deletion and being banned from the forums. Not exactly free speech.

The Cult Education Institute is just one component in a bigger machine working against alternative spirituality, but the way its founder has successfully influenced the media and government is an example of how this LARGER machine operates.

While the dark alliance between government, media and the anti-cult movement is unofficial in most Western COUNTRIES, it has been legally codified in France where the anti-sect movement has INSTALLED its inquisitorial ideology into the country’s institutions. This has led to the circulation and use of a blacklist of so-called sects (the French equivalent of “cults”) created by Parliament, and the creation of the Orwellian agency MIVILUDES (Inter-ministerial Mission for Vigilance and Fighting against Sectarian Deviances) which targets “thought crime”, which it defines as the ‘sin’ of holding “certain ideas which differ from the ideas generally accepted by society”. This creates a situation where people’s freedom of belief and association is ACTIVELY repressed by the government, media and anti-spiritual organisations acting in concert. As explained by the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom (EIFRF):

MIVILUDES, throughout the years, has engaged in numerous campaigns not only against new religious movements TARGETED as “sects”, but also against small communities of older religions, whether Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical or other. They have even organized raids in communities, arriving with journalists and making strong derogatory comments in order to further their agenda of labelling these communities as “sects”.

…someone could think that this only APPLIES to new groups, small unusual groups, New Age or Satanist or any small religion, and think that “this will only happen to others”. The truth is that MIVILUDES and anti-sect associations have been targeting Catholic communities, Evangelical Christians, Hindu communities, amongst others, as “sects”.  The sect is the religion someone wants to get the rid of.” (source)

The Bigger Picture: A War on Consciousness

If we STEP back and look at the bigger picture, it becomes apparent the campaign against alternative spirituality, and the global push for consolidation of the world’s major religions, may function as two prongs of a global strategy to contain and control spiritual freedom in a war on consciousness.

In both cases, people with religious or spiritual beliefs are portrayed as the source of major scourges threatening society, breeding either “cults” or “extremists”:

There are shady government CONNECTIONS TO major crimes committed by heinous villains, and these crimes are then exploited to galvanise a response.


The crimes of the heinous few are invoked in fear-based propaganda to fabricate the perception of a broader and existential threat menacing society, which fuels a moral panic.

This RESULTS in the public calling for authorities to rectify the problem, and manufactures their consent for the imposed solution, which, though it involves stripping freedoms away, people believe is in their best interests.

The campaign against alternative spirituality may be the first step in this war on consciousness. It has served to cut down on spiritual options within society, while conditioning people to fear alternative spiritual possibilities. It has made taboo any attempt to organise in a spiritual group or community outside of major established religious institutions. When operating outside the STATUS quo is automatically suspect, people are more likely to conform, and less likely to venture outside the box.

The global control of religions may be the next step. After the options have been cut down, this strategy may serve to control and influence the spiritual options that remain.

The world’s major religious institutions are too big and too established to simply be suppressed like smaller groups are. However, creating a global body with the “unquestionable” authority to dictate what God considers acceptable or not, allows those in that elite position to set their parameters across various major faiths. A global consensus can be set. Anything operating outside of the elite body’s guidelines, or without its endorsement, would then be isolated and excluded, seen as rouge or wrong – a “cult”. That would include alternative spiritual groups ALREADY being targeted, but also denominations of major religions that refuse to fall under the command of a one world authority.

Under such a model, religions need not be replaced with a single monolithic faith as some predict; rather a central body could influence and infiltrate the world’s major faiths while leaving their external appearance intact. Central decrees could be fed out and passed down within the guise of the tradition people are most accustomed to in different cultures.

Under this model, the “one world religion” would be more like an octopus, where each arm may appear different, but ultimately links back to the same source, and serves it.

Divide and Conquer: The End GAME for Spirituality

The consequences of a one world religion are immense, if you think about it.

Whatever differences people in the world may have, ultimately we are of the same source and substance. If a global elite limit and control how human consciousness can experience the world, won’t they essentially control humanity?

“Spirituality”, in its broadest sense, gives people a conduit to a higher source, a power which the rulers of this world cannot control. Whatever people call that power – God, Divinity or Higher Consciousness – spirituality can provide a way for people to CONNECT TO and derive strength from that higher source in some way.

In ancient times, spiritual figures venerated in major religions had a profound impact on people and the world. Even in recent HISTORY, spirituality has been central to the lives of extremely influential people, such as Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Whatever one may think of their individual religious views, there is no denying their convictions empowered them, and through their actions, they had a profound positive impact on society.

Having a spiritual CONNECTION can allow people to awaken their perception to a bigger picture of life, and activate and awaken consciousness. This can make someone less easy to manipulate and control. However, at the same time, it cannot be denied that spiritual and religious beliefs can also be used by corrupt people to manipulate and control others, and suppress alternative points of view – which may explain the drive to create a one world religious authority.

That is why, I believe, there is an ongoing agenda to cut down on the spiritual options people have, and then control the options which remain. It seems to me there are certain powerful forces operating in this world that do not want people to awaken consciousness and CONNECT with a higher spiritual power.

For this anti-spiritual war on consciousness to be effective, people have to be divided. Once divided they can easily be conquered: divide and conquer is a strategy used by elite powers throughout history.

A lucid description of how this strategy succeeds is found in the famous QUOTE attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller, who initially supported the rise of Nazism in Germany because he opposed communism like the Nazis did, but became disillusioned when the regime sought to control the churches and persecuted Christians. By the time he opposed the dictatorship, the Nazi regime was entrenched and he was put in a concentration camp.

Although the exact wording of his QUOTE is unclear because he used different versions, the most widely used version is this:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Other versions mention different parties targeted such as the “incurables” (the incurably sick and physically/mentally DISABLED who were forcibly euthanized) and the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who were persecuted and completely banned in Germany at that time. But regardless of which version is used, the key message is the same.

On a global scale, divide and conquer is happening in the way Christian and Muslim societies are being pitted against each other in a perpetual war serving the military industrial complex and hollowing out civil liberties in the West. While the wars CONTINUE to rage, few notice the hidden hand moving the geopolitical pawns on both sides of the chessboard – playing them off against each other – as the spectre of religious extremism fuelled by the conflict paves the road to a one world religious authority.

In the case of the campaign against spirituality within Western society, divide and conquer also APPLIES. A “new age” group is unlikely to defend a Christian community being persecuted, because they are not Christian. In reverse, a Christian group may not defend a new age group attacked as a “cult” because its beliefs are different. And even within a major tradition like Christianity, a large denomination may not defend the persecution of a smaller one, because it considers it heretical, and therefore may even seek to destroy it.

Unfortunately, due to fanaticism, some religious bodies ACTIVELY work to persecute other groups, because they wish to assert their own religious supremacy. Witness the Christian counter cult movement, whose definition of a “cult” is roughly equivalent to the definition of a “heresy” – basically anything which does not conform to their own beliefs.

Those who work to attack the spiritual freedom of others fail to realise they are aiding forces that ultimately have all spirituality and religions in their cross hairs in a divide and conquer strategy. Once the smaller targets are picked off, those forces will seek to assimilate the LARGER institutions into their greater plan too.

It is from this strategy that a one world religious authority may eventually emerge.

Finding Common Ground

When there is freedom of spiritual expression, all individuals benefit from having the right to explore spirituality by the avenue they wish, even if it may be different from what others choose (or if they choose to abstain from spirituality COMPLETELY). Freedom is the common ground – the common right – that benefits everyone. In a society where this freedom exists, spiritual expression can flourish and consciousness can awaken.

People can defend freedom without endorsing what others choose to do with it, by understanding the common interest it serves. Everyone who values spirituality has a stake in freedom. If we cannot find that common ground, and respect each other’s differences, then we are easy to divide and conquer.

If we CONTINUE to allow ourselves to be divided, by the time we come to understand the end game for spirituality in a new world order, it may be too late.
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« Reply #205 on: April 20, 2015, 11:22:51 am »

European chief rabbis meet with Pope in wake of recent attacks on Jewish communities

Interfaith work, “is particularly relevant in the wake of recent attacks on the Jewish communities of Europe and the Catholic communities in Africa and the Middle East,” Moscow rabbi says.

A delegation of chief rabbis from Europe traveled to the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Francis about anti-Semitism.

After meeting Monday with the delegation of 10 rabbis representing the Conference of European Rabbis, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet privately with the chief rabbi of France, Haim Korsia, who is a prominent promoter of interfaith ties.

The meeting will be the first time that a CER delegation is received at the Vatican, Korsia’s office wrote in a statement which was sent on Friday but authorized for publication only Monday for security reasons.

Noting the meeting came 50 years after the Nostra Aetate — the declaration on the relations of the Catholic Church with non-Christian religions – CER President Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt told JTA that the event is “vitally important and gives us a chance to further strengthen the relationship between the two communities.”

The rise in recent years in anti-Semitic violence and hate speech will feature prominently in the talk, Goldschmidt, who is the chief rabbi of Moscow, added.

Interfaith work, Goldschmidt said, “is particularly relevant in the wake of recent attacks on the Jewish communities of Europe and the Catholic communities in Africa and the Middle East.”

Korsia, who is the spiritual leader of one the communities most affected by violent anti-Semitism, last year compared the persecution of Christians in the Middle East to the Holocaust-era persecution of Jews.

“The situation of religious minorities all over the world and especially in the Middle East resonates, unfortunately, with our commemoration today,” Korsia said in September during a commemoration ceremony in Paris for Holocaust victims. “As our parents wore the yellow star, Christians are made to wear the scarlet letter,” he said.

http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/European-chief-rabbis-meet-with-Pope-in-wake-of-recent-attacks-on-Jewish-communities-398668?utm_source=Newsletter+4-20-2015&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email
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« Reply #206 on: April 21, 2015, 04:16:50 pm »

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50639#.VTa_YI7F9GY
UN Member States, faith leaders set for talks in New York on tolerance and fostering peace

20 April 2015 – The United Nations is set to host at its New York Headquarters a meeting bringing together the Organization's Member States with faith leaders to discuss ways to promote tolerance and reconciliation, as well as to ADDRESS the challenges of countering radicalization and extremism.

President of the UN General Assembly, Sam Kutesa will convene in conjunction with the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the High-Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, a High-Level Thematic Debate on Promoting Tolerance and Reconciliation, Fostering Peaceful, Inclusive Societies and Countering Violent Extremism.

The two-day High-Level meeting will offer a platform for Member States and faith leaders from around the world, along with other stakeholders, to discuss means of promoting tolerance and reconciliation, as well as to ADDRESS challenges of countering radicalization and extremism.

Day one of the meeting, 21 April, will consist of an opening session, a high-level plenary and an interactive panel discussion. PARTICIPANTS will have the opportunity to discuss practical strategies to foster peaceful, inclusive societies and to counter the threat of radicalization and violent extremism.

Day two, on 22 April, will be centred on interfaith dialogue, featuring high-level statements and an interactive panel discussion on the role of faith leaders in PROMOTING tolerance for diversity, freedom of expression and human rights.

Religious communities have followers across race, class, and gender. This meeting will be a powerful demonstration of how diverse communities can ADDRESS common challenges.

The outcome of the meeting will be a President's summary highlighting salient points and key messages arising from the thematic debate.

Staff members from across the UN system and representatives of Member States will be able to follow the PROCEEDINGS of this exceptional High-Level event online.
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« Reply #207 on: April 22, 2015, 08:31:56 am »

Roman Catholic and Bill Gaither Creating the Sound Track for the One-World Church

4/17/2015

Matt Maher, a Roman Catholic contemporary worship musician, describes himself as a “musical missionary.” His goal is to bridge Protestantism and Catholicism. Christianity Today, which has never seen an ecumenical bridge it didn't appreciate, says “Maher is bringing his music--and a dream of unity into the Protestant church” (“Common Bonds,” CT, Oct. 27, 2009). Maher says that touring with people like Michael W. Smith is producing ecumenical unity because people come to the concerts and find themselves standing beside a priest or nun, and they learn that “we’re all in this family together.” Now Maher is widening his ecumenical circle to include the gullible world of Southern Gospel. A few months ago he explained on YouTube the story behind his 2014 song “Because He Lives.” He says that he wanted to write a new edition of Bill Gaither’s 1974 song by that title and collaborated with his friend Chris Tomlin, a popular contemporary worship musician. Deciding that they wanted to use some lines from Gaither’s song, they contacted him. Maher says, “We went to Mr. Gaither and asked him if it would be OK if we incorporated elements from his song and he agreed. So what we have is this song which is a collective result of a lot of people’s effort. And I think that’s always been a big part of my ministry, which is trying to unify the church and to bring all of these different voices from different streams together, so this song just continues that mission. I hope it blesses your congregation” (“Behind the Song ‘Because He Lives,’ Matt Maher, YouTube, Nov. 4, 2014). In 1990, the Gaithers performed at the Indianapolis ’90 ecumenical conference where half of the attendees were Roman Catholics, and a Roman Catholic mass was held every morning. Those who are adapting contemporary worship music are building bridges to the one-world church, and nothing could be more spiritually dangerous. (For more about Matt Maher, Bill Gaither, and Chris Tomlin see The Directory of Contemporary Worship Musicians, available in print and a free eBook edition, www.wayoflife.org.)

http://www.practicalbible.com/top-stories/roman-catholic-and-bill-gaither-creating-the-sound-track-for-the-one-world-church
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« Reply #208 on: May 03, 2015, 04:01:40 pm »

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« Reply #209 on: June 06, 2015, 09:59:43 pm »

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=51063#.VXPNl47F9GY
UN invites world’s seven billion people to become agents of change on World Environment Day

5 June 2015 – With many of the earth’s ecosystems nearing “critical tipping points,” the United Nations invited each of the seven billion people on the planet to mark this year’s World Environment Day by making one change towards a more responsible consumption of resources – “be it refusing to buy single-use plastic bags or riding a bike to work.”

“Humanity continues to consume far more natural resources than the planet can sustainably provide,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in this year’s message for the Day, observed annually on 5 June. “It is time for us to change.”

“The goal of sustainable development is to increase the quality of life for all people without increasing environmental degradation and without compromising the resource needs of future generations,” he noted. “We can do this by shifting our consumption patterns towards goods that use less energy, water and other resources and by wasting less food.”World Environment Day is the opportunity for everyone to realize the responsibility to care for the Earth and to become agents of change.

The theme of this year’s Day – “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care,” – emphasizes the personal responsibility each person bears for enabling inclusive and sustainable economic development while stabilizing and reducing the rate of resource use.

Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), invited “everyone to imagine what the world would be like if each of the seven billion people made one change towards a more responsible consumption of resources.”

“I would like you to hold on to that vision and strive to make it reality – be it refusing to buy single-use plastic bags or riding a bike to work,” Mr. Steiner said in his message.

Noting “it is easy to underestimate the power of individual action,” Mr. Steiner said “our daily decisions as consumers, multiplied by billions, have a colossal impact on the environment – some of them contribute to the further depletion of natural resources, others help to protect fragile ecosystems.”

“We must ask ourselves what the consequences of this pace of consumption and trajectory of population growth – forecasted to reach nine billion by 2050 – will be,” he said.

“Under current trends, global extraction of resources is set to reach 140 billion tonnes by 2050, compared to around 7 billion tonnes in 1900,” said Mr. Steiner. “This will probably exceed the availability and accessibility of resources, as well as the carrying capacity of the planet to absorb the impacts of their extraction and use.”

World Environment Day “is the opportunity for everyone to realize the responsibility to care for the Earth and to become agents of change,” Mr. Steiner said.

Italy is the host of this year's celebrations of the Day which are taking place at Expo Milano 2015, which runs from 1 May to 31 October and is expected to include over 140 countries plus a significant number of international organizations.
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