We are in the week of elections in Tanzania. We pray for Justice, nonviolence, peace and healing of our Nation. Join us in prayer. Amen.

PRAYER    “What is nonviolence?”  

Voice 1: What is nonviolence?  

Voice 2: It is a strategy for social change that rejects violence.  

Voice 3: It is a philosophy of active peacemaking.  

Voice 4: It is a spiritual discipline.  

Voice 5: It is a way of listening empathically.   

Voice 1: It is an active response to violence.  

Voice 2: It is a force more powerful than violence.  

Voice 3:  It is communicating without violence in attitudes, words or actions. 

(pause)

Voice 4:   What does the Gospel say about nonviolence? 

Voice 5:  “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  

Voice 1:  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” 

Voice 2: Jesus said, “Put down your sword.” 

 Voice3: Jesus said, “Turn the other cheek and go the second mile.” 

 Voice 4: Jesus said, “Love your enemies.”  

(pause)

Voice 5: How can we walk the talk of nonviolence in everyday life?  

Voice 1: By actively working for justice.  

Voice 2: By working for disarmament and the end of nuclear weapons. 

Voice 3: By being active listeners and always open to dialogue.  

Voice 4: By building relationships with those who are supposed to be enemies.  

Voice 5: By seeking out and accompanying  those who are excluded. 

 (pause) 

Voice 1: What is nonviolence?  

Voice 2: The way of love.