Welcome | ![]() | Interfaith Religious Worship & the Antichrist & the Abomination of Desolation & the End of the World |
All of the Interfaith False Religious
Followers of Islam, False Christianity and various False Religious
Followers will unite and which will eventually lead to the worship of
the Devil/Satan as he indwells the Islamic Leader of the Ten Arab
Confederation of Nations; the ten Arab Empire in the Middle East. To the
greatest degree, more so at the very end of the 3 1/2 year Empire, the
Arab Leader will become possessed by the power of Satan and declare
himself to be a god to be worshiped. When this happens, it will become
the End of the World or the End of the Age of Grace...
II Thessalonians 2: [1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
[2]
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit,
nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at
hand.
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day
shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of
sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
[4] Who opposeth and
exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so
that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is
God.
Revelation 13: [1] And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up
out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns
ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
[2] And
the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the
feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon
gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
[3] And
I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly
wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
[4]
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and
they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is
able to make war with him?
[5] And there was given unto him a
mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto
him to continue forty and two months.
[6] And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
[7]
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome
them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and
nations.
[8] And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship
him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain
from the foundation of the world.
An
Islamic Religious Leader will arise in the Middle East and declare this
Arab Leader to be an object of worship. Those individuals in the Middle
East, Northern Africa and Eurasia who do not worship this Arab Leader
of the Ten Arab Empire will be killed...
Revelation 13: [11] And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
[12]
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and
causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first
beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
[13] And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
[14]
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those
miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to
them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the
beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
[15] And
he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of
the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not
worship the image of the beast should be killed.
[16] And he
causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to
receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
[17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
[18]
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the
beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred
threescore and six.
End of the World
Matthew 24 [ 1 ] And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple. [ 2 ] And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. [ 3 ] And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
The English word: world, in verse 3, is from the Greek word: αἰῶνος - aiōnos – and means: to the age or a space of time, an age. It really means: The end of the age of grace or the end of the assembly/church age.
Matthew 24: [ 5 ] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [ 6 ] And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [ 7 ] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. [ 8 ] All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Matthew 24: [ 21 ] For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Matthew 24: [ 29 ] Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: [ 30 ] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [ 31 ] And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24: [ 37 ] But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [ 38 ] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [ 39 ] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mark 13: [ 1 ] And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! [ 2 ] And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. [ 3 ] And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, [ 4 ] Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? [ 5 ] And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: [ 6 ] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [ 7 ] And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. [ 8 ] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
Mark 13: [ 19 ] For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
Mark 13: [ 24 ] But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, [ 25 ] And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. [ 26 ] And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. [ 27 ] And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Mark 13: [ 34 ] For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. [ 35 ] Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: [ 36 ] Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. [ 37 ] And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Luke 21: [ 5 ] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, [ 6 ] As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. [ 7 ] And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? [ 8 ] And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. [ 9 ] But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. [ 10 ] Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: [ 11 ] And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21: [ 25 ] And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; [ 26 ] Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. [ 27 ] And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [ 28 ] And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Luke 21: [ 34 ] and take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. [ 35 ] For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. [ 36 ] Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Isaiah 29: [ 6 ] Thou shall be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake , and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.
Matthew 24: [ 7 ] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquake s, in divers places.
Mark 13: [ 8 ] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquake s in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
Luke 21: [ 11 ] And great earthquake s shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Revelation 6: [ 12 ] And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake ; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Revelation 8: [ 5 ] And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake .
Revelation 11: [ 13 ] And the same hour was there a great earthquake , and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. [ 19 ] And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake , and great hail.
Revelation 16: [ 18 ] And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake , such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake , and so great.
Since his inauguration, President -------- has emphasized interfaith cooperation and community service – “interfaith service” for short – as an important way to build understanding between different communities and contribute to the common good.
Interfaith service involves people from different religious and non-religious backgrounds tackling community challenges together – for example, Protestants and Catholics, Hindus and Jews, and Muslims and non-believers — building a Habitat for Humanity house together. Interfaith service impacts specific community challenges, from homelessness to mentoring to the environment, while building social capital and civility.
American colleges, community colleges, and universities have often been at the forefront of solving our nation’s greatest challenges. The White House is encouraging institutions of higher education to make the vision for interfaith cooperation and community service a reality on campuses across the country.
The White House is launching the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, an initiative inviting institutions of higher education to commit to a year of interfaith and community service programming on campus. This programming might take the form of diverse campus groups working together to implement a specific year-long service project. It might also involve students from a college or University partnering with local religious groups to tackle a specific community challenge together.
The U.S. Department of Education Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships works with the White House, and the Corporation for National and Community Service to lead the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, an initiative inviting institutions of higher education to commit to interfaith and community service programming.
History
President ----- issued the Challenge in 2011 by sending a letter to all presidents of institutions of higher education in the United States. Read more about the first two years of the Challenge in The President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge Inaugural Years Report 2013. To read about what we have done from 2013 to the present, please see our President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge 2013-2015 Biannual Report. A program overview can be found here.
Interfaith service involves people from different religious and non-religious backgrounds tackling community challenges together – for example, Protestants and Catholics, Hindus and Jews, and Muslims and non-believers — building a Habitat for Humanity house together. Interfaith service impacts specific community challenges, from homelessness to mentoring to the environment, while building social capital and civility.
Join the Challenge
Currently more than 400 institutions of higher education have responded to the Challenge. They include community colleges, public and private universities, and professional schools. Schools indicate their participation by having the Chief Executive Officer or President appoint a staff member to be campus lead. Each institution designs its own program of interfaith/community service. When the sign-up form is returned to edpartners@ed.gov, the institution will be invited to regional and national gatherings, webinars, and other opportunities to share what the institution is doing and learn from others.
President’s Interfaith and Community Service Honor Roll
Additional recognition is available to participating institutions through the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Here is a list of all the 2014 awardees. The 2015 awardees are forthcoming, stay tuned!
Annual Gathering in Washington, D.C.
We hope you will join us September 22-23 at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. The theme for the conference is “Where Do We Go From Here?” The Campus Challenge Gathering offers an opportunity for students, staff, and administrators to share experiences, learn from experts, and meet ----- Administration officials who share a commitment to community service with an interfaith engagement component. Again this year, we are inviting guests from other countries to join us for this Gathering to explore more models of interfaith service and engagement. The event is designed to be helpful for institutions of higher education that are just beginning programs in interfaith community service and for those with long traditions in this work. An important part of the program is celebrating the work happening on campuses across the country to provide students with opportunities to develop lifelong skills in interfaith cooperation and a commitment to community service. Please access the Welcome Packet and Program Agenda for details around the conference.
Gallaudet University Welcome Packet
The Fifth Annual President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge Gathering was held at Howard University on September 10-11, 2015. For the first time ever, the Gathering hosted international participants and expanded the President’s Campus Challenge to global corners. Please see our complete 2015 agenda.
The Fourth Annual President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge National Gathering occurred on September 22-23, 2014 at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. This year, about 480 students, faculty, staff, and network organizations traveled from across the United States and territories. There was also an exclusive White House Forum on Monday morning that 50 university and college presidents attended. A brief summary gathered from social media can be found on Storify.
They are trying to make all the people of the world to accept their belief and have all countries to forbid any degree of blasphemy towards their religion, yet in reality, they are the ones who directly worship the Devil/Satan…
Blasphemy
is the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, to
religious or holy persons or sacred things, or toward something considered
sacred or inviolable (The definition of inviolable:
is something that has to be kept sacred, or
that is unable to be broken or dishonored.).
Some religions consider blasphemy as a religious crime. As of 2012, anti-blasphemy laws existed in 32 countries, while 87 nations had hate speech laws that covered defamation of religion and public expression of hate against a religious group. Anti-blasphemy laws are particularly common in Muslim-majority nations, such as those in the Middle East and North Africa, although they are also present in some Asian and European countries.
The word "blasphemy" came via Middle
English blasfemen and Old French blasfemer and Late Latin blasphemare from
Greek βλασφημέω, from βλάπτω "injure" and φήμη "utterance, talk,
speech". From blasphemare also came Old French blasmer, from which English
"blame" came. Blasphemy: 'from Gk. blasphemia "a speaking ill,
impious speech, slander," from blasphemein "to speak evil of."'
"In the sense of speaking evil of God
this word is found in Ps. 74:18; Isa. 52:5; Rom. 2:24; Rev. 13:1, 6; 16:9, 11,
21. It denotes also any kind of calumny, or evil-speaking, or abuse (1 Kings
21:10 LXX; Acts 13:45; 18:6, etc.)."
In some countries with a state religion blasphemy is
outlawed under the criminal code. Such laws have led to the persecution,
lynchings, murder or arrest of minorities and dissident members, after flimsy
accusations.
As of 2012, 33 countries had some form of
anti-blasphemy laws in their legal code. Of
these, 20 were Muslim-majority nations – Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt,
Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Maldives, Morocco, Oman,
Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, the UAE and the Western
Sahara. The other twelve nations with anti-blasphemy laws in 2012 were
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, the
Netherlands (abolished in 2014), Nigeria, Poland and Singapore. Blasphemy was
treated as a capital crime (death penalty) in many Muslim nations.
Other countries have removed the ban of blasphemy.
France did so in 1881 to allow freedom of religion and freedom of the press and
blasphemy was abolished or repealed in Sweden in 1970, Norway with Acts in 2009
and 2015, the Netherlands in 2014, and Iceland in 2015.
Where blasphemy is banned, it can be either some
laws which directly punish religious blasphemy, or some laws that allow those
who are offended by blasphemy to punish blasphemers. Those laws may condone
penalties or retaliation for blasphemy under the labels of blasphemous libel,
expression of opposition, or "vilification," of religion or of some
religious practices, religious insult, or hate speech.
In Islamic literature, blasphemy is of many types,
and there are many different words for it: sabb (insult) and shatm (abuse,
vilification), takdhib or tajdif (denial), iftira (concoction), la`n or la'ana
(curse) and ta`n (accuse, defame). In Islamic literature, the term blasphemy
sometimes also overlaps with infidel (kufr, disbeliever), fisq (depravity),
isa'ah (insult), and ridda (apostasy). There are a number of surah in Qur'an
and sunnah in hadith relating to blasphemy, from which Quranic verses 5:33-34
and 33:57-61 have been most commonly used in Islamic history to justify and
punish blasphemers.
For example,
The only punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is that they should be murdered, or crucified, or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides, or they should be imprisoned. This shall he a disgrace for them in this world, and in the Hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement. Except those who repent before you overpower them; so know that Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
— Qur'an, [Quran 5:33–34]
Those who annoy Allah and His Messenger - Allah has cursed them in this World and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating Punishment. Truly, if the Hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbours for any length of time: They shall have a curse on them: whenever they are found, they shall be seized and slain (without mercy).
— Qur'an, [Quran 33:57–61]
A variety of actions, speeches or behavior can
constitute blasphemy in Islam. Some examples include insulting or cursing
Allah, or Muhammad; mockery or disagreeable behavior towards beliefs and
customs common in Islam; criticism of Islam's holy personages. Apostasy, that
is, the act of abandoning Islam, or finding faults or expressing doubts about
Allah (ta'til) and Qur'an, rejection of Muhammed or any of his teachings, or
leaving the Muslim community to become an atheist is a form of blasphemy.
Questioning religious opinions (fatwa) and normative Islamic views can also be
construed as blasphemous. Improper dress, drawing offensive cartoons, tearing
or burning holy literature of Islam, creating or using music or painting or video
or novels to mock or criticize Muhammad are some examples of blasphemous acts.
In the context of those who are non-Muslims, the concept of blasphemy includes
all aspects of infidelity (kufr).
In the early 21st century, blasphemy became an issue
in the United Nations. The United Nations passed several resolutions which
called upon the world to take action against the "defamation of
religions".
The
campaign for worldwide criminal penalties for the "defamation of
religions" had been spearheaded by Organization of Islamic Cooperation on
behalf of the United Nations' large Muslim bloc.
The campaign ended in 2011 when the proposal was withdrawn in Geneva, in the
Human Rights Council because of lack of support, marking an end to the effort
to impose worldwide blasphemy strictures along the lines of those in Pakistan,
Saudi Arabia, and Iran. This resolution had passed every year since 1999, in
the United Nations, with declining number of "yes" votes with each
successive year.
In July, 2011, the UN Human Rights Committee released a 52-paragraph statement, General Comment 34 on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1976, concerning freedoms of opinion and expression.[75] Paragraph 48 states:
Prohibitions
of displays of lack of respect for a religion or other belief system, including
blasphemy laws, are incompatible with the Covenant, except in the specific
circumstances envisaged in article 20, paragraph 2, of the Covenant. Such
prohibitions must also comply with the strict requirements of article 19,
paragraph 3, as well as such articles as 2, 5, 17, 18 and 26. Thus, for
instance, it would be impermissible for any such laws to discriminate in favor
of or against one or certain religions or belief systems, or their adherents
over another or religious believers over non-believers. Nor would it be
permissible for such prohibitions to be used to prevent or punish criticism of
religious leaders or commentary on religious doctrine and tenets of faith.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy
Defamation of religion and the United Nations
Defamation of religion is an issue that was repeatedly addressed by some member states of the United Nations (UN) from 1999 until 2010. Several non-binding resolutions were voted on and accepted by the UN condemning "defamation of religion". The motions, sponsored on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), now known as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, sought to prohibit expression that would "fuel discrimination, extremism and misperception leading to polarization and fragmentation with dangerous unintended and unforeseen consequences". Religious groups, human rights activists, free-speech activists, and several countries in the West condemned the resolutions arguing they amounted to an international blasphemy law. Critics of the resolutions including human rights groups argued that they were used to politically strengthen domestic anti-blasphemy and religious defamation laws, which are used to imprison journalists, students and other peaceful political dissidents.
From 2001 to 2010 there was a clear split, with the
Islamic bloc and much of the developing world supporting the defamation of
religion resolutions, and mostly Western democracies opposing. Support waned
toward the end of the period due to increased opposition from the West along
with lobbying by religious, free-speech, and human rights advocacy groups. Some
countries in Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America switched from supporting to
abstaining, or from abstaining to opposing.[1] The final "defamation of
religions" resolution in 2010, which also condemned "the ban on the
construction of minarets of mosques" four months after a Swiss referendum
introduced such a ban, passed with only 20 supporting, 17 opposing, and 8
abstaining.
In 2011, with falling support for the defamation of religion approach, the OIC changed their approach and introduced a new resolution on "Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief" that received unanimous support. The UN Human Rights Committee followed this in July 2011 with the adoption of General Comment 34 on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1976 that binds signatory countries. Concerning freedoms of opinion and expression, General Comment 34 made it clear that "Prohibitions of displays of lack of respect for a religion or other belief system, including blasphemy laws, are incompatible with the Covenant".
United Nations resolutions
Defamation of religion resolutions were the subject
of debate by the UN from 1999 until 2010. In 2011, members of the UN Human
Rights Council found compromise and replaced the “defamation of religions”
resolution with Resolution 16/18, which sought to protect people rather than
religions and called upon states to take concrete steps to protect religious
freedom, prohibit discrimination and hate crimes, and counter offensive
expression through dialogue, education, and public debate rather than the
criminalization of speech. Resolution 16/18 was supported by both OIC member
countries and Western countries, including the United States.
1999
In April 1999, at the urging of the Organization of
the Islamic Conference (OIC), Pakistan brought before the United Nations
Commission on Human Rights a resolution entitled "Defamation of
Islam".[7] The purpose of the resolution was to have the Commission stand
up against what the OIC claimed was a campaign to defame Islam.
Some members of the Commission proposed that
the resolution be changed to embrace all religions. The Commission accepted the
proposal, and changed the title of the resolution to "Defamation of
Religions". The resolution urged "all States, within their national
legal framework, in conformity with international human rights instruments to
take all appropriate measures to combat hatred, discrimination, intolerance and
acts of violence, intimidation and coercion motivated by religious intolerance,
including attacks on religious places, and to encourage understanding,
tolerance and respect in matters relating to freedom of religion or
belief". The Commission adopted the resolution without a vote.
2000 to 2005
In 2000, the CHR adopted a similar resolution
without a vote.[7][8] In 2001, a vote on a resolution entitled "Combating
defamation of religions as a means to promote human rights, social harmony and
religious and cultural diversity" received 28 votes in favor, 15 against,
and 9 abstentions.[7][9] In 2002, a vote on a resolution entitled
"Combating defamation of religion" received 30 votes in favor, 15
against, and 8 abstentions.[10] In 2003, 2004, and 2005, by similar votes, the
CHR approved resolutions entitled "Combating defamation of
religions".
In 2005, Yemen introduced a resolution entitled
"Combating Defamation of Religions" in the General Assembly (60th
Session). 101 states voted in favor of the resolution, 53 voted against, and 20
abstained.
2006
In March 2006, the CHR became the UNHRC. The UNHRC
approved a resolution entitled "Combating Defamation of Religions",
and submitted it to the General Assembly. In the General Assembly, 111 member
states voted in favor of the resolution, 54 voted against, and 18 abstained.
Russia and China, permanent members of the UN Security Councils, voted for the
Resolution.
2007
On 30 March 2007, the UNHRC adopted a resolution
entitled "Combating Defamation of Religions". The resolution called
upon the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report on the activities of her
office with regard to combating defamation of religions.
On 30 March 2007, the UNHRC adopted a resolution
entitled "Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination
based on religion or belief". The resolution called upon the Special
Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to report on this issue for the
Human Rights Council at its sixth session.
In August 2007, the Special Rapporteur, Doudou
Diène, reported to the General Assembly "on contemporary forms of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance on the manifestations
of defamation of religions and in particular on the serious implications of
Islamophobia on the enjoyment of all rights". Among other recommendations,
the Special Rapporteur recommended that the Member States promote dialogue
between cultures, civilizations, and religions taking into consideration:
(a) The
need to provide equal treatment to the combat of all forms of defamation of
religions, thus avoiding hierarchization of forms of discrimination, even
though their intensity may vary according to history, geography and culture;
(b) The
historical and cultural depth of all forms of defamation of religions, and
therefore the need to complement legal strategies with an intellectual and
ethical strategy relating to the processes, mechanisms and representations
which constitute those manifestations over time;
(e) The
need to pay particular attention and vigilance to maintain a careful balance
between secularism and the respect of freedom of religion. A growing anti-religious
culture and rhetoric is a central source of defamation of all religions and
discrimination against their believers and practitioners. In this context
governments should pay a particular attention to guaranteeing and protecting
the places of worship and culture of all religions.
On 4 September 2007, the High Commissioner for Human
Rights reported to the UNHRC that "Enhanced cooperation and stronger
political will by Member States are essential for combating defamation of
religions".
On 18 December 2007, the General Assembly voted on
another resolution entitled "Combating Defamation of Religions".[19]
108 states voted in favor of the resolution; 51 voted against it; and 25
abstained.[20] The resolution required the Secretary General to report to the sixty-third
session of the General Assembly on the implementation of the resolution, and to
have regard for "the possible correlation between defamation of religions
and the upsurge in incitement, intolerance and hatred in many parts of the
world".
2008
On 27 March 2008, the UNHRC passed another resolution about the defamation of religion.
The resolution:
10. Emphasizes that respect of religions and their protection from contempt is an essential element conducive for the exercise by all of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion;
11. Urges all States to ensure that all public officials, including members of law enforcement bodies, the military, civil servants and educators, in the course of their official duties, respect all religions and beliefs and do not discriminate against persons on the grounds of their religion or belief, and that all necessary and appropriate education or training is provided;
12. Emphasizes that, as stipulated in international human rights law, everyone has the right to freedom of expression, and that the exercise of this right carries with it special duties and responsibilities, and may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but only those provided by law and necessary for the respect of the rights or reputations of others, or for the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals;
13. Reaffirms that general comment No. 15 of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in which the Committee stipulates that the prohibition of the dissemination of all ideas based upon racial superiority or hatred is compatible with the freedom of opinion and expression, is equally applicable to the question of incitement to religious hatred;
14. Deplores the use of printed, audio-visual and electronic media, including the Internet, and of any other means to incite acts of violence, xenophobia or related intolerance and discrimination towards Islam or any religion;
15. Invites the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance to continue to report on all manifestations of defamation of religions, and in particular on the serious implications of Islamophobia, on the enjoyment of all rights to the Council at its ninth session;
16.
Requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report on the implementation
of the present resolution and to submit a study compiling relevant existing
legislations and jurisprudence concerning defamation of and contempt for
religions to the Council at its ninth session.
21 members were in favor of the resolution; 10 were opposed; 14 abstained.
2011
In early 2011, with declining support for the
defamation of religion approach and at the time of the Arab Spring, which was
in part due to a lack of freedom of speech, political freedoms, poor living
conditions, corruption, and rising food prices, there was a real possibility
that another resolution on the defamation of religion would be defeated. The
OIC shifted position and opted to pursue an approach that would gain the
support from both OIC and Western countries. [46] On March 24, 2011, the UN
Human Rights Council in a very significant move shifted from protecting beliefs
to the protection of believers with the unanimous adoption without a vote of
Resolution 16/18 introduced by Pakistan.
Among its many specific points, Resolution 16/18 on
Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and
discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on
religion or belief, highlights barriers to religiously tolerant societies and
provides recommendations on how these barriers can be overcome. The resolution
calls upon all member states to foster religious freedom and pluralism, to
ensure religious minorities are properly represented, and to consider adopting
measures to criminalize incitement to imminent violence based on religion or
belief. Other recommendations include creating government programs to promote
inter-religious tolerance and dialogue, training government employees to be
sensitive toward religious sensitivities, and engaging in outreach initiatives.
At a meeting on July 15, 2011, hosted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the OIC/IRCICA premises in the historic Yildiz Palace in Istanbul and co-chaired by the OIC Secretary-General H.E Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and U.S. Secretary of State H.E. Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Secretary of State of the United States, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, together with foreign ministers and officials from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Sudan, United Kingdom, the Vatican (Holy See), UN OHCHR, Arab League, African Union, gave a united impetus to the implementation of UN Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18 with the release of a Joint Statement.
The text includes the following:
"They
called upon all relevant stakeholders throughout the world to take seriously
the call for action set forth in Resolution 16/18, which contributes to
strengthening the foundations of tolerance and respect for religious diversity
as well as enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental
freedoms around the world.
Participants, resolved to go beyond mere rhetoric, and to reaffirm their commitment to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression by urging States to take effective measures, as set forth in Resolution 16/18, consistent with their obligations under international human rights law, to address and combat intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on religion or belief. The co-chairs of the meeting committed to working together with other interested countries and actors on follow up and implementation of Resolution 16/18 and to conduct further events and activities to discuss and assess implementation of the resolution."
United Nations
A
/HRC/RES/16/18
General Assembly
Distr.: General
12 April 2011
Original: English Human Rights Council Sixteenth session Agenda item 9 Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related form of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration andProgramme of Action Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council
16/18
Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief The Human Rights Council, Reaffirming the commitment made by all States under the Charter of the United Nations to promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of all human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to, inter alia, religion or belief,
Reaffirming also the obligation of States to prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion or belief and to implement measures to guarantee the equal and effective protection of the law,
Reaffirming further that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides, inter alia, that everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, which shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching,
Reaffirming the positive role that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information can play in strengthening democracy and combating religious intolerance,
Deeply concerned about incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against persons based on their religion or belief in all regions of the world,
The resolutions and decisions adopted by the Human Rights Council will be contained in the report of the Council on its sixteenth session (A/HRC/16/2), chap. I.
GE.11-12727
A/HRC/RES/16/18
Deploring any advocacy of discrimination
or violence on the basis of religion or belief,
Strongly deploring all acts of
violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as
any such acts directed against their homes, businesses, properties, schools,
cultural centers or places of worship,
Concerned about actions that willfully
exploit tensions or target individuals on the basis of their religion or
belief, Noting with deep concern the instances of intolerance, discrimination
and acts of violence in many parts of the world, including cases motivated by
discrimination against persons belonging to religious minorities, in addition
to the negative projection of the followers of religions and the enforcement of
measures that specifically discriminate against persons on the basis of
religion or belief,
Recognizing the valuable contribution of people of all religions or beliefs to humanity and the contribution that dialogue among religious groups can make towards an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind,
Recognizing also that working
together to enhance implementation of existing legal regimes that protect
individuals against discrimination and hate crimes, increase interfaith and
intercultural efforts, and to expand human rights education are important first
steps in combating incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence
against individuals on the basis of religion or belief,
1.
Expresses deep concern at the continued serious instances of derogatory stereotyping, negative profiling and stigmatization of persons based on their religion or belief, as well as programmers and agendas pursued by extremist organizations and groups aimed at creating and perpetuating negative stereotypes about religious groups, in particular when condoned by Governments;
2
. Expresses its concern that incidents of religious intolerance, discrimination and related violence, as well as of negative stereotyping of individuals on the basis of religion or belief, continue to rise around the world, and condemns, in this context, any advocacy of religious hatred against individuals that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and urges States to take effective measures, as set forth in the present resolution, consistent with their obligations under international human rights law, to address and combat such incidents;
3.
Condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audio-visual or electronic media or any other means;
4.
Recognizes that the open public debate of ideas, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue, at the local, national and international levels can be among the best protections against religious intolerance and can play a positive role in strengthening democracy and combating religious hatred, and convinced that a continuing dialogue on these issues can help overcome existing misperceptions;
5.
Notes the speech given by
Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference at the
fifteenth session of the Human Rights Council, and draws on his call on States
to take the following actions to foster a domestic environment of religious
tolerance, peace and respect, by: (a) Encouraging the creation of collaborative
networks to build mutual understanding, promoting dialogue and inspiring
constructive action towards shared policy goals and the pursuit of tangible
outcomes, such as servicing projects in the fields of education, health,
conflict prevention, employment, integration and media education;
2A/HRC/RES/16/18 (b) Creating an appropriate mechanism within Governments to, inter alia,
Identify and address potential areas of tension between members of different religious
Communities and assisting with conflict prevention and mediation;
(c) Encouraging training of Government officials in effective outreach strategies;
(d) Encouraging the efforts of leaders to discuss within their communities the causes of discrimination, and evolving strategies to counter these causes;
(e) Speaking out against intolerance, including advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence;
(f)
Adopting measures to criminalize incitement to imminent violence based on religion or belief;(g) Understanding the need to combat denigration and negative religious stereotyping of persons, as well as incitement to religious hatred, by strategizing and harmonizing actions at the local, national, regional and international levels through, inter alia, education and awareness-building;
(h)
Recognizing that the open, constructive and respectful debate of ideas, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue at the local, national and international levels, can play a positive role in combating religious hatred, incitement and violence;
6.
Calls upon
All States: (a) To take effective measures to ensure that public functionaries in the conduct
Of their public duties do not discriminate against an individual on the basis of religion or belief;
(b) To foster religious freedom and pluralism by promoting the ability of members of all religious communities to manifest their religion, and to contribute openly and on an equal footing to society;
(c) To encourage the representation and meaningful participation of individuals, irrespective of their religion, in all sectors of society;
(d) To make a strong effort to counter religious profiling, which is understood to be the invidious use of religion as a criterion in conducting questionings, searches and other law enforcement investigative procedures;
7. Encourages States to consider providing updates on efforts made in this regard as part of ongoing reporting to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;
8.
Calls upon States to adopt measures and policies to promote the full respect for and protection of places of worship and religious sites, cemeteries and shrines, and to take measures in cases where they are vulnerable to vandalism or destruction;
9
. Calls for strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue for the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and diversity of religions and beliefs, and decides to convene a panel discussion on this issue at its seventeenth session, within existing resources.
46thmeeting 24 March 2011[Adopted without a vote.]
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/16session/A.HRC.RES.16.18_en.pdf
United Nations
A
/RES/67/178
General Assembly
Distr.: General 28 March 2013 Sixty-seventh session Agenda item 69 (b)
12-48928
*1248928*
Resolution adopted by the General
Assembly on 20 December 2012
[On the report of the Third Committee
(A/67/457/Add.2 and Corr.1)] 67/178. Combating intolerance, negative
stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and
violence against persons, based on religion or belief
The General Assembly, Reaffirming
the commitment made by all States under the Charter of the United Nations to
promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of all human rights
and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to, inter alia, religion or
belief, Reaffirming also the obligation of States to prohibit discrimination
and violence on the basis of religion or belief and to implement measures to
guarantee the equal and effective protection of the law,
Reaffirming further that all human
rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated,
Reaffirming that the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides, inter alia, that everyone
shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief,
which shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of one’s
choice and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or
private, to manifest one’s religion or belief in worship, observance, practice
and teaching,
Reaffirming also the positive role
that the exercise of the right to freedom of
opinion and expression and full
respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information can play in
strengthening democracy and combating religious intolerance, and reaffirming
further that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it
special duties and responsibilities, in accordance with article 19 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
Expressing deep concern at those acts that advocate religious hatred and thereby undermine the spirit of tolerance,
_______________
1
See resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.
A/RES/67/178
Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination,
Incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief
2/5
Reaffirming that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group,
Reaffirming also that violence can never be an acceptable response to acts of intolerance on the basis of religion or belief,
Welcoming
Human Rights Council resolutions
16/18 of 24 March 2011and 19/25 of 23 March 2012and General Assembly resolution
66/167 of 19 December 2011,
Deeply concerned about incidents of
intolerance, discrimination and violence against persons based on their
religion or belief in all regions of the world,
Deploring any advocacy of discrimination or violence on the basis of religion or belief,
Strongly deploring all acts of
violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief, as well as
any such acts directed against their homes, businesses, properties, schools,
cultural centers or places of worship,
Strongly deploring, further, all
attacks on and in religious places, sites and shrines in violation of
international law, in particular human rights law and international
humanitarian law, including any deliberate destruction of relics and monuments,
Concerned about actions that willfully
exploit tensions or target individuals on the basis of their religion or
belief,
Expressing deep concern at the
instances of intolerance, discrimination and acts of violence occurring in the
world, including cases motivated by discrimination against persons belonging to
religious minorities, in addition to the negative projection of the followers
of religions and the enforcement of measures that specifically discriminate
against persons on the basis of religion or belief,
Expressing concern at the growing
manifestations of intolerance based on religion or belief that can generate
hatred and violence among individuals from and within different nations, which
may have serious implications at the national, regional and international
levels, and in this regard emphasizing the importance of respect for religious
and cultural diversity, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue aimed
at promoting a culture of tolerance and respect among individuals, societies
and nations,
Recognizing the valuable
contribution of people of all religions or beliefs to humanity and the
contribution that dialogue among religious groups can make towards an improved
awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind,
Underlining the fact that States, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and the media have an important role to play in promoting tolerance and respect for religious and cultural diversity and in the universal promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief,
_______________
2
See
Official Records of the General Assembly
, Sixty-sixth Session, Supplement No. 53
(A/66/53), chap. II,
sect. A.
3
Ibid.,
Sixty-seventh Session, Supplement No. 53
And corrigendum (A/67/53 and
Corr.1), chap. III, sect. A.
Combating intolerance, negative
stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and
violence against persons, based on religion or belief
A/RES/67/178
3/5
Underlining also the importance of
raising awareness about different cultures and religions or beliefs and of
education in the promotion of tolerance, which involves the acceptance by the
public of and its respect for religious and cultural diversity, including with
regard to religious expression, and underlining further the fact that
education, in particular at school, should contribute in a meaningful way to promoting
tolerance and the elimination of discrimination based on religion or belief,
Recognizing that working together to enhance the implementation of existing legal regimes that protect individuals against discrimination and hate crimes, increase interfaith and intercultural efforts and expand human rights education is an important first step in combating incidents of intolerance, discrimination and violence against individuals on the basis of religion or belief,
Welcoming the inauguration of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna, established on the basis of the purposes and principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights and acknowledging the
important role that the Centre is expected to play as a platform for the
enhancement of interreligious and intercultural dialogue,
Welcoming also, in this regard, all international, regional and national initiatives aimed at promoting interreligious, intercultural and interfaith harmony and combating discrimination against individuals on the basis of religion or belief, including the launching of the Istanbul Process, and noting the recent initiative of the chairmanship of Albania of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe under the theme “United in diversity” and the holding of five regional workshops by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Austria,
Chile, Kenya, Morocco and Thailand
on related issues,
1.
Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on steps taken by States to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief;
5
2.
Expresses deep concern at the continued serious instances of derogatory stereotyping, negative profiling and stigmatization of persons based on their religion or belief, as well as programmers and agendas pursued by extremist individuals, organizations and groups aimed at creating and perpetuating negative stereotypes about religious groups, in particular when condoned by Governments;
3.
Expresses concern that the number of incidents of religious intolerance, discrimination and related violence, as well as of negative stereotyping of individuals on the basis of religion or belief, continues to rise around the world, which may have serious implications at the national, regional and international levels, condemns, in this context, any advocacy of religious hatred against individuals that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and urges States to take effective measures, as set forth in the present resolution and consistent with their obligations under international human rights law, to address and combat such incidents;
4.
Condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audiovisual or electronic media or any other means;
_______________
4
Resolution 217 A (III).
5
A/67/296.
A/RES/67/178
Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief4/5
5.
Recognizes that the open public debate of ideas, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue, at the local, national and international levels can be among the best protections against religious intolerance and can play a positive role in strengthening democracy and combating religious hatred, and expresses its conviction that a continuing dialogue on these issues can help to overcome existing misperceptions;
6.
Also recognizes the strong need for global awareness about the possible serious implications of incitement to discrimination and violence, which may have serious implications at the national, regional and international levels, and urges all
Member States to make renewed efforts to develop educational systems that promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms that enhance tolerance for religious and cultural diversity, which is fundamental to promoting tolerant, peaceful and harmonious multicultural societies;
7.
Calls upon all States to take the following actions, as called for by the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to foster a domestic environment of religious tolerance, peace and respect by:
(a) Encouraging the creation of collaborative networks to build mutual understanding, promoting dialogue and inspiring constructive action towards shared policy goals and the pursuit of tangible outcomes, such as servicing projects in the fields of education, health, conflict prevention, employment, integration and media education;
(b) Creating an appropriate mechanism within Governments to, inter alia, identify and address potential areas of tension between members of different religious communities, and assisting with conflict prevention and mediation;
(c) Encouraging the training of Government officials in effective outreach strategies;
(d) Encouraging the efforts of leaders to discuss within their communities
The causes of discrimination, and developing strategies to counter those causes;
(e) Speaking out against intolerance, including advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence;
(f) Adopting measures to criminalize incitement to imminent violence based on religion or belief;
(g) Understanding the need to combat denigration and the negative religious stereotyping of persons, as well as incitement to religious hatred, by strategizing and harmonizing actions at the local, national, regional and international levels through, inter alia, education and awareness-raising;
(h) Recognizing that the open, constructive and respectful debate of ideas, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue at the local, national, regional and international levels, can play a positive role in combating religious hatred, incitement and violence;
8.
Also calls upon all States:
(a) To take effective measures to ensure that public functionaries, in the conduct of their public duties, do not discriminate against an individual on the basis of religion or belief;
Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination,
incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief
A/RES/67/178
5/5
(b) To foster religious freedom and pluralism by promoting the ability of members of all religious communities to manifest their religion and to contribute openly and on an equal footing to society;
(c) To encourage the representation and meaningful participation of individuals, irrespective of their religion or belief, in all sectors of society;
(d) To make a strong effort to counter religious profiling, which is understood to be the invidious use of religion as a criterion in conducting questioning, searches and other law enforcement investigative procedures;
9.
Further calls upon all States to adopt measures and policies to promote full respect for and protection of places of worship and religious sites, cemeteries and shrines, and to take protective measures in cases where they are vulnerable to vandalism or destruction;
10.
Calls for strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue for the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and diversity of religions and beliefs;
11.
Encourages all States to consider providing updates on efforts made in this regard as part of ongoing reporting to the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights and in this respect requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to include those updates in her reports to the Human Rights Council;
12.
Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session a report that includes information provided by the High Commissioner on steps taken by States to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief, as set forth in the present resolution.
60th plenary meeting
20 December 2012
From:
http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=%20A/RES/67/178