|
The Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF), founded by Rabbi Arthur Schneier in 1965, has worked on behalf of religious freedom and human rights throughout the world. This interfaith coalition of business, religious and foreign policy leaders promotes peace, tolerance and ethnic conflict resolution. It also provides a voice of conscience to protect minorities at a time of increasing ethnic conflict in many regions of the world.
As a member of the United Nation's "Alliance of Civilizations" High Level Group, Rabbi Arthur Schneier has extended the ACF's work and reputation through his own participation, forging ties with political and religious leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America - in conferences in Spain, Qatar, Senegal, and Turkey.
To uphold the principle of "live and let live" is the ACF's continuing goal. The ACF believes that freedom, democracy and human rights are the fundamental values that give nations of the world their best hope for peace, security and shared prosperity.
One of the primary ways in which the ACF carries out its mission, and disseminates its message of peaceful coexistence and religious freedom, is by bringing delegations of religious, business and government leaders from all over the world to meet with their counterparts in the United States. ACF delegations have met with government and religious leaders in Albania, Argentina, Bulgaria, People's Republic of China, Cuba, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Germany, The Holy See, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Panama, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the former Yugoslavia. The ACF also hosts delegations from abroad to acquaint them with the diversity of American religious life and its contribution to a civil society.
The ACF has long held that "a crime committed in the name of religion is the greatest crime against religion". The struggle for human rights is ongoing and tolerance can be achieved by encouraging open dialogue and mutual understanding. The ACF is dedicated in reaching this endeavor by rallying religious leaders worldwide to take a stand, using their influence to halt violence and terrorism.
|
