Dear All,
On behalf of members of the United Religions Initiative from diverse religions, spiritual expressions, indigenous traditions and cultures in Africa and the rest of the world I present you greetings of peace and blessing.
As we are commemorating the Golden Rule Day, I pray for peace, harmony, trust, mutual respect, human dignity, unconditional love, compassion, understanding, healing and forgiveness to prevail throughout the world
I am delighted to share with you this message on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2025 Golden Rule Day to highlight the importance of the teaching of the Golden Rule which says “Treat others as you would like to be treated” for the manifestation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in the world as both the Golden Rule and the UDHR are rooted in the idea that all people are equal and deserve respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The Golden Rule and UDHR both emphasize the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, promoting universal respect and equality. The UDHR's principles, such as the right to equality and freedom from discrimination, are practical applications of the Golden Rule, ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Therefore the Golden Rule is a practical action to safeguard human dignity, protect human right and promote the peace and well being of all regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status.
The Golden Rule is a principle that has been embraced by many religions, faith, indigenous spirituality and cultures throughout history. The Golden Rule encourages individuals to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves. This principle is a powerful tool for promoting human right, dignity, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. When we treat others with respect and empathy, we create a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. The power of the Golden Rule is evident in the way it can transform relationships and promote healing and justice.
The Golden Rule is one of the oldest and most agreed upon moral principles in human history which will help to build the bridges that connect us to one another in a positive way. The Golden Rule is more needed in our world as it will help us in the pursuit of social justice, peace, healing, compassion and understanding the others and the dignity of all without discrimination.
The Golden Rule will also help us to stand firm in solidarity and building bridges among people to promote unity-in-diversity, equality, mutual respect and cohabitation. It will further help us to transcend the trivial differences we have and stand up together against gender base violence, hate speech, xenophobia, racism, discrimination, exclusion and marginalization.
The core message of Golden Rule and that of Ubuntu which says “ I am because we are” will help us to develop right human relationship based on mutual respect, human dignity, integrity, harmony, kindness, compassion, care and positive act for the good of each other & the welfare of all life forms on Earth.
The Golden Rule is practical action to foster peace, interfaith harmony and to counter violence, greedy, violation of human right and incitement which leads to conflict
Therefore the commemoration of the Golden Rule Day is a reminder for all of us as a world citizen to live and practice based on the principle of the Golden Rule everyday as much as possible.
The Golden Rule and Ubuntu help us to extend our concern beyond ourselves and to embrace a greater understanding and respect for others
It is with this in mind that we are commemorating the Golden Rule Day every year on April 5th to promote this common shared value in the world as it is antidote to most of social ills facing our world.
May the Creator of the Universe help us to be the embodiment of the Golden Rule and Ubuntu and be the peace we want to see in the world and walk the talk
May Peace, Golden Rule and the Spirit of Ubuntu Prevail on Earth
Celebrating the Golden Rule Day 2025
