In light of the intensifying conflicts around the planet, and before another war is declared, we call upon the United States and the world community to pause.
As one humanity, we cannot survive the continuing cycle of violence in response to violence.
There are alternative responses. To avoid further violence and division, we propose a process of listening, healing and reconciliation on both a national and an international level.
Peace begins with each one of us. In order for the United States to truly support the harmony and safety of other nations in the world, we must first nourish harmony and safety in our own country. We have a need to listen to the suffering of our own people caused by discrimination and violence. Listening with compassion to this
suffering would increase national understanding and trust, and show us paths out of division and despair.
Recognizing the deep strength and good will of our nation, we know we have the capacity to do this.
On the national level, we call upon the United States and the mass media to explore the vast resources of wisdom and experience of many United States citizens who have been trained in, and who have practiced, the art of meditation and reconciliation.
These community and spiritual leaders would come together to form local and national forums for compassionate listening to representatives of communities that suffer in the United States.
When possible, the forums would be televised.
Emerging from these forums creative new solutions and legislation should be enacted to improve the lives of those who suffer in the United States.
This would alleviate the despair in this land that could otherwise explode into future acts of violence and terrorism.
We recognize that the peace, well-being and safety of the people within the United States and the peace, well-being and safety of the rest of the world are inextricably interwoven.
If the United States were to embody strong, compassionate leadership through such self-examination and reform, we could give hope to other nations to begin similar processes.
On the international level, we propose that a parliament of peace be created to listen to the suffering of people throughout the world, and to offer courageous alternatives to war.
One of its immediate concerns would be conflict in the Middle East, particularly the possibility of war between the United States and Iraq.
This international process would not duplicate the vital role of the United Nations.
Its initial focus would not be dialogue between political representatives of nation-states.
Instead, it would create a safe space for representatives of those who have felt great suffering from injustice to share and listen to each others' stories and their visions for a peaceful world.
This sharing would be taken seriously by political leadership.
All of our steps must be taken with careful intention. We call upon all nations, and the United States in particular to answer this immediate need, not by hastening toward increased tragedy, but by moving toward peace.
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