Focolare Movement

Citizens of the world for building the future

Nov 9, 2003

Celebration in USA

“We the people of the world do herewith declare our interdependence as individuals and members of distinct communities and nations. We do pledge ourselves citizens of one CivWorld …” Just a few yards from Philadelphia’s Independence Hall which witnessed the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in the historic Benjamin Franklin Hall of the American Philosophical Society, 350 noted figures in politics, business, academia and the arts gathered to inaugurate the first annual “Interdependence Day.” Sponsored by the CivWorld Citizens Campaign for Democracy at the University of Maryland, the initial idea for Interdependence Day was rooted in the conviction that citizens themselves can be agents for building a more democratic society. Benjamin R. Barber, Professor of Civil Society at the University of Maryland, and fomer presidential advisor, played a key role in organizing the event aimed at focusing attention on the importance of passing from an attitude of ‘independence’ to one of ‘interdependence’ on the local and global level. To open the event, well-known personalities helped to capture the essence of the project. The message from United Nations’ Secretary-General Kofi Annan noted that the Declaration of Interdependence is similar to the beginning of the UN Charter, “We the peoples.” He defined the current challenge as moving towards a process in which decisions are taken no longer by single nations alone, but together. The message from former Czech President Vaclav Havel warmly encouraged all to develop “new networks of commitment to the common good”—to build up an interdependent world on the basis of responsibility and solidarity. Focolare founder Chiara Lubich was also present through a message which conveyed a powerful challenge to build a truly interdependent world by focusing on that third element which is often forgotten in political theory and practice: “Without fraternity, no person and no people is truly free and equal.” She encouraged, “doesn’t the name itself of the city you are in—Philadelphia—evoke a program of brotherly love? Brotherhood can give new meaning today to the reality of interdependence”. Then, beneath the watchful gaze of the classic portraits of Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin, lively exchanges and artistic presentations all expressed the profound reality of our interdependent world, and the commitment to work towards creating positive alternatives to war and violence. From the participants’ responses, and from the fact that Interdependence Day’s initial spark already enkindled parallel celebrations in Budapest, Hungary, and on several college campuses throughout the United States, it is clear that the time is ripe for the step ahead, from independence to interdependence. Plans are already underway for Interdependence Day 2004 – possibly in Rome, Calcutta, Johannesburg, Beijing, and many other global cities!

___

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

Together to strengthen hope

Together to strengthen hope

In a divided and polarised world, can Movements and new Communities contribute to unity within the Church and in the world? On the eve of the great Jubilee of the Movements in St Peter’s Square, at which Pope Leo XIV will be present, some of the moderators of different ecclesial movements describe the value of the path of friendship and collaboration.

Up2Me for Children: a new educational opportunity

Up2Me for Children: a new educational opportunity

A training course on emotional and sexual education for children and families, offering the chance to grow together as a family unit by developing positive relationships with oneself and others and gaining relationship skills for family and community life.

Family: to forgive and to be forgiven

Family: to forgive and to be forgiven

We would like to share the testimony given by Aureliana and Julián from Paraguay during the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly held in Rome on 31st May-1st June, 2025, attended by 50.000 people and in the presence of Pope Leo XIV.