We have all heard the phrase: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” With roots in most religions and cultures, the Golden Rule has become a basic concept in modern human rights work. It is also the passion of URI Regional Director for Africa, Ambassador Mussie Hailu, who will travel from Ethiopia to Phoenix, Arizona later this month for the North American Interfaith Network Conference (NAIN Connect 2011). A keynote speaker, he will address the theme, "Many People, Many Faiths, One Common Principle – The Golden Rule."
Hosted by the Arizona Interfaith Movement, NAIN Connect 2011 will bring together 100 interfaith leaders from around North America and beyond to join in a discussion on how to understand and apply the Golden Rule amid the complexities of the 21st Century and current global issues.
“We need the teaching of the Golden Rule in our world more than ever, as it is a fundamental principle that addresses critical issues such as democracy, human rights, respect for one another, gender equity, social development, interfaith harmony, constructive dialogue among nations, conflict prevention and building right human relationships,” said Hailu.
A long time proponent of the Golden Rule, Hailu established the Golden Rule Day in 2007 through URI's Interfaith Peace-building Initiative Cooperation Circle (IPI) in Ethiopia, which he founded and leads. Now a global effort, the Golden Rule Day unites 71 organizations in over 90 countries on April 5th each year. IPI is currently working to get official endorsement from the United Nations.
Other guest speakers at NAIN Connect will include Paul McKenna, Golden Rule educator from Toronto; Professors Jeffery Wattles and Harry Gensler from Ohio; and young adults from around the nation.
