Four new groups were approved to be URI CCs during the CC Approval Committee meeting on July 11^th, including one group from Asia, two from the Middle East and one Multi Region group.

Another CC has joined URI from India. The Ahle-Aman Society- AAS´s CC has gathered to promote peace and harmony Initiatives among various religious groups with secular approaches at national and international levels.

Their activities will include working for health, hygiene, local-self government and interfaith dialogue to create a just and peaceful society.   

Mercy CC, based in Jordan, was one of two CCs approved from the Middle East/ North Africa region. Their purpose is to show solidarity with less fortunate people and empower them through non formal education, vocational training and recreation activities, thus prepare them for a better future.

They dream of making a difference in the world by creating a respectful space for less fortunate people in society, where all people have equal opportunities to fulfill their life aspirations despite their social class, culture, belief, race, gender and political attitude.

They currently have 10 members who claim the following spiritual and religious expressions: Muslim Sunni, Muslim Shii, Christian Catholic, Christian Orthodox, Christian Marinate.

“We are willing to stand by the less fortunate youth and empower them through non-formal education, vocational training and creating hope for a better future,” the CC wrote in their activities report. “We dream to serve the youth with the spirit of mutal respect despite the race, social class and beliefs.”

The Association of Sohag Community Development and Caring the children of special Needs (SCDA) is another CC that was approved from this region. They are based in Egypt.

Their dream for making a difference in the world is to cooperate disregarding the nationality, religion or race for finding the world peace and paying more attention for the disabled people.

They currently have 8 members from Islam, Catholicism and Anglicanism.

One of their recent activities included a Ramadani Iftar (Feast) that was attended by local Christians and Muslims in the city of Sohag where those gathered spontaneously held dialogue regarding fasting in both traditions.

“The atmosphere was unique, we felt how close we are,” said a CC member in an AI interview. “This really urged us to enhance the spiritual relationship between Muslims and Christians in the city of Sohag.”

A Multi Region CC, Global Interfaith Network for Golden Rule CC, was also approved.

Their purpose is “to practice it in our daily life and to promote the Golden Rule through out the world as a guiding principle of life and as a means of promoting the culture of peace and interfaith harmony.” And their activities include committing to use the Golden rule as a pass word in their ongoing work for interfaith harmony and building and a culture of peace.