Why do I stand for peace… 

As I write this in mid-March, none of us know what the state of our world will be when you read this!  However, by the time you see this it will be April, and whatever the state of our world, some of us will have gathered on April 1st, as we do on the first Wednesday of each month, by the clocktower to stand for peace. Since October last year a group of us have gathered, at the central Nailsworth roundabout, standing in silence for half an hour (from 5 -5.30pm, 1st Wednesday of each month). 

Perhaps you’ve seen us there and wondered what we’re doing? Perhaps especially on April 1st, April Fool’s Day, you may think standing in silence is a foolish and irrelevant act, and you may be right. It is an act which acknowledges our powerlessness to change world events on our own, but we gather because we believe there is power in community, in standing together for something important. 

Our peace vigil came about as some of us from Christ Church and Nailsworth Quaker Meeting felt deep sadness about the human cost, on all sides, of what was going on in Gaza and discussed what we could do. We wanted to show our sense that a just and lasting peace must be found for all who live in the region of Palestine. Some people asked why we were not concerned about peace in other conflicts and so, in discussion with the other churches, from February, our vigil is for peace in all our world. That includes standing for peace in our own community and nation.

I cannot speak for others, as to what it means for them. For me, it is an act of solidarity, a time to reflect on the human cost of conflict and to pray for true peace in Palestine and elsewhere, knowing that requires fair solutions which recognise the rights of all, to not only exist but to thrive and flourish, regardless of race, religion or identity. 

Martin Luther, whose critique of the church began the Reformation said, as he defended his actions: “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me.’ This says something of how I feel. I believe that humanity is created in the image of God. Each person is loved and valued by God. So, each life lost matters. Victims of war are not just statistics or numbers, they were people like me living ordinary lives of work, school, sport, hobbies and family. I want to say, by my actions, that I stand against the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and the infrastructure of communities. That I stand with all who are trying to make a difference.

This Easter, in Nailsworth churches and around the world, we will remember the events which led to Jesus’ death. Jesus stood with those who were outcasts. He saw those on the margins and gave them dignity. He critiqued those who held power and invited people to see that a different kind of society was possible. One where the first will be last, where the oppressed are freed, where all can belong. A community where love and care for the welfare of others is as important as our own. His death and resurrection show ultimately that love is stronger than hate and life more powerful than death.

If you hope for a future where conflicts have ceased and all humanity can live at peace, then come and stand with us. It may feel impossible, it may feel foolish but, in my experience, it also feels quietly joyful. To pause for 30 minutes, to stand with others, to believe there is a better way. All are welcome…

Rev Esther Mason