Dear friends,
On my way back from a conference recently, I had some time to wait at Euston and so I called into the Quaker Centre just across the way. It’s a large building with café, bookshop and meeting rooms and a feeling of openness and welcome for all who enter.
In the foyer I noticed they were selling white poppies for peace and it gave me a little reminder that we are approaching the season of remembrance.
As always, we will be stopping on 11th November to remember those who have died, not just in the world wars but in subsequent conflicts. The red poppy is a reminder of all those service men and women who have given their lives for their country and the cause of freedom. There is a place for the white poppy also.
The white poppy was first produced in 1933 by the Co-Operative women’s union and today stands for three things:-
· remembrance of all victims of war- all nationalities, all victims;
· to challenge war and militarism- to resist war and its causes;
· a commitment to peace- to seek non-violent solutions where possible.
As we look around at present, it is right that we remember those who served and sacrificed their lives for the cause of peace, but we also see so many places and people in the world broken from violence, brutality and war. What can we do in the cause of peace?
Pray and continue to pray, for peace. Pray for the victims, the cost to human lives, for governments and leaderships to listen to wiser voices, for advocates and those who work for reconciliation, and for those who have lost homes, and family and life itself.
We can give if we are able- to those organisations and agencies who care for victims, who help with food and medical aid, who try and protect children, and promote peace.
We can write to our local councillors and MP’s asking how the government is responding to particular situations, asking who they are aiding and what more they propose to do.
Act- Each of us are called to be peace builders, peace makers- in our words and actions, with the people and situations in which we find ourselves, to live out the way of peace, and follow the one who is the Prince of peace.
Each day at noon people of all faiths and none use this ‘Universal Prayer for Peace’. This forms a wave of prayer and hope rippling each day around the globe
In this month of remembrance perhaps we might join in too ..
Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth; lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust; lead me from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe, Amen
Your friend and minister,
Revd Cath
