Healing the Scars of Conflict

'Commitment to Non-Violence needs to be matched by a willingness to challenge injustice.' This was the message of the four courageous speakers at the recent WCF day conference on 'Healing the Scars of Conflict. '
Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire said that in Northern Ireland the Peace People had to confront those who resorted to arms. Equally now she is actively campaigning for justice for the people of Gaza. Donald Reeves, formerly Vicar of St James', Picadilly, and now Director of 'Soul of Europe', has had to challenge prejudice and persuaded religious leaders to work for reconciliation. Ibrahim Issa and Ghassan Manasra, representatives of Jerusalem Peacemakers, told of the difficulties facing their work for peace. Yet despite the difficulties all four speakers, thanks to their faith, remained confident that an honest facing of past evil and the willingness to forgive could bring healing and hope even in the most troubled situations.
The beautiful and tranquil setting of the Abbey at Sutton Courtenay was a striking contrast to the situation in which all the speakers are active. Yet, as they said, without inner peace no one can bring healing and peace to others.