Dear URI Cooperation Circles,
We come to you to announce that four new Cooperation Circles located in Africa, the Middle East and North America have become members of the URI community. We are happy that they will help make URI's vision a reality. With the addition of these new groups, URI now has 563 member Cooperation Circles.
AFRICA - Interreligious Council of Burundi
This Council was established in 2008 by religious leaders from the Christian, Protestant and Islamic faiths in Burundi. They found that the principles of URI were very relevant to their local work. They believe that being connected with an international organization will enable them to learn from others and build partnerships with like-minded organizations. Members focus on promoting inter-religious cooperation to bring about peace through reconciliation, social justice and sustainable development.
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA - Women Helping Women
This group of women in Dubai, many of whom were born outside the Middle East, initially gathered to understand the culture that they are surrounded by. Their meetings expanded in nature to include the study of the Qur’an, and its effect on local culture. Their discussions have led them to develop a deep respect for one other and their respective faiths – Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Christian Science and Mormonism They hope to take action and make tangible difference in the lives of others at a personal level. Their immediate focus is to help Filipino women who have become stranded.
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA - Gathering for Happiness
This group consists of Sunni Muslims, Christians and Druze. Members have been meeting informally together for some time, often sharing their love for the practice of yoga. Their experience has been that when people of varying faiths come together, individuals feel less isolated. When they reflected upon one of URI’s principles - the importance of respecting the wisdom inherent in each tradition - they decided to form a Cooperation Circle. They hope to help others understand the necessity of cultivating respect for one other at the deepest level.
NORTH AMERICA - First Drops
This group brings together Mormons, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and Indigenous people in Southern California. They have developed a model for introducing children aged 5 to 13 years to various faiths. Young people learn about and come to appreciate not only their own religion, but many others as well. The group believes that an education in the religions of the world prepares children to grow up and become compassionate, understanding global citizens. Children also learn about service through community projects. For example, every month they feed 150 hungry and homeless people, as well as collecting clothing, toys, books and school supplies to help children in need. First Drops hopes that the model they have developed will be replicated in their region and throughout the world.
May members of the Interreligious Council of Burundi
CC
fulfill their aspirations and live in Peace!
May members of the Women Helping Women CC
fulfill their aspirations and live in Peace!
May members of the Gathering for Happiness CC fulfill their aspirations and live in Peace!
May members of the First Drops CC fulfill their aspirations and live in Peace!
May Peace prevail on Earth!
If you wish to extend your warm wishes to these new groups, please click on the links for their CC pages.
With love,
Maria Crespo
on behalf CC Approval Committee
