[DRAFT] Resolution to Recognize Religion

[Minotzia]

Resolution to Recognize Religion
Category: Education
Strength: Mild

UNDERSTANDING that there are thousands of different religions and faiths across all nations;

REALIZING that these faiths have been the source of much conflict;

The World Assembly thus...

I. AFFIRMS nonetheless that religion provides for many a source of comfort, inspiration, learning, and much more;

II. DEFINES religion as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and the purpose of the universe;

III. BELIEVES that it is necessary to preserve the message of these faiths so that others may draw on them in the future;

IV. ESTABLISHES an Office For the Preservation of Religion (WAOPR), the purpose of which shall be:
A. Collect records of religious texts from those that volunteer it,
B. Keep records of religious texts that are available to the public through an online database, and when possible in text as well,
C. Work with member states to resolve religious disputes and promote understanding;

V. WELCOMES donations by religious and independent organizations for the purpose of funding the WAOPR.

VI. URGES member states to recognize the importance and value that religion has.

[Mousebumples]

Category and strength?

[Minotzia]

Category and strength?

I'm not sure where to find the categories, I looked at the reference page, Q&A, and rules pages but didn't see the list. Strength I listed as mild because it's not forcing nations themselves to take action, only that the WA take action.

[Eireann Fae WA Mission]

II. DEFINES religion as a set of beliefs that either intentionally or are obviously interpreted as attempting to understand the role of people in the universe;

"Perhaps something more like 'DEFINES religion as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and the purpose of the universe' would be more suitable. The primary religion religion practiced by the Humans of Eireann Fae is not overly concerned with 'the role of people in the universe', but are more concerned with its nature (and how to manipulate it). There are many religions that are not concerned at all with 'the role of people in the universe', unnecessarily narrowing your definition."

"Also," continues Alexandra, after Melöʃina stops talking, "how are we to pay for this operation? Libraries, even online ones, don't grow on trees. And as you say, there are thousands of religions practiced by citizens of member nations - perhaps hundreds of thousands. Even if this were an online-only database, the storage and hardware requirements would be massive."

EDIT: "Also, I suggest 'Education' as Category."

[Mousebumples]

"Also," continues Alexandra, after Melöʃina stops talking, "how are we to pay for this operation? Libraries, even online ones, don't grow on trees. And as you say, there are thousands of religions practiced by citizens of member nations - perhaps hundreds of thousands. Even if this were an online-only database, the storage and hardware requirements would be massive."

We do already have an online library, my dear colleague. There would no need to find another one growing on any sort of tree ...

[Minotzia]

II. DEFINES religion as a set of beliefs that either intentionally or are obviously interpreted as attempting to understand the role of people in the universe;

"Perhaps something more like 'DEFINES religion as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and the purpose of the universe' would be more suitable. The primary religion religion practiced by the Humans of Eireann Fae is not overly concerned with 'the role of people in the universe', but are more concerned with its nature (and how to manipulate it). There are many religions that are not concerned at all with 'the role of people in the universe', unnecessarily narrowing your definition."

"Also," continues Alexandra, after Melöʃina stops talking, "how are we to pay for this operation? Libraries, even online ones, don't grow on trees. And as you say, there are thousands of religions practiced by citizens of member nations - perhaps hundreds of thousands. Even if this were an online-only database, the storage and hardware requirements would be massive."

EDIT: "Also, I suggest 'Education' as Category."

I think your definition is suitable. Mine was a placeholder.

I also agree with the category.

As for the cost, I believe that the general fund available to the WA can cover it.

[Eireann Fae WA Mission]

"Also," continues Alexandra, after Melöʃina stops talking, "how are we to pay for this operation? Libraries, even online ones, don't grow on trees. And as you say, there are thousands of religions practiced by citizens of member nations - perhaps hundreds of thousands. Even if this were an online-only database, the storage and hardware requirements would be massive."

We do already have an online library, my dear colleague. There would no need to find another one growing on any sort of tree ... ;)

"As I understand it, Ambassador Eberhart, the proposal currently up for debate is not allowed to use the previously created facilities for the Universal Library Coalition. Of course, we have no idea how that database is funded either, so I suppose we can just let the gnomes sort it out, eh?" Alexandra smiles and puts away her codex, which had been open to GAR#78...

As for the cost, I believe that the general fund available to the WA can cover it.

The girl turns her attention to the Minotzian Ambassador. "I was unaware that the general fund was an endless money pit. This seems to be a concern among other member nations as well. Someone's even trying to fund the GA with stamps!"

[Minotzia]

We do already have an online library, my dear colleague. There would no need to find another one growing on any sort of tree ...

"As I understand it, Ambassador Eberhart, the proposal currently up for debate is not allowed to use the previously created facilities for the Universal Library Coalition. Of course, we have no idea how that database is funded either, so I suppose we can just let the gnomes sort it out, eh?" Alexandra smiles and puts away her codex, which had been open to GAR#78...

As for the cost, I believe that the general fund available to the WA can cover it.

The girl turns her attention to the Minotzian Ambassador. "I was unaware that the general fund was an endless money pit. This seems to be a concern among other member nations as well. Someone's even trying to fund the GA with stamps!"

I've added a WELCOMES donations clause. Along with the general fund, I think the cost will be covered. After all the costs of the WAOPR should be significantly lower than UCL, given that the UCL maintains a much more general database.

[Johz]

The girl turns her attention to the Minotzian Ambassador. "I was unaware that the general fund was an endless money pit. This seems to be a concern among other member nations as well. Someone's even trying to fund the GA with stamps!"

"Well, kind delegate," Mr Newman interupted, "I think stamps is a remarkably good idea, and that we should be grateful that there is at least one person trying to solve the problem."

Resolution to Recognize Religion
Category: Education
Strength: Mild

UNDERSTANDING that there are thousands of different religions and faiths across all nations;

REALIZING that these faiths have been the source of much conflict;

Can something positive be added here as well? At the moment, this start feels almost like a persecution act. Maybe the first clause of the second part should be brought up into this part of the resolution?

The World Assembly thus...

I. AFFIRMS nonetheless that religion provides for many a source of comfort, inspiration, learning, and much more;

Yes, I reckon this should be an 'AFFIRMING...' clause.

II. DEFINES religion as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and the purpose of the universe;

Maybe add something in the definition about a moral code, because that seems to come up a lot.

III. BELIEVES that it is necessary to preserve the message of these faiths so that others may draw on them in the future;

Messages and teachings might be slightly better. Messages is almost too generic.

IV. ESTABLISHES an Office For the Preservation of Religion (WAOPR), the purpose of which shall be:
A. Collect records of religious texts from those that volunteer it,
B. Keep records of religious texts that are available to the public through an online database, and when possible in text as well,
C. Work with member states to resolve religious disputes and promote understanding;

An interesting issue here is what about translations? Many religions like to keep religious texts in their original language, but others may not be able to read them. Perhaps paraphrases and translations should also be requested/provided? There, that should keep the costs high enough...

V. WELCOMES donations by religious and independent organizations for the purpose of funding the WAOPR.

I doubt this would be popular, and may need to be dropped eventually, but hold onto it! I like it!

VI. URGES member states to recognize the importance and value that religion has.

Overall, a nice resolution. I could support this.

[Nova Caeli]

State and Religion should never be put together I mean you know that there most religiopns already have archives? I mean cant religion defend its self? and what about aetheists should they be forgotten or should we make a government job for them? it doesnt work and only an excuse for bigger government (intentionally or unintentionally)

[Charlotte Ryberg]

Ms. Harper must query whether this draft is intending to record dangerous cults and those that seek to simply make money by masquerading as a "religion".

[Holy Roman Confederate]

The HRC simply does not see why this should be a WA matter. We are a legislative body, not a religious preservation body. Things of this nature are far better left out of the hands of the WA.

[Flibbleites]

Resolution to Recognize Religion
Category: Education
Strength: Mild

Education doesn't have strength, it has area of effect.

UNDERSTANDING that there are thousands of different religions and faiths across all nations;

REALIZING that these faiths have been the source of much conflict;

The World Assembly thus...

I. AFFIRMS nonetheless that religion provides for many a source of comfort, inspiration, learning, and much more;

II. DEFINES religion as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and the purpose of the universe;

III. BELIEVES that it is necessary to preserve the message of these faiths so that others may draw on them in the future;

IV. ESTABLISHES an Office For the Preservation of Religion (WAOPR), the purpose of which shall be:
A. Collect records of religious texts from those that volunteer it,
B. Keep records of religious texts that are available to the public through an online database, and when possible in text as well,
C. Work with member states to resolve religious disputes and promote understanding;

V. WELCOMES donations by religious and independent organizations for the purpose of funding the WAOPR.

VI. URGES member states to recognize the importance and value that religion has.

To be honest, I'm not seeing what this does besides create a committee.

Bob Flibble
WA Representative

[Cinistra]

The HRC simply does not see why this should be a WA matter. We are a legislative body, not a religious preservation body. Things of this nature are far better left out of the hands of the WA.

Concur.

[Grays Harbor]

Freedom of Expression
A resolution to increase democratic freedoms.

Category: Furtherment of Democracy
Strength: Mild
Proposed by: Omigodtheykilledkenny

Description: Assured that freedom of expression is an essential human right deserving of international protection;

Determined that no one should have to put their lives, families, liberty or property at risk for expressing honest dissent with, otherwise criticizing or even satirizing their leaders, governments, societies, churches or any other institutions of established power;

Chastened by the sacrifices already made by prisoners and victims of conscience throughout the world;

Nonetheless convinced that free expression does not extend to such abuses as defamation, incitements to disorder, or academic fraud;

Agreed that for purposes of this resolution defamation is defined as the use of knowingly false information, or the raising of such with reckless disregard for its truthfulness, in a deliberate attempt to impugn the character or reputation of any individual, group or organization, excepting government institutions or political leaders,

Be it therefore resolved that the World Assembly:

Affirms the right of all people to express their personal, moral, political, cultural, religious and ideological views freely and openly, without fear of reprisal;

Requires member states to respect and uphold this right in all available media to all individuals under their jurisdiction;

Expects member states to enforce this right fairly and equitably in the application of national laws;

Allows member states to set reasonable restrictions on expression in order to prevent defamation, as well as plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement, and other forms of academic fraud; incitements to widespread lawlessness and disorder, or violence against any individual, group or organization; the unauthorized disclosure of highly classified government information; the unauthorized disclosure of strictly confidential personal information; and blatant, explicit and offensive pornographic materials;

Forbids member states from abusing these restrictions in an effort to stifle free expression among law-abiding citizens.

The highlighted bit seem to already cover Freedom of Religion, without all the unnecessary verbiage.

Universal Library Coalition
A resolution to promote funding and the development of education and the arts.

Category: Education and Creativity
Area of Effect: Cultural Heritage
Proposed by: Mousebumples

Description: THE WORLD ASSEMBLY -
CALLS for the formation of a Universal Library Coalition (ULC). The Universal Library provided by the ULC will be internet-based and may archive any published form of the written word including, but not limited to, fiction and nonfiction books, constitutions and laws from around the world, newspapers, magazines, and professional journals. The library will be indexed at minimum by author, title, nation of origin, keywords, and category, such as biography or periodical, as determined by the publisher.

ACCEPTS submissions from individual nations, in accordance with copyright laws. If the work is not in the public domain, it may not be archived unless permission is obtained from the holder of the rights to the work. This individual or group will receive an annual payment in return for allowing wide access to their work.

ENCOURAGES all nations to join the ULC, to allow for the spreading of information and ideas across the Nation States universe. Participating nations will have the Universal Library made available to all of their internet portals. Member nations may also choose to provide content filters for their citizenry. Participating nations may build physical libraries within their borders at their own cost. Each participating nation will maintain a backup of their national data archived within the ULC.

CREATES the ULC Executive Committee (ULCEC) that will consult with ULC member nations to manage all issues related to the maintenance and operation of the ULC and its infrastructure that arise.

PROMOTES cultural awareness by permitting the creation of the Universal Literary Exchange Network (ULEN). Any ULC member nation may designate a section of a physical library or museum to house a rotating collection of literary works provided by other ULC nations. In exchange, they will volunteer some works from their own nation to the ULEN for no more than twenty-four (24) months at a time. The ULCEC will arrange for works to be moved from one ULC member nation to another.

DETAILS that non-members are free to form their own libraries within their own borders and are in no way restricted from sharing information with other nations

This would appear to already cover the requirement for an archive of religious texts, as this resolution makes no differentiation between secular and religious.

The Charter of Civil Rights
A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.

Category: Human Rights
Strength: Significant
Proposed by: Urgench

Description: Hailing the work in furtherance of personal freedom already achieved by the World Assembly and,

Recognising this work as the preeminent task of civilisation and,

Seeking to augment this,

The World Assembly,

Requires W.A. member states to fairly and equally enact and enforce the following articles,

Article 1.

a ) All inhabitants of member states are equal in status in law and under its actions, and have the right to equal treatment and protection by the nation they inhabit or in which they are currently present.

b ) All inhabitants of member states are entitled to rights secured to them in international law and the law of the nation they inhabit or in which they are currently present.

c ) All inhabitants of member states have the right not to be and indeed must not be discriminated against on grounds including sex, race, ethnicity, nationality, skin color, language, economic or cultural background, physical or mental disability or condition, religion or belief system, sexual orientation or sexual identity, or any other arbitrarily assigned and reductive categorisation which may be used for the purposes of discrimination, except for compelling practical purposes, such as hiring only female staff to work with battered women who have sought refuge from their abusers.

d ) Member states are enjoined to counteract ignorance and prejudice, and are urged to create or support education programs in ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity.

e ) The application of both emergency legal measures and Martial law during periods of national crisis must also respect the provisions of this resolution.


Article 2.

a ) Unfair and unreasonable discrimination, on the grounds outlined in clause c) of article 1 of this resolution, in private employment, housing, education, employment benefits, compensations and access to services provided to the general public shall be prohibited by all member states.

b ) Unprovoked violence against or intimidation of any person on the grounds outlined in clause c) of article 1 of this resolution shall be a civil cause and criminal offense in all member states.

c ) Member states shall actively work towards eliminating criminal incidents motivated by hatred or prejudice based on cultural or societal differences.

d ) Nothing in this article shall be construed as to deny additional or stronger protections against discrimination and abuse enacted by member states.

This would also appear to cover that religious freedom is already established.

So why is a new resolution required which merely restates that which has already been stated in other resolutions?

[Bears Armed]

This would also appear to cover that religious freedom is already established.

So why is a new resolution required which merely restates that which has already been stated in other resolutions?

"But wouldn't the CoCR still allow militantly atheistic regimes to ban ALL religious activities within their jurisdictions? As that policy would affect ALL religious groups therein equally it wouldn't actually be discriminating on the basis of religion, after all...."

[Grays Harbor]

We believe the wording of the previously highlighted clause would preclude that from happening.

[Bears Armed]

We believe the wording of the previously highlighted clause would preclude that from happening.

The one in 'Freedom of Expression'? That only allows people to express their religious views, it doesn't say anything about carrying out & attending religious services... or training for & working in any faith's priesthood (or other relevant jobs) rather than as the government directs, or possessing & using whatever items & materials might be sacramentally required, or keeping consecrated buildings (or groves, or whatever) ritually "pure" enough for use in 'valid' rites, or anything else that might be considered "necessary" for following a religion "properly"...

[Grays Harbor]

We believe the wording of the previously highlighted clause would preclude that from happening.

The one in 'Freedom of Expression'? That only allows people to express their religious views, it doesn't say anything about carrying out & attending religious services... or training for & working in any faith's priesthood (or other relevant jobs) rather than as the government directs, or possessing & using whatever items & materials might be sacramentally required, or keeping consecrated buildings (or groves, or whatever) ritually "pure" enough for use in 'valid' rites, or anything else that might be considered "necessary" for following a religion "properly"...

we should have been more specific. We were referring to the clause in the CoCR

[Darenjo]

II. DEFINES religion as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and the purpose of the universe

Dr. Park gets up, a bit confused over the second clause. He proceeds to speak.

"Besides the point brought up by Grays Harbor, which we are not able to add to due to our lack of existence at the time CoCR was put in place and was defined, I would like to point out that under your definition, science would be considered a 'religion'. And the word 'purpose' won't do anything to change that. Several religions, Buddhism comes to mind, have the outlook that the universe itself has no purpose, but is simply there. Or here. Whatever makes it sound more comfortable."

[Quelesh]

The category/area of effect would be Education and Creativity / Educational.

That said, I'm not too keen on promoting religion.

[Mousebumples]

Universal Library Coalition
*snip*

This would appear to already cover the requirement for an archive of religious texts, as this resolution makes no differentiation between secular and religious.

OOC: As the author, I will agree that that was the intent. Religious text are certainly not mandated for inclusion, but nations are welcome to submit them (as detailed in the resolution) if they care to do so.

So why is a new resolution required which merely restates that which has already been stated in other resolutions?

Agreed, wholeheartedly.

I remain opposed to this proposal.

[New Unsociety]

Disagree with the importance and value part,as well as the claim that religion(by definition naive unsupported beliefs)is a source of learning.

Against.

[Ampera]

The UKA finds itself in support of this resolution. A library of religous texts would be beneficial in my opinion.

Regardless of your personal belief regarding religion or the universe, people do believe in dieties and external forces which affect planetary happenings.

If your feel them to be naive, this is your opinion, or belief, in its self, something which could be defined as religon.

[quote=Nova Caeli]State and Religion should never be put together I mean you know that there most religiopns already have archives? I mean cant religion defend its self? and what about aetheists should they be forgotten or should we make a government job for them? it doesnt work and only an excuse for bigger government (intentionally or unintentionally)[/quote]

I see this as a supporting resolution to your position. This resolution removes the power of defining and supporting religion from the state and places it in a multi national body.

[Charlotte Ryberg]

The UKA finds itself in support of this resolution. A library of religous texts would be beneficial in my opinion...

The library of religious texts would actually come under the Universal Library which already exists.