“Anyone who, alone, sets out today to move the mountains of indifference, hatred, and violence has an enormous task. But what may be impossible for millions of isolated and distant people may be possible for people who have made universal brotherhood the essential motivation of their lives.”
These words of Chiara Lubich, in his speech before the European Parliament in the session of September 15, 1998, are the inspirations for, the “Cities for Fraternity Association”, of the principles on which it carries out its activities. Its president, Pilar Ferrero, He explains it briefly in the video that can be viewed at the link above.
On the occasion of the celebration, last February 4, 2025, of the International Day of Human Fraternity, the “Cities for Fraternity Association” developed a Manifesto for Fraternity, whose text is presented below:
UN Resolution 75/200 states that human fraternity is a concept that emphasizes the connection and solidarity among all human beings, regardless of their cultural, religious, ethnic, political, or social differences. It is based on the idea that all human beings share an inherent dignity and worth simply by virtue of their belonging to humanity.
From belonging to the great human family, we are located in a specific place where we live and interact: the city. Fraternity allows us to introduce new principles into everyday political action; therefore, the presence of city councils as partners is important.
Local governments are committed to incorporating fraternity as part of their political project, ensuring that they never govern against anyone, not just as an expression of a section of citizens, but of all citizens.
Fraternity is not an "add-on" to politics, but its essence, and would have to define the methods and objectives of the latter; only by placing fraternity in its authentic category does politics acquire its true meaning: above all, service to the community, with the citizen as the active subject.
Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, stated in the European Parliament (Session of 15 September 1998): "Anyone who, alone, sets out today to move the mountains of indifference, hatred, and violence has an enormous task. But what may be impossible for millions of isolated and distant people may be possible for people who have made universal brotherhood the essential motivation of their lives.".
These inspiring words can help achieve the goals of an experience of commitment to dialogue and the creation of an open network of municipalities and other local and regional entities, involving active citizens, militant politicians from various political parties and movements, public officials, and associations interested in city life and seeking to create a permanent workspace for positive experiences that can be networked and multiplied, and where peace, human rights, social justice, and, above all, universal brotherhood are manifested.
Association of Cities for Fraternity
February 4, 2025
