Seeds of Peace - Growing in Nonviolence
We live in a society marked strongly by the violence of war, violence to people through poverty and a sense of powerlessness and alienation, violence to earth, sea, and sky – violence that is truly cosmic. In response we commit ourselves to grow more deeply toward a non-violent way of being and acting as peacemakers.
“The very name Sisters of Peace will, it is hoped, inspire the desire of peace and a love for it.” Mother Clare (Margaret Anna Cusack) in the original 1884 Constitutions.
As people of peace, we commit ourselves:
- to nonviolence grounded in contemplative prayer and reflection
- to nonviolence practiced in our daily lives and ministries
- to nonviolence in the protection of all life
- to active nonviolence as we resist the reality of evil
“You will hope, if God blesses your work, to sow the seeds of peace in modern society.” Bishop Bagshawe at the profession of the first Sisters of Peace, January 7, 1884
The lens of nonviolence brings new insights and commitments to all aspects of our lives together. We commit to look with eyes of compassion, to relate with openness and hospitality, and to act from a center of contemplative prayer, peace and passion. Our prayer and study lead us to actions which “make our own the concerns of the human family … especially those who are poor and oppressed.” (Constitution 55).
We call ourselves to prayer.
- Congregational weekly peace prayer
- Examination of Consciousness related to non-violence
- Regular reflection on the Beatitudes/Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and Constitutions
We call ourselves to study.
- History and people of nonviolence
- Constitutions and writings of Mother Clare (Margaret Anna Cusack) and community members, read through the lens of nonviolence
- Contemporary resources for practice of nonviolence
We call ourselves to action.
- Practice nonviolence in all relationships, with self, one another, Earth, and Cosmos
- Stand in solidarity with those who are poor and respond to injustice with creativity, passion and nonviolence
- Practice nonviolence in communication, reconciliation and forgiveness
- Live nonviolence in our choices as citizens and consumers
- Practice nonviolence in collaboration with others to heal the violence in our world
- As individuals, we will discern if we are called to take a vow of nonviolence
Some Tools
Examination of Consciousness
Reference books 
Reflection Process for Congregation Small Groups
Small Group Process on Nonviolent Language
Some statements and principles of nonviolence
A Matter of Spirit - issue on Peacemaking & Nonviolence
Review of DVD series A Force More Powerful 
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