A tradition of non-violence

Florida Pastor Terry Jones called off his plan to burn the Muslim holy book the Koran (also spelled Quran) at the last minute. But before this, our Sister Donna Butler wrote this letter to the editor. (It was not published.) We are grateful this planned act of hate was called off, but know the sentiments in Sister Donna's letter are still timely as many acts of violence perpetuated by extremism continue around the world.

We hope you will join with Sister Donna and many other Sisters of Providence who daily pray the Litany of Non-Violence.

Dear Editor:
I am appalled by the idea of burning the Koran. To my Muslim sisters and brothers, I am deeply sorry for the hateful and vicious actions that are taking place. Extremists can be found in almost any faith. That is no excuse to stereotype everyone and perpetuate the violence. I encourage others to sign an online petition at www.care2.com against this latest proposed act of hate.

The Sisters of Providence have a Litany of Nonviolence which many of us pray daily.
I invite others to join us in this prayer of conversion.

Provident God, aware of our own brokenness,
we ask the gift of courage to identify how and where
we are in need of conversion in order to live in
solidarity with Earth and all creation.

Deliver us from the violence of superiority and disdain.
Grant us the desire, and the humility, to listen
with special care to those whose experiences
and attitudes are different from our own.

Deliver us from the violence of greed and privilege.
Grant us the desire, and the will, to live simply
so others may have their just share of Earth’s resources.

Deliver us from the silence that gives consent
to abuse, war and evil.
Grant us the desire, and the courage, to risk speaking
and acting for the common good.

Deliver us from the violence of irreverence,
exploitation and control.
Grant us the desire, and the strength, to act
responsibly within the cycle of creation.

God of love, mercy and justice,
acknowledging our complicity in those attitudes,
actions and words which perpetuate violence,
we beg the grace of non-violent hearts. Amen.

Donna Butler, SP

Power and nonviolence topic of conference address

Associates all over the country gathered in St. Louis June 4-6 for the annual North American Conference of Associates and Religious (NACAR). Janice Lilly of Bloomington, Ind., was one of several Providence Associates who attended the conference.

Janice especially enjoyed the keynote address by Michael Crosby, OFM Cap. Michael discussed “transforming our understanding of power.” This address reminded Janice of a recent presentation she heard by the Dalai Lama concerning power and nonviolence. Both men encouraged “using power in a collaborative and nonviolent way.”

To read Janice’s reflection, click here.

To learn more about Providence Associates, click here.