The Pluralism Project at Harvard UniversityA Call for Healing Not Hatred, Reconciliation Not Revenge
The United States will soon commemorate one year since the violent attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. The manner in which we gather for these commemorations and the tone we set will be important aspects of our continued healing as a nation and our contribution to world peace. Let us emphasize in our commemorations our dedication to peace and harmony among peoples of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
A CALL FOR HEALING NOT HATRED, RECONCILIATION NOT REVENGE
By women of diverse faiths September 2002
We are women from a variety of faith traditions who work together for deeper understanding and cooperation among religious justice-seekers. We call on the people of the United States of America to use words and actions that will lead to healing and reconciliation on the first anniversary of the violent attack on the World Trade Center and related tragedies. We call for a rededication to the values upon which this nation has been founded: equality, political and religious freedom, due process under law, compassion for persons seeking asylum and refuge, and generosity toward persons less fortunate in material blessings.
Remembrance is a human and a religious activity. Political, cultural, and family systems celebrate anniversaries and commemorate important events in order to create life-giving stories, hope, and a sense of purpose. Many major faith traditions, among them Judaism, Christianity, and Islam encourage remembrance as a way to instill respect, gratitude and praise in the community of believers. Remembrance enriches the human heart.
Remembrance, however, can also harden the human heart. Remembrance that refuses to see the whole of a story, to respect all viewpoints, or to learn from the unfinished nature of each human experience often leads to revenge and retaliation. The history of this nation and many nations tells us the truth of this observation. Human persons hold the fate of each nation and, indeed, of all nations in their hearts and in their dreams. What future do we wish for our children and for all children? What hope do we have for peace for ourselves and for all persons? What price are we willing to pay in order that all peoples might live as we would wish to live?
We urge us to begin together to speak from our hearts, listen from our souls, give voice to our dreams, and work together toward a future that enriches all of us.