Posted: Feb. 24 2005,13:31 |
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PROGRESS: Has your organization seen
progress toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in your domain of
action and in your constituency during the first half of the Decade? |
We
have seen growth in the ability of the congregation to be willing
to discuss sensitive topics (such as war, nonviolence,
homosexuality) in respectful and more open ways. We
measure this by the number of events where these topics are raised, the
number of congregants who participate, the civility and respect
evident at these events and in other spheres of congregational life and
work. All 8 action areas are already part of the commitment of the
church; we continue to foster developing our participation in them.
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OBSTACLES: What are the most important obstacles that have prevented progress?
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Indifference
and unwillingness to speak out (so that we can identify the
places where we disagree) prevent us from knowing how far we have to go
in support of a true culture of peace. Time pressure means
many who are interested in promoting such a culture do not participate
actively. Change within some of the issues requires time
and patience.
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ACTIONS: What actions have been
undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?
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In
2000 the St. John's Council voted that we become a Messenger for the
Manifesto. To date 235 signatures have been recorded; some
members have signed the general pool as well. The Council
also signed the petition for the Northfield City Council to adopt a
resoution of support of the Manifesto and the work of the Decade.
Within the usual program of education, preaching, and
outreach there are regular opportunities for focusing on the
issues and for promoting implementation. Leadership here has been
through the Peace and Justice Groups whose monthly meetings deal with
the full range of commitment to food for all, the environment, economic
fairness, human rights and respect among all persons, partipatory
governance and programs, international pace and security.
Two series of Forums on Sunday mornings (most of them led by
members working in the areas) raised the awareness
and increased the understanding of the areas of action. In
2000--Understanding Manifesto 2000, Restorative Justice in Rice County,
Children's Rights in MN Court Systems, Combating Gun Viiolence,
Insight on Kosovo (by a member who had worked there), advocating for
social justice in MN, the environment (For God's Creation).
In 2002--The Nonviolent Peaceforce, Women Against Military
Madness, Kids and Violence--Resources for parents, nonviolent
response workshop, Skills of Mediation and Negotiation,
Violence and Conflict in School. One aim was to see how we
could work on these global issues at a local level.
The P&J Group has a column in the monthly
newsletter, sponsors letter writing times on many topics,
encourages and supports the teaching of peace, presents books related
to peacemaking to the Church Library, maintains two bulletin
boards. For International Day of Peace a litany of peace
was used in the services and printed for individual use. The
church bell is rung every March 1 at noon to commemorate the
International Ban on Landmines (a tolling for victims followed by
a peal for the advances made in demining and bans of stockpiles).
Currently, there are studies of nonviolence and of
gay-lesbian acceptance.
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ADVICE: What advice would you like to
give to the Secretary-General and the General Assembly to promote a
culture of peace and nonviolence during the second half of the Decade? |
I
would like to see greater visibility given to the Decade and the 8
areas of action by the UN. With this leadership, those of
us in the general population can feel the energy and increase our
efforts. One place where this can happen is at
those points of violent conflict, and also those places of more subtle
violence --especially to children. The Laureates Appeal is
a beautiful and moving document. It gives us the scope of violent
conditions which need to be changed. How could this Appeal
come before the public at regular intervals? Other
materials and resources need to be updated too: posters,
availability of logos (some in different formats such as
bookmarks) that people can have in their homes, classrooms, on their
desks. The news items on CPNN-USA generate
the network, giving ideas and support.
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PARTNERSHIPS: What partnerships and
networks does your organization participate in, thus strengthening the
global movement for a culture of peace? |
Our
group is part of the Lutheran Peace Fellowship, Fellowship of
Reconciliation, and networks with the Nobel Peace Prize Forum and the
Northfield People of Peace and Goodwill. Members participate
individually with many other peace groups and bring peace material to
fraternal and social groups to which they belong.
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PLANS: What new engagements are
planned by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence in the second half of the Decade (2005-2010)? |
Our
program will continue in education and advocacy. We will try to
deepen the work as well as promote it more widely to others through
meetings, study, and actions for peace. We are
especially interested in strenthening the work with children. We
are concerned for a broader and deeper understanding of human rights
and with respect for all. Because so many interested people can not
come to our meetings, we also keep in touch via email. Anyone in
the group can post to the entire list or to individuals.
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Postal address of organization
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Stl John's Peace and Justice Group 500 West Third Street, Norhtfield, MN 55057
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E-mail address of organization
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stoutlaj@stolaf.edu
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Website address of organization
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www.stjohns-elca.org
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Highest priority action domain of a culture of peace
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Education for a culture of peace
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Second priority action domain of a culture of peace
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human rights--understanding, tolerance, solidarity
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Highest priority country of action (or international)
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United States
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Second priority country of action (or international)
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Colombia
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