“Charity is certainly
greater than any rule.
Moreover, all rules
lead to charity.”

July 30, 2021 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. According to the United Nations, every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit, or destination for victims.

July 18 is Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former South African president’s contribution to a culture of peace and freedom. It is a global call to action for citizens of the world to help change the world for the better and in so doing, to build a global movement for good.

Merciful Creator, as we observe Independence Day receive our prayers for our nation, our public officials and all those who dwell here.

According to the United Nations, every minute 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror. There are several categories of forcibly displaced persons.

June 12 is World Day Against Child Labor. The International Labor Organization (ILO), a United Nations agency, defines child labor as work that deprives children and adolescents of their childhood, their education or training, their potential, their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.

The United Nations’ International Day for Biological Diversity is May 22. Biodiversity refers to the variety of living species on Earth, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. It allows agricultural systems to
overcome environmental shocks, climate change and pandemics.

May 21 is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialog and Development. The day provides an opportunity to help individuals and communities understand the value of cultural diversity and learn how to live together in harmony. It was adopted in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

For many countries, “Mother Earth” is a common expression for our planet and its biosphere as the giver and sustainer of life. It reflects the interdependence that exists among all creation, human and nonhuman.

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

March is National Women’s History Month, and this year the National Women’s History Project is honoring the important roles of multicultural suffragists and voting rights activists who have shaped U.S. history. Each of these richly diverse women succeeded against great odds.