CALL TO PEACE

When violence and hatred in speech and in attitude are proposed as normal, it is time for peace movements, in Australia, and elsewhere, to rise up and renew their commitment to nonviolence and peacemaking, writes CRA Justice Coordinator Father Claude Mostowik msc.

When violence and hatred in speech and in attitude are proposed as normal in our country, it is time for peace movements, in Australia, and elsewhere, to rise up and renew their commitment to nonviolence and peacemaking as a way of life.

We need to recognise that violence expresses itself in so many ways – in word and in silence, in neglect, organised forgetfulness and vilification.

Violence is expressed in the rhetoric that looks to revenge rather than reconciliation whether on the local level or on the international level. Violence is manifest when revenge is the response to conflict rather than diplomacy and deep listening to another. May we recommit to reconciliation and peace with justice as the way of life.

Violence is expressed in racism, misogyny, sexism, homophobia, bullying, vilification, the building of walls and barriers to people as the new normal, rather than building bridges. May we recommit to stand strong against these insults on humanity and recognise the sacred in each person and the dignity of all. ‘Our humanity is dependent on recognising the humanity in others.’ (Archbishop Desmond Tutu).

Violence is expressed in the disrespect for and destruction of creation through war, mining, deforestation, dumping of waste removal of people from tradition land.

May we hear the ‘cry of the earth and the cry of the poor’