UN International Day of Tolerance and Jedi? (Photo credit: The Sun)
Today is the UN International Day of Tolerance, a day to focus "the world's attention on tolerance as an essential condition for peace, democracy and sustainable development." In a prepared statement, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan noted the disturbing "rise in intolerance, extremism and violence across our world." He went on to say that we must defeat such evils through law and education. Annan also stated that "The right to freedom of religion -- and to freedom from discrimination based on religion -- has long been enshrined in international law, and incorporated into the domestic law of many countries." In keeping with this principle, several "Jedi knights" descended upon London's UN headquarters today to urge tolerance of their Jedi faith. Jedi Umada (aka John Wilkinson) said that they are the fourth largest religion in the UK and would like the day to be changed to "Interstellar Day of Tolerance." No word yet from the UN on this proposal. Check out the full story here. No, seriously, go read it, one of the guys went as Chewbacca and spoke "via translator." UPDATE: I knew it was too good to be true, it appears this was just a publicity stunt for globaltolerance.com: "an award winning public relations consultancy and media training company for all organisations that have a positive social message they wish to spread through the media." I liked it better when I just thought it was a couple of yahoos.