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 |
