To the Editor:
These are tumultuous times for the United States. More so than any time in recent history, this once great country has become fiercely divided. Families are being forced apart and friends are no longer speaking to each other, as fear, hatred and distrust seem to be spreading like a plague.
Fortunately, the month of September brings both the International Day of Peace on the 21st and Campaign Nonviolence from Sept. 16-24. Both offer opportunities to pause and reflect on how we, as a nation and as individuals, can work towards healing and forgiveness. The “Hate Has No Home Here” campaign is one simple way we reach out to affirm that we are a community that will not tolerate bigotry and oppression.
We can take a look at how others have taken steps to resolve civil strife. The decades-long conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis is one such example.
“Disturbing the Peace” is a story of former enemy combatants — Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters — who have joined together to become nonviolent peace activists, leading to the creation of combatants for peace. While based in the Middle East, “Disturbing the Peace” evokes universal themes relevant to us all and inspires us to become active participants in the creation of our world.
On Sept. 21, the city of Clinton will come together for the annual Stop the Hate — Show the Love walk at Jefferson Elementary school. Following the walk, at 6:30 p.m., a free screening of “Disturbing the Peace” will be shown at the Canticle, 841 13th Ave. N., Clinton. All are welcome and invited to attend. For more information about the film and other Campaign Nonviolence events, please visit www.ClintonFranciscans.com
Laura Anderson, marketing director
Franciscan Peace Center, Clinton