Young Future Peace Facilitators from various faiths during program led by World Council of Churches.
The goal has been to help bring about understanding by pulling youth from various faiths together for a comfortable while deep look at one another's beliefs and common ground. They are also encouraged to be leaders in modeling the same in their home towns.
There are a growing number of peace advocates today. Often we don't hear about them because the media looks for the more sensational - often the more visible - like on CNN and FACEBOOK. Recently the National Association of Evangelicals NAE responded clearly to "insane crusaders" who want others to join them in burning the Koran. Although I may differ with the NAE on some issues, they certainly are seeking "No More Crusades" in this one instance at least. My Kudos!
Here's the statement of the NAE here
Names continually deceive since the "instigator" of the destruction of Holy Books is a leader from a group called "DOVE" who is using his church and FACEBOOK as a springboard to urge people to burn the Koran. This has been reported as very upsetting indeed among many who honor the Koran. CNN also may be part of the problem by their less than well-rounded reporting of the small sect who stand supporting these instigations toward violent acts. What a ghastly and ridiculous and violence-breeding response to all the fear various leaders have used (via FACEBOOK and infinite other means) to whip up war efforts abroad and violence closer to home.
Let's get more innovative and LIFE-giving (including CONstructive not DEstructive)-- can't we all? For a great example, look at this lovely comment under the following item:
here
Comment:
"A disused Baptist church in my locality was purchased by Muslims. When the latter were tidying up prior to starting building work they found some damaged and badly soiled Bibles in the attic. When the Baptists were contacted they said they didn't want the Bibles, so the Muslims cleaned the Bibles very carefully and then wrapped them in white cloth before burying them in the church grounds. 'These are Holy books' my Muslim friend told me.I don't think the Florida church can really be a Christian church if they are going to burn Q'rans - just another US hate group. We have them in the UK too. Robert (Wales, UK)"
Perhaps we might all look for such opportunity to DO and REPORT these beautiful ACTUAL examples of respect for one another's beliefs and traditions?
Excuse that I used same post for both this and my other site, nomorecrusades.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteJust too important to miss the opportunity to speak on behalf of peace by showing examples. Yes, I certianly need to follow my own words! :)
Statement: Dennis Kucinich, Tuesday, 11 September 2001
ReplyDeleteBy Congressman Dennis Kucinich
09/01 Statement of Congressman Dennis Kucinich:
Reaction to Terrorist Attacks Against US
Tuesday, 11 September 2001
Washington, Sep 11 -
America grieves this day for the victims of these terrorist attacks, and for their families and friends. Our prayers are with them and our hearts go out to those who have endured unbearable loss today. Our most hopeful thoughts are with those who have risked their lives in heroic rescue efforts. In this grim moment, we must be resolute in protecting the fabric of our democracy and the individual freedoms that make America a great nation. As we grieve, we cannot let terrorists win by turning the United States into a national security state. We cannot let their dialogue become our dialogue.
America must remain calm because such calm is essential to preserving our liberties. America must bring to justice those responsible for these cowardly deeds. We must be cautious about rolling back freedoms at home or placing blame in the wrong place.
America must continue to be a beacon of democracy for the world. Let this sad moment cause all governments and all people of good will around the world to unite and to move together to challenge and uproot those who have destructive goals which seek to create death and drive the world toward chaos. Now, more than ever, America must continue to be a force for peace in the world. We must not let the terrorists win.