The Fellowship of
Reconciliation is composed of women and men who recognize the essential
unity of all creation and have joined together to explore the power of
love and truth for resolving human conflict. While it has always been
vigorous in its opposition to war, the Fellowship has insisted equally
that this effort must be based on a commitment to the achieving of a
just and peaceful world community, with full dignity and freedom for
every human being.
In working out these objectives the FOR seeks the
company of people of faith who will respond to conflict nonviolently,
seeking reconciliation through compassionate action. The Fellowship
encourages the integration of faith into the lives of individual
members. At the same time it is a special role of the Fellowship to
extend the boundaries of community and affirm its diversity of
religious traditions as it seeks the resolution of conflict by the
united efforts of people of many faiths.
In the development of its program the FOR depends
upon persons who seek to apply these principles to every area of life.
FOR members:
Identify with those of every nation,
race, gender, sexual orientation and religion who are the victims of
injustice and exploitation, and seek to develop resources of active
nonviolence to transform such circumstances;
Refuse to participate in any war or to sanction
military preparations; work to abolish war and promote good will among
races, nations and classes;
Strive to build a social order that will utilize
the resources of human ingenuity and wisdom for the benefit of all, an
order in which no individual or group will be exploited or oppressed
for the profit or pleasure of others;
Advocate fair and compassionate methods of dealing
with offenders against society; they also serve as advocates for
victims of crime and their families who suffer loss and emotional
anguish, recognizing that restitution and reconciliation can help to
heal both victims and offenders;
Endeavor to show respect for personality and
reverence for all creation;
Seek to avoid bitterness and contention in dealing
with controversy, and to maintain the spirit of self-giving love while
engaged in the effort to achieve these purposes.
