At
the beginning of 2003 the SAO redefined its operating principles,
one of which is: Mutuality
- The SAO seeks a world where relationships between persons
and among nations are based on equality, mutual respect
and the interconnectedness of human life with all of creation.
The
choice to take Creating
a Culture of Peace as one of four
priority areas is obviously connected to this priority.
This decision came after reflecting on the current global
and national climate of fear and misuse of power and significant
rise of fundamentalism. The planning group decided that
the focus for 2003 would be to provide material and opportunities
for people to reflect on and discuss the issues around
a Culture of Peace - to provide individuals with
material to reflect on the importance of attitudes and
of non-violent ways of living and acting. Other strategies
included promoting events organised by other organisations
and to host a Culture of Peace Forum.
An
evolving process for the SAO is the establishment of Circles – the Sophia
Circle, the Water Circle and then the Peace
Circle. Those who had indicated their interest in
pursuing the Creating a Culture of Peace agenda
met and thus the Peace Circle was established.
This group decided to begin a reading group and are meeting
monthly to read and reflect on the topic. A Peace Forum
was planned and held on 25 October 2003.
An
unplanned and exciting development in this agenda area
has been the establishment of a Women of Faith group.
Wendy Flannery rsm asked if, as part of the agenda area
of Creating a Culture of Peace, the SAO could
include some dialogue around Women and Islam in Australia.
The initial goals were to:
