PRINTER'S NO. 3087
No. 384 Session of 2001
INTRODUCED BY VEON, DECEMBER 12, 2001
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, DECEMBER 12, 2001
A RESOLUTION 1 Calling on the Governor to declare the period of December 10 2 through 25, 2001, as a time of reconciliation and 3 understanding. 4 WHEREAS, During the month of December the Christian, Islamic 5 and Jewish faiths each commemorate events of major significance 6 which reinforce basic shared elements of religious belief; and 7 WHEREAS, Jews celebrate the festival of Chanukah for eight 8 days beginning December 10 to commemorate the victory of the 9 Maccabees against religious persecution as well as the miracle 10 at the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem; and 11 WHEREAS, Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic year which 12 ends December 13, was set aside for fasting, introspection, good 13 works and acts of piety; and 14 WHEREAS, Most of the Christian faith celebrates the birth of 15 Christ on December 25; and 16 WHEREAS, Especially in light of recent events, it is 17 important to remember the lessons of tolerance, good works, 18 peace and understanding which are the foundation of each of
1 these faiths; and 2 WHEREAS, Muslims, Jews and Christians play important roles in 3 our communities and are committed to the principles of the 4 Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of 5 Pennsylvania; and 6 WHEREAS, From its founding Pennsylvania has been a bastion of 7 religious freedom and diversity; therefore be it 8 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives call on the 9 Governor to declare the period of December 10 through 25, 2001, 10 as a time of reconciliation and understanding for all 11 Pennsylvanians, a time in which we celebrate our diversity and 12 our common heritage; and be it further 13 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives request that the 14 religious community of our Commonwealth set aside time during 15 this season for promoting reconciliation and understanding; and 16 be it further 17 RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to 18 the Governor and to the leaders of the Christian, Islamic and 19 Jewish faiths in Pennsylvania. L11L82JS/20010H0384R3087 - 2 -