Dear URI CCs worldwide,
Violence and misery across the world, as well as threats to peace in all dimensions of human experience, compel us to mobilize as a global community. We might focus on the following:
- to decrease hatred , fears, prejudice and ignorance
- to promote solidarity, compassion and cooperation among people of different religions, spiritual expressions and indigenous traditions
- to make use of core URI values and practices
Let’s use the energy stirring inside us to increase compassion, promote solidarity, and strengthen mutual respect. Let’s step up and be the global interfaith peacebuilding force that we are!
In response to requests to mobilize action by CCs, we put together a few ideas. Use these ideas and share your own ideas and activities!
ACTION IDEAS
Adapt Good Ideas from Other CCs and Interfaith Groups
Contact Cooperation Circles and interfaith groups in areas where violence is occurring. Support their peace actions or adapt their ideas to be effective in your area. To find listing of CCs by country, click here.
One recent example, the L'Association Coexister Cooperation Circle is encouraging a show of unity by sharing this image. To find out more, like their page: https://www.facebook.com/Nous-Sommes-Unis-1167979079933102/#NousSommesUnis
An example from the Parliament of the World’s Religions: Confronting War,Violence and Hate with Love and Compassion https://www.facebook.com/parliamentofreligions/videos/10156219107750464?mc_cid=77486f67da&mc_eid=L2MNHRwTy4
Hold Interfaith Ceremonies and Services
Interfaith work invites people of all religions, spiritual traditions and indigenous traditions to share their prayers and practices. When we pray in our own voice and as a gift to others, we share what is sacred, deepen understanding of other traditions, and develop respect. Find opportunities to invite people from different faith traditions together to participate in interfaith ceremonies that honor and give voice to different traditions. See examples of two interfaith ceremonies used recently by URI global office in San Francisco: interfaith candle lighting and interfaith prayers.
Engage in Outreach Actions or Gestures of Support and Solidarity
There are many ways to provide proactive support in communities to reduce fear and hostility. For ideas ranging from meditation to harnessing social media, click here.
Participate in Circle Conversations for Peace and Understanding
Sharing reflections and perspectives while sitting in a circle can build trust and understanding. Circle conversations provide support, generate mutual understanding, strengthen relationships and create spaces for healing and transformation. Circles are egalitarian – all voices are heard equally. They convey a sense of connectedness – we can see each other. The center becomes a focal point – a sacred space. For Circle Conversation Guidelines and suggested questions click here.
Build Interfaith Friendships Using Appreciative Interviews
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a methodology founded on a belief that every voice matters. The assumption is that positive change can be ignited through having conversations with one another about what works in our lives and what values and dreams motivate us. Since its inception, URI has depended on Appreciative Inquiry to bring people of diverse backgrounds together. Appreciative Inquiry invites people to speak and listen from the heart. For guidelines and sample questions, click here.
Activate Media to Cover Interfaith Actions and Stories
Contact local media and ask them to cover interfaith programs and actions. Identify outstanding interfaith leaders and spokespeople in your community and invite journalists to interview them and post their stories.
Share Your Ideas and Actions with URI
URI is a network of support that generates connection and sharing of good ideas among Cooperation Circles and interfaith groups worldwide. Please take time to describe your interfaith peace building action, and share with others to use. You can share your ideas and actions via email here.
