2
The Message 'iorC;tholics of'Sbuthwestern Indiana -.-.- . ,
Bishops, network, urge ai'Stand against00vibl
By PAUL R. LEINGANG
Message editor
22, and planning classes and
seminars on nonviolent behavior
and conflict resolution.
"Individually, we can help
reduce violence by examining our
hearts and living lives that are
consistent with peacemaking,"
states William F. Davis, O.S.F.S,
from the USCC Department of
Education, in a prepared state-
Catholics throughout the
United States are being asked to
pay particular attention to an
effort to "Stand Against Vio-
lence" this month.
In the document, "Confronting
a Culture of Violence," the U.S.
bishops call on the Catholic corn- , men t. "But, peacemakers coming
munity to focus on the "moral together through our parishes
and schools can create more sig-
nificant and longer lasting
changes," he continues. "Local
churches can play a significant
role in raising the awareness of
violence in our hearts and in our
communities. Working together,
we can come up with strategies
that help reduce this violence."
The "Family Pledge of Nonvi-
olence" found on this page is
adapted from material developed
by the Families Against Violence
Advocacy Network, which has
been established through the
efforts of the Parenting for Peace
and Justice Network, which is
headquartered in St. Louis.
Part of the design of the
and human cost of violence"
between the birthday of Martin
Luther King Jr., and the anniver-
sary of the Supreme Court deci-
sion legalizing abortion.
The time period for that focus
this year is from Sunday, Jan. 12
through Wednesday, Jan. 22, a
period which includes both
anniversaries.
The USCC Department of
Education encourages parishes
to observe this time period in
various ways. Among sugges-
tions are conducting a Family
Peace Night, holding evening
parish programs around anti-
violence themes, joining the
march against abortion on Jan.
pledge is artwOrk representing a
circle of families.. A. goal of the
network organizers is to create
a circle of families, one million
families strong,, by the year
2000.
A "manifesto' issued by the
Families Against Violence pro-
claims that "We are families and
those who care about families
who have joined together to say:
'Enough! No m0re Violence! We
can do better!'"
The network includes "all
types of families from a variety
of racial, economic and cultural
groups .... who are involved
because of our belief in God and
• . . because of our belief in
humanity."
The network includes "a vari-
ety of political persuasions" who
work to "transcend our differ-
ences and join together as peace-
makers in advocating for alter-
natives to violent behavior and
in promoting violence preven-
tion."
Organizers and supporters of
the network acknowledge that
people are "frightened, confused,
sented on
frustrated, angry, and perhaps
worst, feeling powerless," but
that it is nonetheless important
to "express a moral voice, a voice schools;
of outrage, that calls all families use in one
and our whole culture t6 reject The
violence and violent 'solutions' to used at some
We will break the cycle ofv
by creating a circle of fa
cal00 be strong and bold i .
stand together.
problems. We will break the
cycle of violence by creating a cir-
cle of families who can be strong
and bold because we stand
together."
The network is committed to
bringing together organizations
and individuals who share the
goal of violence prevention.
Plans also call for developing an
annual "Families against Vio-
lence Advocacy Agenda."
The network has issued three
variations of the pledge of non-
family life; on a
holiday,
confirma
national holidaY-
Copies of the edge!
may be signed
prominently in a ;n;:
may be obtai'4t h* Lg
work, along wl
its use.
A booklet, "F
a Circle of Peace,:
stories, cartoons,
questions to help !
pledge, is availabl enr
Educational P
for school or classrc
available for a fee.
For more
the
Advocacy Net
The
tice Network,
and Justice,
#408, St. Lou
mail
Family Pledge of Non-Violence
Making peace must start within ourselves and in our families. Each of us, members
of the family, commit ourselves as best we can to become
non-violent and peaceful people.
. To Respect Self and Others
To respect myseifio affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism,
hateful words, physical attacks, and self-destructive behavior.
To Communicate Better
To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger,
and to work at solving problems peacefully.
To Listen
To listen carefully to others especially those who disagree with me,
and to consider others feelings and needs rather than insist on my way.
To Forgive
To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another,
to forgive others and to keep from holding grudges.
To Respect Nature
: To treat the environment and all living things,
.... ificltidihg our pets) With respect and care.
To Play Creatively
To select entertainment and toys that support our family's values and
to avoid those that make violence look exciting or acceptable.
To BeCourageous
To challenge'violence'athome, at school,.at work; or .in the community,
-, . , %(i- • .;q" L -;: • . ,, ' , ;:: .... ," P , -' .,' , ,
• andta wlthotlierswhO:aretreated,unfairly.
This is our pledge. These are our goals. We will check ourselves on what we have
pledged once a month on for the next twelve months so
that we can help each other become more peaceab!e people.
Pledging family members sign beloW
Eliminating violence, one family at a time
