Quaker Peacebuilding Perspectives Group
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An invitation to share and put faith into action
There exists a wide variety of perspectives on any particular situation that threatens peace or security or threatens to create dire humanitarian needs. This variety is valuable for all to understand. Such a variety of perspectives can be polarizing or divisive, especially when related to upsetting issues. It is important to create an accepting respectful environment for dialogue. Once each view is shared and heard, new information may be available and then fresh compatible ground can be explored.
“Peace” might seem to have a universal meaning. However, some are led to feel that peace is a lack of conflict when safety is guaranteed by military strength. Others believe that justice for all is a precondition for peace. Still others experience peace as a fundamentally spiritual state.
Friends Peace Testimony indicates that peace must be achieved nonviolently, but this does not eliminate the need for security, justice, and personal peace. So, how do we pave the way to build peace – increase justice and security for all, establish procedures for its continuation, and prevent violent conflicts?
Let us explore the wide variety of perspectives on the topics of shared concern, learn from each other, find compatible ground, and see what actions might emerge to have some effect to transform the direction of current situations away from polarization and division. We value an equality of opportunity to share, to be heard, and to contribute to decisions.
The work of the Quaker Peacebuilding Perspectives group is driven by the spiritual leadings of participating members, keen to discern guidance, cross-checked with each other and supported by the presence of a board member of Friends House Moscow.
These conversations about Quaker Peace-Building Perspectives will be facilitated, using a set of queries to respond to. Time limits will assure equal opportunity to participate. All are welcome.
We meet Monday through Friday in an online “break-out room” at the end of the Daily Online Worship sponsored by Friends House Moscow.
Monday through Friday
Worship at 9:00 AM Pacific = 10:00 AM Mountain
Conversation at 10:00 AM Pacific = 11:00 AM Mountain
Click here to join.
from Julie Harlow, Davis Friends Meeting (7/10/2022)