|
Statement of Purpose
The Fellowship of Reconciliation is composed of women and
men who recognize the essential unity of all creation and
have joined together to explore the power of love and truth
for resolving human conflict. While it has always been vigorous
in its opposition to war, the Fellowship has insisted equally
that this effort must be based on a commitment to the achieving
of a just and peaceful world community, with full dignity
and freedom for every human being.
In working out these objectives the FOR seeks the company
of people of faith who will respond to conflict nonviolently,
seeking reconciliation through compassionate action. The Fellowship
encourages the integration of faith into the lives of individual
members. At the same time it is a special role of the Fellowship
to extend the boundaries of community and affirm its diversity
of religious traditions as it seeks the resolution of conflict
by the united efforts of people of many faiths.
In the development of its program the FOR depends upon persons
who seek to apply these principles to every area of life.
FOR members:
- Identify with those of every nation, race, gender, sexual
orientation and religion who are the victims of injustice
and exploitation, and seek to develop resources of active
nonviolence to transform such circumstances;
- Refuse to participate in any war or to sanction military
preparations; work to abolish war and promote good will
among races, nations and classes;
- Strive to build a social order that will utilize the resources
of human ingenuity and wisdom for the benefit of all, an
order in which no individual or group will be exploited
or oppressed for the profit or pleasure of others;
- Advocate fair and compassionate methods of dealing with
offenders against society; they also serve as advocates
for victims of crime and their families who suffer loss
and emotional anguish, recognizing that restitution and
reconciliation can help to heal both victims and offenders;
- Endeavor to show respect for personality and reverence
for all creation;
- Seek to avoid bitterness and contention in dealing with
controversy, and to maintain the spirit of self-giving love
while engaged in the effort to achieve these purposes.
©2001 Fellowship of Reconciliation
|