Saturday, November 14, 2015

Statement of Focolare president, Maria Voce, on the recent terrorist attacks in France.

 

“In the face of the dramatic events that took place in Paris last night, in addition to recent ones in many other areas of the world, we stand in mourning with those whose feelings have been wounded and with those who believe that the unity of the human family is possible.

Dismayed and standing in firm condemnation of such acts against human life, there arises strongly a question: Have we taken every step and every action possible to build the necessary conditions, including encouraging equality, more solidarity, more communion of goods, that preclude violence and terrorist acts?

In the face of a plan that appears perverse, it is obvious that there is only not one answer. But it is also obvious that an uncontrolled reaction to violence will not push back those who want to destroy peoples’ life force and their aspiration to coexist in peace.

The conviction that the world can walk towards unity and avoid confrontation and armed violence remains alive in the spirit and in the actions of those who have at heart love for every person and the future of the human family and want to bring it about through political action, the tools of the economy, the rule of law.

 

The Focolare Movement, while it weeps with those who weep, continues to believe in the path of dialogue, of acceptance and of respect for the other, whoever that may be and from whatever provenance, religious belief, and ethnicity. Therefore, together with those with different responsibilities who work for peace even at personal risk, the Focolare renews its commitment to intensify and multiply acts and gestures of reconciliation, spaces for dialogue and communion, opportunities for encounter and sharing at levels and in all parts of the world to embrace the cry of humanity and transform it into new hope.”