Press Statement from the Deputy General Secretary of the United Methodist Women's Division: A Call for Healing and Reconciliation

As Christian women, we join women of other faiths as we remember 9/11, as we heal as a nation, and as we work toward world peace. Shortly after the events of 9/11, I met with women of diverse faith groups as part of an ongoing dialogue. Our emphasis centered on terrorism, revenge, hatred, faithful responses, etc. Such dialogue needs to continue. Thus, let me encourage you to read the statement below and pray without ceasing for peace and reconciliation, not hatred and revenge.

A CALL FOR HEALING NOT HATRED, RECONCILIATION NOT REVENGE
By women of diverse faiths, September 2002

We are women from a variety of faith traditions who work together for deeper understanding and cooperation among religious justice-seekers. We call on the people of the United States of America to use words and actions that will lead to healing and reconciliation on the first anniversary of the violent attack on the World Trade Center and related tragedies.

We call for a rededication to the values upon which this nation has been founded: equality, political and religious freedom; due process under law; compassion for persons seeking asylum and refuge; and generosity toward persons less fortunate in material blessings.

Remembrance is a human and a religious activity. Political, cultural, and family systems celebrate anniversaries and commemorate important events in order to create life-giving stories, hope, and a sense of purpose. Many major faith traditions - among them Judaism, Islam and Christianity - encourage remembrance as a way to instill respect, gratitude and praise in the community of believers. Remembrance enriches the human heart.

Remembrance, however, can also harden the human heart. Remembrance that refuses to see the whole of a story, to respect all of viewpoints, or to learn from the unfinished nature of each human experience often leads to revenge and retaliation. The history of this nation and many nations tells us the truth of this observation.

Human persons hold the fate of each nation - and, indeed, of all nations - in their hearts and in their dreams.

What future do we wish for our children and for all children? What hope do we have for peace for ourselves and for all persons? What price are we willing to pay in order that all peoples might live as we would wish to live?

We urge all women of faith together to speak from our hearts, listen from our souls, give voice to our dreams, and work together toward a future that enriches all of us.

	See Also... Topic: Advocacy |  Christian love |  Human rights |  International affairs |  Peace |  Prayers |  Women |  Geographic Region: World |  Source: WD Press Releases
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Date posted: Aug 01, 2002