Subject: Rethinking Our Global Commitment to Peace (05/23/'24) -Statement

Subject: Rethinking Our Global Commitment to Peace Dear Friends, I hope this message finds you well. Today, I write to share a reflection that has been weighing on my mind, concerning the real influences shaping our world. It appears that across cultures and religions, despite teachings that advocate for peace and compassion, there exists a more powerful doctrine—a pervasive faith in violence. This observation suggests that our global society, regardless of religious affiliations like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or Judaism, often prioritizes force and aggression as primary solutions to conflicts and power struggles. This reality starkly contrasts with the peaceful tenets central to these religions. In recognizing this, it becomes crucial for us to question how deeply we are committed to the principles of peace and nonviolence. Are these values truly at the heart of our actions and policies, or are they overshadowed by a more dominant belief in the efficacy of violence? Let us ponder on this and consider what steps we can take, individually and collectively, to cultivate a genuinely peaceful coexistence that aligns more closely with the teachings of compassion and understanding that many of us hold dear. Warm regards, Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 23, 2024)