ALWAYS Place The Almighty CREATOR - by Whichever Holy & Divine Name - Above ALL-ELSE!!!
The UNIVERSAL FAITH MINISTRIES (U.F.M.)
Mission Statement --
Welcome to The UNIVERSAL FAITH MINISTRIES - U.F.M.! We are a non-sectarian association of True Believers in Almighty YAHWEH (The Creator of All Things, The Holiest of Holies, GOD Almighty, Our Heavenly Father) based in the Greater Philadelphia, PA / Cherry Hill, NJ - Metropolitan Area (Somerdale, New Jersey).
We hope that you will assemble and worship with us if you are in the area. This site is designed to give you information about our ministry, as well as provide you with information on how to contact us.
We want to meet you where you are and hopefully help you grow in a meaningful relationship with Father YAHWEH - The ONE Who Has Created Us All (The Most-High GOD), through HIS Succession of Prophets: most notably, from Abraham, through Yah'shua Messiah (Jesus The Christ), Muhammad ibn Abdul'lah, Noble Drew Ali - and beyond.
We are people who struggle and hurt as we face the daily pressures of life. We are also people who are experiencing the life and joy of Father YAHWEH (GOD Almighty) - through the examples of Yah'shua Messiah (Jesus The Christ) - in our daily lives. We would like nothing more than to have you join us as we seek, learn, and grow together in our spiritual walks with Almighty YAHWEH (GOD, Most-High).
The UNIVERSAL FAITH MINISTRIES - U.F.M. is about SPIRITUALITY (TRUTH) -- not Religion (Reason).
34-36Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone. (Acts 10:34-36, The Message)
Are You Listening?
A vast number of 'church members' are attempting to live by 'excerpts from The Word', and 'memories of passages learned long-ago', rather than by listening anew, each day, to The Word. The result is a 'faith' and 'church life' which are both weak and ineffectual.
The following passage, in The Holy Scriptures, New Covenant, Book of Revelations, Chapter 2, Verses 1 through 7 (N.C., Revelations 2:1-7), focuses upon how important it is to truly hear, and then live, what Almighty YAHWEH (The Creator, Most High) has commanded. In Verse 7, we read:
1 "Write this to Ephesus, to the Angel of the church. The One with Seven Stars in his right-fist grip, striding through the golden seven-lights' circle, speaks: 2-3"I see what you've done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can't stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out.
4-5"But you walked away from your first love—why? What's going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you've fallen? A Lucifer fall!
"Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste, for I'm well on my way to removing your light from the golden circle.
6"You do have this to your credit: You hate the Nicolaitan business. I hate it, too.
7"Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. I'm about to call each conqueror to dinner. I'm spreading a banquet of Tree-of-Life fruit, a supper plucked from God's orchard." (Revelation 2:1-7, The Message)
Each worship service, evangelistic effort, and/or community venture that we undertake should reflect the call of Yah'shua Messiah (Whom the 'Nations'/Gentiles called: Jesus, the Christ) to "Remember The Holy Father, Almighty YAHWEH (The Creator, Most High), as our 'First Love'. The 'sensitive' hear these calls -- and respond; the 'insensitive' pass over them; and, the 'dull' remain 'spiritually dead (or, asleep)'. We ALL need to work extra-hard to build (and also, re-build) churches that are 'sensitive to' (i.e.: that 'listen to') Almighty YAHWEH's Calls -- with our ears, minds, and hearts; so that ALL of their collective and respective members will be able to 'partake of the Inheritance', which Apostle Paul spoke about in his 'Letter to the Ephesians':
15-19That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! (Ephesians 1:18-19, The Message)
Almighty YAHWEH (The Creator, Most High) continues to call upon ALL churches, masjids / mosques, synogogues, temples, assemblies, houses of worship, and individuals -- who 'truly believe' -- to give undivided attention to His Way and His Will alone. His Way is the way of Holiness, Peace, and Love. His Will is centered in Freedom, Justice, and Equality among His People (i.e.: 'The TRUE BELIEVERS from ALL True Faiths'). History is replete with examples of individuals, churches (i.e.: 'assemblies of worshipers' from ALL faiths), and civilizations which failed -- because they either refused to, or were somehow 'unable' to hear The Call of Almighty YAHWEH (The Creator, Most High). He is ALWAYS Calling -- yet, He does not ever 'force' us to listen.
Therefore, let us ALL pray that we may each have the good sense, the moral courage, and the purest of hearts -- so that we may listen to, and be directed by, The ONE Who Created Us All (by whichever Holy Name that one might know Him).
We Have Come to Save The 'Lost Sheep' of The Remnants of The Biblical House of Yisrael!
Whether you're seeking Almighty YAHWEH (GOD, Most-High), or curious about our fellowship, there's something for you here. Our ministry exists to minister to the real needs of people with the authentic love of Almighty YAHWEH (The Creator of ALL Things) - through the examples of Yah'shua Messiah (Whom the Gentiles / The 'Nations' called: Jesus The Christ)! We invite you to experience the genuine worship, encouraging messages, friendly believers, and enjoyable atmosphere that are a part of our community. We hope you will worship study and celebrate with us often. And, if you do not have a church home, we would be honored to have you consider becoming a part of our fellowship.
If you're already a member of our fellowship, we hope you'll take advantage of some of the resources and tools available to you. In addition, information about ministries, service times and locations, and community events can also be found here. Our hope is that our website will be one of many ways you stay connected to our ministry and community.
42 LAWS / IDEALS of SPIRITUAL BALANCE: MAAT
1. I honor virtue.
2. I benefit with gratitude.
3. I am peaceful.
4. I respect the property of others.
5. I affirm that all life is sacred.
6. I give offerings that are genuine.
7. I live in truth.
8. I regard all altars with respect.
9. I speak with sincerity.
10. I consume only my fair share.
11. I offer words of good intent.
12. I relate in peace.
13. I honor animals with reverence.
14. I can be trusted.
15. I care for the earth.
16. I keep my own council.
17. I speak positively of others.
18. I remain in balance with my emotions.
19. I am trustful in my relationships.
20. I hold purity in high esteem.
21. I spread joy.
22. I do the best I can.
23. I communicate with compassion.
24. I listen to opposing opinions.
25. I create harmony.
26. I invoke laughter.
27. I am open to love in various forms.
28. I am forgiving.
29. I am kind.
30. I act respectfully of others.
31. I am accepting.
32. I follow my inner guidance.
33. I converse with awareness.
34. I do good.
35. I give blessings.
36. I keep the waters pure.
37. I speak with good intent.
38. I praise the Goddess (Elohim) and the God (Adonai).
39. I am humble.
40. I achieve with integrity.
41. I advance through my own abilities.
42. I embrace the All (YAHWEH).
*(AFFIRM All 42 Laws / Ideals Upon Awakening for the Day; and, also, Prior to Retiring for the Day!)
The GRASS-ROOTS INDEPENDENCE PROJECT (G.R.I.P.), of The Universal Faith Ministries (U.F.M.), is an organized, non-denominational, faith-based, grass-roots Movement for Social Change.
Our Community Action Teams (C.A.T.'s) missions are to seed & develop community advocacy organizations & grass-roots organizing efforts to effectuate long-term resolution of the pervasive social, political, economic, spiritual, and psychological ills which manifest throughout and encapsulate (i.e.: "suffocate") primarily urban (yet, also, rural) American communities... - with a view toward re-creating, maintaining, and proliferating healthy, viable, and sustainable communities through home-based, faith-based, and independent income opportunities. In this arena, U.F.M. / G.R.I.P. embodies the Vanguard of said Movement.
Our Real Estate Investment (REI) entity is entitled: UJAMAA ("Cooperative Economics") - which seeks to establish itself as this hemisphere's most complete real estate investment entity: by acquiring, rehabilitating, and reselling pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, real estate-owned (REO) / bank-owned, probate, abandoned, and tax-delinquent...residential, commercial, and luxury properties, within North/Central/South America, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa (then, worldwide).
GOALS: To transform poor urban (and, rural) neighborhoods into working communities: - by establishing safe, healthy, and effective neighborhoods; - by increasing both the amount & the quality of employment therein; - by improving the quality of all urban (and, rural & suburban) schools & school-systems; and, - by revitalizing poor neighborhoods through mixed-income community development.
ROOT CAUSES: - the steady & continuing decline of wages, benefits, and mobility for those with "high-school or LESS" education; - the abject fact that low-income & national racial 'minority' children are forced to attend 'inferior' schools, which possess 'inadequate' resources which would ensure 'equal' educational opportunity; and, also, - public policies & private practices prevent low-income & national racial 'minority' households from having REAL access to housing in mixed-income communities which provide REAL opportunities to build assets.
AREAS of WORK: - improving wages & benefits at the 'low-end' of the labor market; - focusing training & job-placement programs on 'growth' industries, which produce 'higher-wage' jobs, with REAL opportunities for mobility; - 'unbiased' research & advocacy which sincerely address the need for 'adequate' financing for TRUE educational 'equity'; and, also, - REAL support for institutions & policies which TRULY promote 'affordable' housing for mixed-income communities.
Contact U.F.M. / G.R.I.P.:
Bishop GEOFFREY KAMAU OLUFEMI, D.D., Ph.D.
Founder, Presiding Bishop, Senior Pastor, and Executive Director
The GRASS-ROOTS INDEPENDENCE PROJECT - G.R.I.P.
of The UNIVERSAL FAITH MINISTRIES - U.F.M.
700A South White Horse Pike, Suite #334
Somerdale, New Jersey 08083-1253
24-Hour, Toll-Free VoiceMail & Fax No.: 1-888-533-7063
eMail: Contact U.F.M. & G.R.I.P.!
Web: Our Main Web Page...
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Human Rights
What Are Human Rights?
Human rights are the rights a person has simply because he or she is a human being.
Human rights are held by all persons equally, universally, and forever.
Human rights are inalienable: you cannot lose these rights any more than you can cease being a human being.
Human rights are indivisible: you cannot be denied a right because it is "less important" or "non-essential." Human rights are interdependent: all human rights are part of a complementary framework. For example, your ability to participate in your government is directly affected by your right to express yourself, to get an education, and even to obtain the necessities of life.
Another definition for human rights is those basic standards without which people cannot live in dignity. To violate someone’s human rights is to treat that person as though she or he were not a human being. To advocate human rights is to demand that the human dignity of all people be respected.
In claiming these human rights, everyone also accepts the responsibility not to infringe on the rights of others and to support those whose rights are abused or denied.
Human Rights: A Brief History
While human rights have existed for as long as human beings have existed, they have not always been recognized. Following the extermination of over six million Jews, Sinti and Romani (gypsies), homosexuals, and persons with disabilities during WWII (1939-1945), governments recognized the need for an independent institution which would work to prevent such an atrocity from occurring again. They established the United Nations (U.N.). The primary objective of the U.N. was to promote international peace. The founders of the U.N. recognized that protecting individuals’ rights to life, freedom, basic necessities, and nationality would be critical to fulfilling the organization’s mission to maintain peace. A special committee was created and given the responsibility of creating a document that would define these rights.
The U.N. Commission on Human Rights subsequently issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR provides a comprehensive framework and vision for how human dignity and freedom should be protected. It clearly outlines a set of standards and guidelines which, when upheld, provide a foundation for life, freedom, access to basic necessities, pursuit of happiness, and nationality.
The United States played a leading role in developing the UDHR. Eleanor Roosevelt was the U.S. delegate and leader of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights. Furthermore, the UDHR embodies the same principles that President Franklin D. Roosevelt described when he spoke about the four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom from fear. As a result, the development of the human rights framework and the UDHR is an important part of U.S. history and culture.
The Human Rights Covenants
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a general declaration, which has been adopted at a global level. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights produced two additional treaties intended to act as legally binding documents to enforce the UDHR: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Together, these three documents are referred to as the International Bill of Human Rights. The ICCPR focuses on such issues as the right to life, freedom of speech, religion, and voting. The ICESCR focuses on such issues as food, education, health, and shelter. Both covenants trumpet the extension of rights to all persons and prohibit discrimination.
Subsequent Human Rights Documents
Multiple other human rights declarations and conventions (or treaties) have been created to protect human rights. Topical conventions deal with specific categories of abuses, such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Additional conventions have been created to protect disenfranchised groups, including the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and the Members of their Families, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Conventions also exist that prohibit general discrimination based on race, occupation, and gender, such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination.
As of 1997, over 130 nations have ratified these covenants. The United States, however, has ratified only the ICCPR, and even that with many reservations, or formal exceptions, to its full compliance. (See From Concept to Convention: How Human Rights Law Evolves).
Once a government ratifies a human rights treaty or convention, it becomes law and needs to be upheld and protected. Unfortunately, when a county, population or person commits a human rights violation it is difficult to punish the violator under the human rights system. In the United States when an individual breaks the law there is a strong domestic legal system in place to take action against the offender. In international cases, while the International Court of Law does exist as an arbitrator and can take action, it is not always effective.
In Europe, the Americas, and Africa, regional documents for the protection and promotion of human rights extend the International Bill of Human Rights. For example, African states have created their own Charter of Human and People’s Rights (1981), and Muslim states have created the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam (1990). The dramatic changes in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America since 1989 have powerfully demonstrated a surge in demand for respect of human rights. Popular movements in China, Korea, and other Asian nations reveal a similar commitment to these principles.
Precursors of 20th Century Human Rights Documents
Documents asserting individual rights, such the Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), the French Declaration on the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789), and the US Constitution and Bill of Rights (1791) are the written precursors to many of today’s human rights documents. Yet many of these documents, when originally translated into policy, excluded women, people of color, and members of certain social, religious, economic, and political groups. Nevertheless, oppressed people throughout the world have drawn on the principles these documents express to support revolutions that assert the right to self-determination.
Contemporary international human rights law and the establishment of the United Nations (UN) have important historical antecedents. Efforts in the 19th century to prohibit the slave trade and to limit the horrors of war are prime examples. In 1919, countries established the International Labor Organization (ILO) to oversee treaties protecting workers with respect to their rights, including their health and safety. Concern over the protection of certain minority groups was raised by the League of Nations at the end of the First World War. However, this organization for international peace and cooperation, created by the victorious European allies, never achieved its goals. The League floundered because the United States refused to join and because the League failed to prevent Japan’s invasion of China and Manchuria (1931) and Italy’s attack on Ethiopia (1935). It finally died with the onset of the Second World War (1939).
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Member states of the United Nations pledged to promote respect for the human rights of all. To advance this goal, the UN established a Commission on Human Rights and charged it with the task of drafting a document spelling out the meaning of the fundamental rights and freedoms proclaimed in the Charter. The Commission, guided by Eleanor Roosevelt’s forceful leadership, captured the world’s attention.
On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the 56 members of the United Nations. The vote was unanimous, although eight nations chose to abstain.
The UDHR, commonly referred to as the international Magna Carta, extended the revolution in international law ushered in by the United Nations Charter – namely, that how a government treats its own citizens is now a matter of legitimate international concern, and not simply a domestic issue. It claims that all rights are interdependent and indivisible. Its Preamble eloquently asserts that:
[R]ecognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.
The influence of the UDHR has been substantial. Its principles have been incorporated into the constitutions of most of the more than 185 nations now in the UN. Although a declaration is not a legally binding document, the Universal Declaration has achieved the status of customary international law because people regard it "as a common standard of achievement for all people and all nations."
The Role of Nongovernmental Organizations
Human rights are, however, often most effective when citizens within a country hold their own government accountable. In fact, movements and institutions established to protect human rights, such as non-governmental organizations, are most powerful in holding perpetrators accountable, decreasing the quantity or severity of human rights violations and have played a cardinal role in focusing the international community on human rights issues.
In the United States, there is a strong history and foundation of human rights movements led by people who have sought to hold the government accountable for human rights violations. The women’s suffrage movement in the early 1900s was a human rights movement to guarantee women the right to vote. The civil rights movement in the 1960s was a human rights movement to guarantee equal rights for African-Americans.
Each individual plays an important role in the development of human rights movements. Therefore it is crucial that human rights education takes place. People must know what their rights are in order to protect them.
NGO activities surrounding the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, drew unprecedented attention to serious violations of the human rights of women. NGOs such as Amnesty International, the Antislavery Society, the International Commission of Jurists, the International Working Group on Indigenous Affairs, Human Rights Watch, Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, and Survivors International monitor the actions of governments and pressure them to act according to human rights principles.
Government officials who understand the human rights framework can also effect far reaching change for freedom. Many United States Presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter have taken strong stands for human rights. In other countries leaders like Nelson Mandela and Vaclev Havel have brought about great changes under the banner of human rights.
Human rights is an idea whose time has come. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a call to freedom and justice for people throughout the world. Every day governments that violate the rights of their citizens are challenged and called to task. Every day human beings worldwide mobilize and confront injustice and inhumanity. Like drops of water falling on a rock, they wear down the forces of oppression and move the world closer to achieving the principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Source: Adapted from David Shiman, Teaching Human Rights, (Denver: Center for Teaching International Relations Publications, U of Denver, 1993): 6-7.
*HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION
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