Focolare Forum for Dialogue and Culture

?? Working for Sustainable Peace This year, the Focolare Forum for Dialogue and Culture is diving deep into the most critical challenge of our time: peacebuilding efforts, both nationally and internationally. As we prepare programs and activities for the year ahead, we have been drawing inspiration from Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence. His commitment to nonviolence was radical and continues to challenge us to resist the evils of injustice to achieve the “beloved community”, not to humiliate our opponents. ?? His belief in nonviolence as a method in international relations echoes that of one of Focolare’s co-founders, Igino Giordani, who said: “Only a fool can hope to derive benefit from a massacre. Evil produces evil, as the palm tree produces dates. And the facts show, even in this field, the practical inconsistency of the Machiavellian saying that ‘the end justifies the means’. The end may be justice, freedom, honor, bread: but the means produce such destruction of bread, honor, freedom and justice, as well as of human lives, including those of women, children, the elderly, the innocent of all kinds, that they tragically annul the very end that is proposed.” Igino Giordani, L’inutilità della Guerra (The Futility of War) As we commemorate Dr. King's today, we want to recommit to his legacy of radical, transformative peace. Want to learn more? Check out Dr. King's profound essay "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence" as published by Stanford University ?? https://lnkd.in/epj4k__c Who's ready to build a more peaceful world? ???? #Peacebuilding #GlobalDialogue #NonviolentChange #Dialogue #MLK #peace #dialogue #globalgoals #conflict #mediation #reconciliation #nonviolence #conflictresolution #conflict transformation

???? As we approach the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, we’d like to share an article published by Focolare Media, Inc about an inspiring initiative by Braver Angels,? the "American Hope Campaign". As part of this campaign on Election Day 2024, Red and Blue voters stood together at polling stations, wearing color-coded caps to show that beyond our political differences, we can hold a deep respect for one another and collaborate to bring ahead our democracy. We invite you to read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gkmBbhwT ?? We’re curious to hear your thoughts. What are your thoughts on bridging political divides? How can we continue to foster unity as we move forward? #Inauguration2025 #AmericanUnity #UnityInDiversity #BridgingDivides #ListenFirst #CivicDuty #ActiveCitizenship #DemocracyInAction #EPluribusUnum

As Congress convenes to certify the results of the 2024 presidential election, we want to share a Focolare Media, Inc article from last month that offers valuable insights on navigating division during the transition period leading up to the inauguration. While the article was originally written for Catholics, its three key areas of reflection can be beneficial for anyone committed to fostering a more united society: ? Prudence in Action “Prudence invites us to ask: What do I need to do in the present moment to bring about the greatest good: for myself, for others, for the country, and for God?” ? Remain Curious “In a polarized culture such as ours, it is tempting to replace curiosity with blame: “They’re causing today’s problems. They’re destroying our country. They need to change.” ... While some political and ecclesial actors bear responsibility, blaming rarely leads to the change we seek.” ? Cross Over to Engage the Other?? “This could mean calling up an estranged family member, friend, or fellow parishioner, and rekindling the relationship. It could mean having coffee with someone who voted differently and genuinely listening to their perspective. Or it could mean joining one of hundreds of non-partisan and non-profit groups, such as Braver Angels, that seek to bring together people from diverse backgrounds for honest and respectful engagement.” Find the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eGETSJEp #Election2024 #PresidentialElection #ElectionCertification #UnityInDiversity #BridgingDivides #ListenFirst #CivicDuty #ActiveCitizenship #DemocracyInAction #EPluribusUnum

Today marks the 58th World Day of Peace, and Pope Francis has shared a powerful message of transformation and hope. It contains three bold proposals to restore human dignity and reignite hope for communities worldwide.? ? Three Pathways to Peace: Debt Relief: Substantially reducing or canceling international debt for vulnerable countries Abolishing the Death Penalty: Promoting the culture of life Hunger Elimination: Redirecting at least a percentage of weapons funding to combat global hunger Pope Francis reminds us that "sporadic acts of philanthropy are not enough" - we need radical, structural changes that recognize our shared humanity. As we enter this New Year, let's commit to building a more compassionate, just world where every person can hope and thrive. To read the full message, go to https://lnkd.in/eVGu_nJy? #WorldPeaceDay #Hope2025 #GlobalSolidarity #PeacefulChange