The following report was written by Kaki Sjogren:
On Feb 13, 2000, five of us braved near freezing temperatures for this vigil, including two first-timers. I started by wrestling thoughts into submission, those ranging from last night’s dream to next day’s schedule. Soon I was aware that several people within arm’s length were looking past us into the vestibule to the Liberty Bell. It seemed apparent that a nonviolent peaceful presence is easily overlooked! My mind turned to the Martin Luther King "Letter From Birmingham City Jail," which I’d read earlier in the day. King’s was a presence that would not be overlooked!
"There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into an abyss of injustice where they experience the bleakness of corresponding despair," said King. I think of the despair in today’s disproportionately large African American prison population. King expressed frustration at the "shallow understanding from people of good will" and questioned the integrity of the white moderate "who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice, who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice."
From the vigil I am able to look across Independence Mall and see the Free Quakers historical building. I wonder what I would have stood for during the time of the revolutionary war. Would I have refused to fight? Would I have at the same time, railed against the privileged elite of English aristocracy? How many Quakers would have settled for a negative peace? By what means would I have fought for a positive peace with justice?
My understanding is still shallow. I know Jesus was a revolutionary who wanted a positive peace and was willing to suffer for justice. I am certain that thanks to the examples of civil disobedience, I am better able to take a nonviolent stand today.
I pray that my understanding deepens, so I might be willing to suffer more than cold temperatures for justice. I pray for the fearlessness that must precede true compassion. I pray for a love that endures all things.
Jorge held this week's vigil in the Plaza Grande in Quito, Ecuador on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday he flew home from Ecuador and during the hour of the vigil, while standing in line at customs to be allowed back into this country, he held a sign and prayed. He was under rather careful scrutiny by customs officials. He has a lot to share about his experience of holding the vigil in Ecuador during this trip, and he hopes to write a full report to post on the website along with the weekly vigil reports, for those who want to read the long story. We'll let you know when that report is finished and available to read.
We are grateful to hear from more Friends who have been posting copies of the weekly vigil report on their meeting bulletin boards. Ted Herman of Lancaster Meeting says he marks the passages of the reports that are especially meaningful to him.
Report #45, for Feb 6th, is not yet ready. We'll send it out when it's finished!
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE
Independence Mall Vigil for PeacePlease join us at our weekly prayer vigils for peace in the world, held in front of the Liberty Bell on Market St. between 5th and 6th, every Sunday from 4 to 5 PM. For more information, contact cityquake@aol.com.
In our reports, participants share their experiences of the prayer vigils and explore beliefs related to their participation. Reports reflect the experience of each author and do not necessarily represent the beliefs or practice of all vigil participants. We welcome your responses, which are forwarded to the individual authors (when possible). We sometimes include part of a response in a future report, unless you ask us not to.
It is meaningful to us that you share in the vigils by reading these reports and in other ways, such as joining us in prayer.
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM