Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago

CHILDREN'S SABBATHS

WHEREAS: The Children's Defense Fund, in cooperation with a wide range of denominations and religious organizations, is coordinating the Third Annual Nationwide Observance of Children's Sabbaths on October 14, 15 and 16, 1994. And

WHEREAS: The National Observance of Children's Sabbaths seeks to lift a united voice of concern for children by exploring the faith- based imperative to speak out on behalf of the vulnerable, and to encourage a conunitment to help children and families through prayer, education, service and advocacy. And

WHEREAS: Beginning with Shabbat services on Friday, October 14 and concluding with church services on Sunday, October 16, congregations across our nation will hold special worship services, education programs and related activities on how people of faith can respond to children's needs.

WE, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago endorse the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths, calling on local congregations to observe this effort in a manner consistent with their own faiths.

WE also call upon Mayor Richard Daley to call the City's attention to this observance by proclaiming the weekend of October 14 - 16, Chicago's Children's Sabbaths and encouraging all religious communities to remember our children during services that weekend, as a child is killed by guns every two hours in America.