Interfaith service

Religious leaders call for tolerance, peace and a focus on children

NEW YORK, 13 September 2001 - Leaders representing various faiths led an international gathering of UN staff, diplomats, religious and non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives and others in a non-denominational service at St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City.

The Annual Interfaith Service of Commitment to the Work of the United Nations was dedicated to those who had been lost in this week's tragedy in the United States and to their loved ones. The Service was originally intended to honour the UN Special Session on Children.

The message from the dozens of religious and spiritual leaders who addressed the gathering was clear: It is essential to give comfort and compassion to those affected by the tragedy; emphasize tolerance and peace going forward; and focus on children as the key to building the future.

"We live in a world where insecurity and suffering is spreading at breathtaking speed - quickened by an upsurge in armed conflict that has already left 2 million children dead and 6 million wounded in the last decade alone," said UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy. " But in these trying times, let us never forget that in every child who is born, the potentiality of the human race is born again." (Read the full statement).

"I have had the privilege of being the confidante of children around the world through their letters, conversations and art," said Nane Annan, wife of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. "We must listen to children. Their views, their opinions, their hopes, their dreams."

Kofi Annan and UN General Assembly President Dr. Han Seung-soo also addressed the gathering.

Dr. Wangari Maathai, founder of the Greenbelt Movement, an NGO in Kenya, concluded the service by leading the gathering in a blessing of the world's children.

"Whether children build a world of peace or a world of hatred is as much a result of the choices we adults make, as of the choices they make," she said. "Children will build a world using the tools and materials we provide them with, so let us choose to teach them the ways of peace."

The service ended with ten children from countries around the world each reading one of the ten imperatives of the 'Say Yes for Children campaign.' The campaign, which has gathered millions of pledges worldwide since its launch in April, asks people to support 10 principles to improve and protect the lives of children around the world.