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A Declaration of Interdependence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.”
These ideals, penned in a preamble and pursued by our founders almost 250 years ago, require our constant attention to protect, uphold, and expand. These words that acknowledge our Creator also highlight the self-evident truth of universal equality, which calls to mind the very Episcopal notion of the inherent dignity of every human being.
Last week, we celebrated our independence as citizens of a great but imperfect nation. This week, perhaps we might also pause to consider our interdependence as citizens of an imperfect human race?
In the heartfelt message below, Pere Gracia, the Haiti Partnership Coordinator from the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, invites us to expand our understanding of "We the People" to encompass all of humanity, working together to ensure that "peace, dignity, and the well-being of all prevail." As the smoke from the fireworks and barbeque clears, consider what Pere Gracia’s message could mean to you, and to all of us as Episcopal schools.
To the Decision-Makers and Leaders of the World
To the Peoples of the Earth
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Citizens of the World,
May peace be upon the world!
The hour is grave.
Our existence is under threat. Life on this planet is being disrupted. The days seem to draw toward their decline. Human anxiety intensifies; pain consumes hearts. Suffering multiplies, and death lurks, striking each day.
Leaders of the world, peoples of the Earth, let us return to reason!
Yes, we differ in cultures, languages, and skin colors. But one essential bond unites us all: Life - this sacred gift from God, Master of the universe, of all that is seen and unseen. Life is precious. He is the Father of all wisdom, the Giver of all power.
Let us use our faculties, knowledge, discoveries, and achievements to build a world where life and the dignity of every human being are respected without exception, without discrimination.
Let us replace the narrowness of nationality with the greatness of shared humanity.
Let us dream of and work for a world that is economically just, peacefully livable, humanly united, and profoundly equal.
The current path of the world is troubling. The absence of peace among nations acts like a deadly virus, ready to become a destructive pandemic. If we do not respond, we will all lose our greatest treasure: Life itself.
Only through genuine, lived fraternity will our common humanity be revealed.
Standing with the most fragile nations, let us unite and cry out with one voice: “No to war!”
To you, world powers:
Bring hope to those crushed by violence in Haiti, Israel, Gaza, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, the Sahel, Yemen, and Iran.
Let us not ignore the suffering of migrants in the Americas, where respect for human rights, freedom, and justice must be a living example not a fading illusion.
And to you, United Nations
Rise up for the union of nations!
Take responsibility. Let your voice be firm, your action meaningful.
Long live a free, just, and united world!
Long live a world where peace, dignity, and the well-being of all prevail!
Let wars cease. Let love, unity, and peace reign.
Then, and only then, will security be written in letters of gold for all, everywhere, across the planet.
May peace be upon the world!
Rev. Father Kesner Gracia
Citizen of the world, servant of life, artisan of peace
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