We appreciate the giftedness of the world's rich pluralism of cultures and religions. Yet we also see how frequently human beings respond to others out of ignorance and with hostility and violence.
(Call of the 2002 SSND General Chapter) |
PEACE INITIATIVES
The School Sisters of Notre Dame actively work and educate for peace.
We join with other groups marching, praying and lobbying our government leaders to promote peace. Recently, we actively protested the war in Iraq. We lit candles in our windows as a sign that we want world peace. Many of us continue this practice.
When our Canadian Government opted to stay out of the war because it was not endorsed by the United Nations, we responded with words of encouragement and prayed that our government leaders would stand strong against the pressures to join in the war.
We look for ways to be people of peace and justice even being aware of our language and how the very words we use can either create a culture of peace or one of violence and war.
Intimately linked to our peace initiatives is our social justice work. We believe that there will be no peace without economic justice in our world.
What are some things we can do to promote peace?
-
Choose a place in the world and pray for peace in that place each day.
-
Treat all living beings with respect and consideration.
-
Be aware of the violent words and expressions that are part of our everyday language and work at substituting peace-oriented language. For example, replace the phrase “deadline” with “due date”. Why? Deadline historically is the line beyond which prisoners of war dare not go. It is associated with violent death. Whereas due date is associated with life, especially the birth of a child.
-
Talk to those around you about ways to be more intentially peacemakers. What kinds of actions will encourage peace to grow?
-
Surround yourself with images, words, scripture passages, and symbols that speak to you of peace or serve as a reminder to live peacefully. Make a collage.
-
Write a poem or personal reflection on peace.
-
Read and discuss Pope Benedict's Peace Message for 2007.
-
Declare yourself and/or your family as "'People for Peace".
-
Learn from "Women for Peace", an interfaith group that meets every Wednesday at Parliament Hill in silent prayer for peace.
-
Design and participate in a peace and reconciliation prayer service. There are many ideas available on the internet. The International Day of Peace website is one place to look.
-
Celebrate the United Nations Day of Peace on September 21 each year.
-
Work to heal broken and/or strained relationships, take the first steps in requesting or offering forgiveness in your workplace and personal life.
-
Promote UNESCO's International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).
-
Build a Peace Pole. Place it prominently in your yard, plant a peace garden around the pole and invite the neighbours to participate in the installation or blessing of the pole.
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, there will be true peace.” - Sufie wisdom
|
