Judaism & Jewish Leaders “On what basis do we people of different religious commitments meet one another? First and foremost we meet as human beings who have so much in common: a heart, a face, a voice, the presence of a soul, fears, hope, the ability to trust, a capacity for compassion and understanding, the kinship of being human. My first task in every encounter is to comprehend the personhood of the human being I face, to sense the kinship of being human, solidarity of being.” Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, 1966 “…in place of the Old Bottom Line of money and power, a New Bottom Line of Love and Generosity is possible. People of all faiths need to shape a political and social movement that reaffirms the most generous, peace-oriented, social justice-committed, and loving truths of the spiritual heritage of the human race.” Rabbi Michael Lerner Unitarian Universalism “We need not think alike to love alike.” -Francis David, Transylvanian minister and early Unitarian http://ow.ly/6oJVz #uu via @sideoflove “We have all of us, whether rich or poor, whether high or low, of whatever nationality and religious conviction, the same supreme necessities and the same great problem and infinity of love.” Augusta Jane Chapin (1836-1905), Universalist minister and educator Hinduism & Hindi Leaders “I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.” Mohandas Gandhi “I came to the conclusion long ago … that all religions were true and also that all had some error in them, and whilst I hold by my own, I should hold others as dear as Hinduism. So we can only pray, if we are Hindus, not that a Christian should become a Hindu … But our innermost prayer should be a Hindu should be a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, a Christian a better Christian.” Mohandas Gandhi Christianity & Christian Leaders I see religion as a powerful positive healing force for this nation and the world. But that force is blunted, weakened, compromised inestimably, if we turn religion into a tool for advancing political strategy; if we make it a matter of how to win political office; if we treat it as anything other than a sacred part of life from which we ought to draw sustenance and values and strength for living courageously as good citizens.” Interfaith Alliance President Dr. C. Welton Gaddy Buddhism & Buddhist Leaders “Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. All systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truth.” Thich Nhat Hanh Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Sutta Nipata Buddhist scripture “ I appreciate any organization or individual people who sincerely make an effort to promote harmony between humanity, and particularly harmony between the various religions. I consider it very sacred work and very important work” The Dalai Lama “We who have been born Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, or any other faith can be very comfortable in each others temple’s, mosques, and churches, praying or meditating together to create a spiritual mass of consciousness which can overcome our greed, hatred, and illusions.” Dr A. T. Ariyaratne, Founder of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement Islam & Muslim Leaders “Contact (between religions) is good. One should listen to and respect the doctrines professed by others. Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, desires that all should be well-learned in the good doctrines of other religions.” Rock Edict Nb12 (S. Dhammika) Miscellaneous “Ultimately, America’s answer to the intolerant man is diversity, the very diversity which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired.” Robert F. Kennedy “We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.” Kofi Annan, 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations “True religion has a universal quality. It does not find fault with other religions. [...] Forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and the feeling of oneness are the signs of a true religion.” Sri Chinmoy, Spiritual Teacher “If we live in our oneness-heart, we will feel the essence of all religions which is the love of God. Forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and the feeling of oneness are the signs of a true religion.” Sri Chinmoy, Spiritual Teacher “I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons and daughters of one religion, and it is the spirit.” Writer Kahlil Gibran It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. Poet and Activist Audre Lorde For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. Former South African President Nelson Mandela