By the City Council of Philadelphia

A Proclamation

 

Whereas, the Bible has been a historic source of moral strength and spiritual guidance for many people throughout the history of Philadelphia and our Nation; and

 

Whereas, the Bible has greatly influenced culture, law, literature, art and music; and

 

Whereas, The Bible encouraged and motivated our Founding Father William Penn to grant religious liberty to the inhabitants of Pennsylvania on October 28, 1701 by his Charter of Privileges; and  

 

Whereas, William Penn’s understanding of the Bible’s teaching on the Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12)—when applied to the public square helped shape our Founding Fathers' abiding belief in the inalienable rights of the individual; and 

 

Whereas, the Bible's teachings of human dignity impacted the thinking and writing of our Nation’s Founders and our Constitution’s Framers while they met in Philadelphia as reflected in the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution; and

 

Whereas, the Bible’s teaching concerning the blessings of liberty was given expression here in Philadelphia by the Declaration of Independence, by the Liberty Bell’s peals and inscription, and by the Preamble of the Constitution; and

 

Whereas the Bible has motivated many in the history of Philadelphia to compassion and kindness as seen in educational and religious institutions, the abolition of slavery and public charities; and

 

Whereas, for 69 years, men and women of many faiths have banded together with the National Bible Association to sponsor National Bible Week as a time to be reminded of the Bible’s unique place in American life, and this annual celebration continues to encourage the reading of the Bible not just in Philadelphia, but nationwide;
Now, therefore, the City Council of Philadelphia joins in proclaiming November 22-28, 2009 as
Bible Week
and in the recognition that Philadelphia is the National Bible Association’s
Bible City
for 2009.  We hereby ask all citizens of Philadelphia to join us in the observation of Bible Week during November 22-28, 2009.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Seal of the City of Philadelphia on this sixth day of November in the year 2009.

Anna Verna, President of the City Council of Philadelphia