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Family Pledge of Nonviolence
Click for your own family pledge of nonviolence
Why Take the Pledge?
We are surrounded with so much violence. We are families and those who care about families who join together to say: "Enough! No more violence! We can do better!" We are families of faith who are involved because of our belief in humanity. We join together as peacemakers in advocating for alternatives to violent behavior and in promoting violence prevention. We are committed to nonviolence and are convinced that what we do matters. Together we can make a difference.
We have a vision of families standing together to counter the violence in our society. We will break the cycle of violence by creating a circle of Unitarian Universalist families who can be strong and bold because we stand together.
We are a network of hopeful families joining with interfaith families in FAVAN (Families Against Violence Advocacy Network) to express a moral voice, a voice of outrage. We call all families and our whole culture to reject violence in our homes and to counter violence and promote alternatives to violence in our communities and world.
A Suggested Ritual
Setting:Gather around the family table. Symbolic items on the table could include a family candle, a peace crane, an olive branch, family crest or banner, and/or family UU chalice. You may want to play your favorite meditation music or a family member could play an instrument.
Opening Prayer/Meditation by Makanah Morriss: Mystery of Life, Source of All Being, we are thankful for the gifts of life and being, of love and connection. We are thankful for all the wonders of the world around us. We are thankful for each other and for all the members of our global family. As we make our Family Pledge, may we have eyes that see, hearts that love and hands that are ready to serve in love and in kindness, with caring and with courage. Blessed be.
Candle Lighting:Each family member carries a small lighted candle and together they light the family candle/UU chalice as a sign of unity.
Signing the Pledge:The leader of the ceremony explains why they are making a family pledge. Then each family member briefly expresses which points of the pledge will be most challenging for them personally and where they will need encouragement. The leader reassures everyone that they are committed together to help each other keep the pledge. With meditative music or peace song in the background, the family reads the pledge in unison and each members signs the document. As a seal of commitment, family members exchange a sign of peace (for example, hugs).
Closing: Sing a favorite song, such as "Let There Be Peace on Earth," "Shalom," or "Go Now in Peace." Enjoy a favorite family snack or meal in celebration.
Take the Pledge
Click here for your own Family Pledge of Nonviolence. Print out the pledge and be sure keep it where you will be reminded of it. |
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