Peace is a Process

I saw the documentary "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." It is probably the 8th or 9th time. The more I learn, the more I am riveted by the compelling story of ordinary Liberian women who took a stand for peace. They did not talk about all the things they were against...they constantly repeated what they were for.      Peace.



Tonight at St. Peter's in Delaware, parishioners as well as others in the community and members from other Episcopal churches gathered to enjoy a lasagna dinner followed by a screening of the movie. All the food and sale items were donated so the funds raised will go toward the collaborative efforts of the Episcopal Church of Liberia and the Diocese of Southern Ohio.

Good food and conversation were followed by the sobering images of what Liberia was like in 2002. And the peace established by the women, the elected government, and the UN is fragile. It has not taken root in deep and lasting ways. I am more convinced than ever that it needs nurturing and that everything we do now to be companions with the Liberians will have a lasting impact on that peace.

Two days ago, on Monday, I spoke to a retired Peace Corps worker who told me more tales about the devastation from the civil war. He also talked about the current unrest in the Ivory Coast, right next door. Liberia has 85% unemployment, so the former soldiers from the Liberian factions are looking for work as mercenaries...and finding work in the Ivory Coast. Fighting and killing is what they were taught to do. For the moment the peace is in place, but what about in 6 months (leading up to the October elections) or a year? The concern the Peace Corps worker voiced is that in the future the mercenaries will return to Liberia with weapons and if there aren't jobs or peaceful opportunities, they will resort to violence again. Each thing we can do now—to partner with the Liberians and support them in achieving their vision of improving education, health and job opportunities—will be additional obstacles in the way of those who turn to violence. I am seeing more and more how profound those words are. Peace is a process and will continue to take effort on the part of not only the people of Liberia but others, like those of us in Southern Ohio. Now is the time to take action for peace. It cannot wait.