Professional Documents
Culture Documents
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only
thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
FROM THE DIRECTOR every week as, for example, many houses of worship do.
While you are free to donate to the Center at any time -
either by mail or online - it is this one time of the year
A question that frequently is asked at our that allows you to plan your annual gifts and to positively
lectures and seminars is “how can we not have religious- support our unique cause. As you know, the Center exists
based conflict when there are so many different religions and functions only because of people like you. Without
in the world and when many of them have as their basic your support, we cease to function.
dogma that their religion is the only correct religion?”.
This is certainly a fair concern. And, it is clear that any What do we do with your donations? What we
time anyone or any religion states that “we are right and do not do is pay salaries or other compensation to our
anyone who doesn’t agree with us is wrong” the potential Trustees, Officers and other staff. We are all volunteers.
for conflict is there. Thus, the question: why are there so Likewise, we have no professional fund solicitors. So, if
many conflicting religions? This is because the peculiar your donation is to our Operational Fund, you can rest
tendencies with which a person is born must remain with assured that ALL of the money you donate goes directly
him, and, in most cases he is destined to follow the for the purpose intended, namely for the Center to
tendencies peculiar to himself. Thus the chief reason why perform its work of publicizing the problem of religious-
there are many religions in the world. So, people with based conflict to the world, explaining its causes as well
different tendencies will have different cosmic views - as the terrible costs to all - even to those not directly
each following those tendencies peculiar to himself - affected - and offering the way forward, past what has
necessitating more than one religion on our planet. How been, until now, the so-called solution of tolerance. We
do we get around this? How do we avoid - or at least, show how to go beyond tolerance and why.
reduce the potential for such conflict that this brings?
There is only one way of which we are aware at present - Your support not only pays the normal, day-to-
the Center way - education, beginning at home, teaching day bills of rent, utilities, office supplies, maintenance,
children to de-emphasize religious differences while etc., it also allows us to publicize our work via the various
learning to find those common threads of similarity which media, to give lectures, to attend conferences as speakers
all religions have (see our new Brochure, Common or panel members. As we go forward, it will among other
Thread Number One). Though this is long-term it is things, assist in bringing in research and technical
necessary if we are to reduce religious-based conflict. As experts, hire qualified staff, develop a more advanced
far as we are aware, there are no practical short-term website, as well as travel for research and investigation,
measures which can accomplish this. all to better bring our important message to the world.
___________ ! On the other hand, should you desire to donate
to our Endowment Fund, such donation will provide
longer term financial security and certainty to the Center.
ITS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN In accordance with accepted and standard norms, the
monies from the principal of our Endowment Fund
Yes, it is that time of the year when we ask you cannot be spent, only any proceeds (i.e. interest,
to help us continue with our urgent work - to support the dividends, etc.) can be used for operational purposes.
Center by making a gift of your choice. As regular Thus, in this case such donation provides the building
readers know, we make this request only once a year, not block for financial credibility and permanency.
➔
So, please help us with our efforts to reduce for both the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. It
marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690
religious-based conflict. Make your tax-deductible
which commemorates the victory of Protestant King
donation to the Center today. And be sure to designate
William of Orange over the army of Catholic King James
whether you want your donation to go to the Operational
II. Even though there was a “peace agreement” between
or Endowment Fund. Thank you! ! ! the two rivals in March, 2007, the violence persists -
especially every June 12th. This year was no exception.
➔
Yes, I want to support the Center!
To donate now to either the Center’s Operational Fund or to its Endowment Fund account
using your credit card or online bank check, click
HERE
30-09/10