LA Nuclear Disarmament

Ask Obama to work for world nuclear disarmament:
wagingpeace.org/appeal

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Nuclear Age Peace 
Foundation

nuclearweaponsfree.org

Beyond War

Nuclear Free Future

LA Catholic Worker 
YouTube Vandenberg protest

Be Carbon Neutral - go to CarbonCounter.org, e-bluehorizons.com, NativeEnergy.com or CarbonFund.org. Pick the Wind Energy Option. Fill in the form with your total energy use and sign up for a monthly contribution via credit card - usually less than $20. 

UDC GENERAL ASSEMBLY - INTERFAITH AND THE PEACE MOVEMENT

DATE:  SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2009(9) --9 a.m. to 12 noon including refreshments

VENUE: ST. ANDREW'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 11555 National Blvd. at Federal Ave., West L.A.  At National and Federal on the north east corner. Park in lot.  Suggested donation: $10 ($8 for members).

BACKGROUND:  The General Assembly is the one activity of Unity-and-Diversity World Council (UDC) which deals with every area of concern related to creating a world that works for all.  UDC began during International Cooperation Year 1965, initiated by the General Assembly of the United Nations. This Assembly will begin with a speaker on interfaith and the peace movement.  It will be followed by action sessions on nuclear disarmament, global climate change, and social and economic justice.  Participants will then come together for sharing, decision-making, sending of post cards, and refreshments. 

THEME OF 9-10 A.M.:  "INTERFAITH AND THE PEACE MOVEMENT", a talk given by Quaker peace activist ANTHONY MANOUSOS from the Friends Meeting House in Santa Monica.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE ASSEMBLY INCLUDE (others are cordially invited to join in): 

• Leland & Elizabeth Stewart, Co-founders, UDC; Leland facilitates the Assembly session 
• Roger Eaton, Developer of new General Assembly process; chairperson, decision-making time
• John Castillo, Member, Native American Veteran's Society and Comanche Nation
• Marguerite Spears, Representative, Citizens for Global Solutions; Unitarian, Santa Monica
• Andre Graham, Activist, world traveler, U.N. supporter; member, UDC Executive Board
• Randy Ziglar, Member, Westside Progressives; took part in nuclear disarmament conference 
• Dr. Gary Herbertson, Environmental activist; formerly UNEP; UDC Board member
• David Turner, Secretary, UDC Executive Board; Unity-and-Diversity Minister 
• Madelon Logue, Editor/Publisher, "Black Sheep", a Seth publication 
• Shel Plotkin and friends, Southern California Federation of Scientists
• Martha Madison, Member, Westside Progressives; interested in nuclear disarmament
• Tentative:  Jon Turetsky, Natalie Stone, Daryl Seybold 

ADVANCE NOTICE

Sat. July 18, 9 a.m. to noon -- Next General Assembly at same location.
Sat. June 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- Venice EcoFest.  At foot of Windward. Booths, entertainment. 
Sun. June 28 -- 3rd Annual Westside Progressives Picnic at Mar Vista Park.  UDC to co-sponsor.
Sun. Aug. 9 -- Nagasaki Day Commemoration via UDC and other organizations. 

UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY WORLD COUNCIL, P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles CA 90066

Phone: 310-391-5735; Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org

 INTERFAITH CELEBRATION/ORDINATION

NOTE: Meeting on Saturday this month

BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration/Ordination is the ninth in the 2008-09 monthly series at faith communities in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored by World  Interfaith Network, a Specialized Affiliate of Unity-and-Diversity World Council. Inc. They include music, meditation and prayer, interfaith candle lighting, messages, and dialog. 

THEME:  FAITH PERSPECTIVES ON THE FATHER'S ROLE IN THE FAMILY 
Year's theme:  Faith and Politics

 Father's Day is Sunday, June 21st.  This month we are holding our Interfaith Celebration on Saturday to accommodate our ordainee, Karin Bali, who must leave Los Angeles Saturday the 20th at midnight.  It will also avoid meeting on Father's Day, which in the past has kept various people from participating.  Having looked at the mother's role in the family last month, we now will look at the father's role, keeping in mind the importance of the family.

The ordination will be the special feature of this Interfaith Celebration.  Kiran Bali, a young woman from India, has been teaching Hinduism in England, but now having  completed her interfaith training with Leland Stewart will represent UDC in England.

PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: 

• Kiran Bali -- Graduate of Unity-and-Diversity Ministry Training, will be ordained
• Rashid Lanie -- Outstanding pianist, often performing at Agape Center; now traveling
• Al Duffy -- Tour guide of Buddhist temples; will begin study for Unity-and-Diversity Ministry
• Rev. George Hines -- Minister, Downey Church for Spiritual Living
• Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Playwright; coordinator, of Science and Spirituality book project
• Dr. Gary Herbertson -- Methodist minister and environmentalist; knows Wangari Matthai
• Fred & Margaret Bayer -- Fred is member of Temple Beth Emet (Judaism)
• Rev. David Turner -- Unity-and-Diversity Minister; Secretary, UDC Executive Board
• Rev. Laura Hunter -- Poet; Unity-and-Diversity Minister; Sant Mat devotee
• Howard Mungo -- Representative, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University; actor
• Carl Hult -- Staff member, Founders Church of Religious Science; soloist & choir member
• Keki Gandhi -- Representative, Zoroastrian Association of California
• Rev. Wilma Streibeck -- Former staff person at UDC; metaphysical minister
• Anthony Shaw -- Member, Church of Religious Science (in transition)
• Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart -- Unity-and-Diversity Council co-founders; Facilitators
• Tentative: Stephen Longfellow Fiske, Rev. Jill Soyars, and Bibi Haleem

Take Santa Monica Fwy. west to San Diego Fwy., then S. to Venice off-ramp, turn right to Venice Blvd., then left beyond Centinela to Wade St., left 2 blks. to Matteson, rt. 1 blk. to Moore St.  Park on street. Go to 2nd floor, then to middle of hall on right.

Suggested donation:  $10; $8 for members. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sat., June 20, 5:30 p.m. -- Brief WIN Steering Committee at site.   Do come/help plan.
Sun. July 19, 3-5 p.m. -- Next Interfaith Celebration.  Watch for details.
Interfaith Education Project voted in February.  Progress reports to be made.
World Scriptures and Science and Spirituality for sale.

WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council   P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA 90066; Phone: 310-391-5735  Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com, Website: www.udcworld.org (now updated)

The Unity-and-Diversity World Council began in 1965, which was International Cooperation Year, designated by the General Assembly of the United Nations.  It was a year in which organizations interested in the United Nations were invited to develop programs that focused on intergroup cooperation.  Many organizations throughout the world took part in this event, yet to my knowledge we are the only organization born out of that year which has continued to emphasize intergroup and interfaith cooperation, as well as to develop specific processes to expedite this kind of cooperation. 

There is another way of looking at this effort which hopefully will make it clearer.  The United Nations has been seen by many people as the first universal organization on the planet.  Its primary focus is to create peace and cooperative efforts among all the nations of planet earth.  It has also set in motion an outreach into the nongovernmental field by organizing collaboration among Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO's).  In most of the U.N.'s major global conferences the NGO aspect of the events has been extensive.  The number of individuals and organizations drawn to these global conferences has far exceeded the number of people brought together by the nations of the world.  This body of organizations is now beginning to be called Civil Society.

There is, however, another kind of nongovernmental coalition of individuals, groups, and networks that is just beginning to form.  It is, first of all, independent of the United Nations, even though it is very supportive of the U.N.  This coalition, or network, is based upon ethical and spiritual values.  It recognizes the power of universal ethical and spiritual principles as the ultimate test of a global society's unity and capacity to weather the storms of rapid change and transitioning.  Many of the problems facing the United States and the world at this time are the result of greed and corruption, which are a serious departure from these ethical and spiritual principles. 

The Unity-and-Diversity World Council has been given the task of forming this kind of network; we call it a "network of networks" based upon these principles.  There are many kinds of organizations and networks forming at this time, yet UDC continues to focus this unique approach to the emerging global civilization and even looking beyond to the universe as a whole.  We do not claim to be the only network.  We do, however, assert that ours is a unique "network of networks", one which has the capacity to survive the tempests that now threaten to destroy civilization or to cause huge disruption.  You are cordially invited to take part in our events or to inquire about our numerous activities and publications.

We are witnessing a tremendous movement for the advancement of human rights and democratic freedom in the world.  This movement must become an even more powerful moral force, so that even the most obstructive governments and armies are incapable of suppressing it.  This is an occasion for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to this goal.  It is natural and just for nations, peoples, and individuals to demand respect for their rights and freedoms and to struggle to end repression, racism, economic exploitation, military occupation, and various forms of colonialism and alien domination.  Governments should actively support such demands instead of only paying lip service to them. 

(Today) we find that the world is becoming one community.  We are being drawn together by the grave problems of overpopulation, dwindling natural resources, and an environmental crisis that threatens the very foundation of our existence on this planet.  Human rights, environmental protection, and great social and economic equality are all interrelated.  I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility.  Each of us must learn to work, not just for oneself, one's own family, or one's nation, but for the benefit of all humankind.  Universal responsibility is the best foundation for world peace. 

This need for cooperation can only strengthen humankind, because it helps us to recognize that the most secure foundation for a new world order is not simply broader political and economic alliances, but each individual's genuine practice of love and compassion.  These qualities are the ultimate source of human happiness, and our need for them lies at the very core of our being.  The practice of compassion is not idealistic, but the most effective way to pursue the best interests of others as well as our own.  The more we become interdependent, the more it is in our own interest to ensure the well-being of others.

I believe that one of the principal factors that hinders us from fully appreciating our interdependence is our undue emphasis on material development.  We have become so engrossed in its pursuit that, unknowingly, we have neglected the most basic qualities of compassion, caring, and cooperation.  When we do not know someone or do not feel connected to an individual or group, we tend to overlook their needs.  Yet, the development of human society requires that people help each other.

I, for one, strongly believe that individuals can make a difference in society.  Every individual has a responsibility to help move our global family in the right direction, and we must assume that responsibility.  As a Buddhist monk, I try to develop compassion within myself, not simply as a religious practice, but on a human level as well.  To encourage myself in this altruistic attitude, I sometimes find it helpful to imagine myself standing as a single individual on one side, facing a huge gathering of all other human beings on the other side.  Then I ask myself, 'Whose interests are more important?'  To me it is quite clear that however important I may feel I am, I am just one individual, while others are infinite in number and importance.

*From the book A Simple Monk. Copyright 2001 by Tom Morgan. Reprinted with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA.  www.newworldlibrary.com.

This new World Directory is further developing a long history of the Council dating back to its beginning in 1965, when the United Nations declared International Cooperation Year.   During and after that time two major activities were central to the Council's visibility: the annual World Festival and the World Directory. 

The festivals have now been replaced by the annual Peace Sunday, and the World Directory will be done as an ongoing project, with a continuing presence on the website of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council as well as in a printed form.  Instead of only representing organizations, it will now also include individuals, groups, and networks.  It will be available at any time by visiting our website: http://www.udcworld.org/worlddirectory.htm

Entries will include a 200-word statement from professional individuals and members, as well as a 200-word statement from groups and networks in addition to organizational members.  We will be encouraging these people to participate in the emerging peoples' equivalent of the United Nations through our monthly General Assembly in Los Angeles and the Global Assembly dialog coordinated by Roger Eaton. 

2-line listings are available in the World Directory free of charge.  Ask about the minimal cost of the 200-word statements.

For further information, or to request a listing in the World Directory, contact the Council (UDC) at:

Unity-and-Diversity Contact Information

Leland P. Stewart, Founder/Central Coordinator
P.O. Box 661401
Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201
Phone: 310-391-5735
FAX: 310-827-9187 (contact UDC first)
Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com
Website: www.udcworld.org

At the fifth annual Interfaith Unity Awards Dinner of the South Coast Interfaith Council, the Unity-and-Diversity World Council and Rev. Leland Stewart were given recognition for our interfaith work over the years.  An award certificate came from Janice Hahn, Councilwoman of the 15th District of Los Angeles.  Award certificates also came from Jane Harman, U.S. Congresswoman.  A beautiful plaque was given to Leland Stewart by the South Coast Interfaith Council.  All of you who have been involved in this important work are to be congratulated and urged to continue in these efforts.  We enthusiastically thank the South Coast Interfaith Council for its recognition! 

DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE

We the People, hereby declare our interdependence -- our connection to the Source of All Life and to all life forms.  We affirm that diverse individuals, groups, and networks are necessary for the creative development of humanity, and that to strengthen UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY throughout the universe is our individual responsibility and privilege.

We therefore pledge --

• To affirm the existence of a Supreme Beingness, called by any name or no name;
• To advance both individual initiative and human fellowship through mutual trust, understanding, and respect;
• To seek the truth in the spirit of love;
• To integrate reason and faith, science and religion;
• To ensure that all aspects of life be kept in dynamic balance for maximum health and well-being;
• To respect the teachings of the prophets and sages of all times and cultures;
• To provide present and future generations with the opportunity for full realization of their potential; and
• To build with joy a new civilization of freedom, justice, and peace founded on reverence for life.

Unity-and-Diversity World Council 
Contact Information

Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T., 
       Founder/Central Coordinator
P.O. Box 661401
Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201
Phone: 310-391-5735
FAX: 310-827-9187 (contact UDC first)
Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com
Website: www.udcworld.org