Peace, Justice and Reconciliation

The Religious Society of Friends since its inception in the 1650's has been led to eschew war and violence for any end whatsoever. Time and again we have ministered to the victims of war and violence. We believe that the challenge before us all is to break the cycle of violence and retribution.

We are shaken by the manifestations of violence and terror in our midst. We are dismayed that our government's responses to these tragedies have brought about the further militarization of our world and the loss of human rights and civil liberties here and abroad. We urge our country to lead the world away from this path of war.

It is our belief that war is never the answer. It only increases and prolongs the violence and suffering and inspires others to respond in kind. Unless we wish to continue experiencing tragedy after tragedy the world must walk down a different path--one towards global justice and reconciliation that strengthens the rule of international law, demonstrates respect for human rights, and breaks the cycle of violence. We call on our government to take part in this walk.

We urge our government to implement multilateral diplomatic and other peaceful responses in a campaign for global justice and reconciliation, and to develop positive, nonviolent approaches to resolving international conflicts.

We believe terrorism will continue to exist where there is oppression, poverty, hopelessness, and fear. In order to extend the walk toward global justice and reconciliation we call on our government to end its "war on terrorism" and replace it with a campaign for justice and reconciliation. Only then can we expect peace.

We continue to pray that Divine Spirit will show us a way to identify and address the underlying causes of global tragedies among all members of the human family and find the path of true and lasting peace.

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Formal Minute on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation, Approved November 10, 2002 by Dover Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker).