“My position is in between the opposing fronts.”
Declaration Point 1 In context with the wars raging in Eastern Europe and in the Near East, we have often heard the despairing sentence: “There is nothing I can do”. While it seems true that action is neigh impossible without buying into opinions of increasingly uncertain value, it is possible to reflect and chose where we stand.
In the face of the global volatility by October 2023 and the urgent need for a silencing of the guns, it is eminently important that one consolidate one’s own position.
In front of this background, we are launching the initiative ‘Declaration of Position’. You find the text and the form to co-sign it – as well as the List of Signatories :
Declaration of Position Sign now!
Guiding principles
“I believe that dialogue alone can lead to peace.”
Declaration Point 2For a wholesome healing to take place, we believe it is meaningful to first take stock, to become conscious of the situation one is in. As such, this current initiative is only a first step. Let us use our influence that the next actions – by whoever – follow the principles of human decency and are aiming for peaceful co-existences.
Mostly, truce precedes peace. The former is an essential goal, the latter may be a visionary dream. And yes, it may be a long way to go. Our conviction is here to stay and together we create a momentum of change towards peace.
The list of men and woman who have gone down the path of non-violence before us is impressive. Remembering them should inspire and motivate us.
The speed at which unimaginable changes happen is increasing. In the 21st century this is truer than ever. Not only for warlike developments but for their opposite as well. Bearing this in mind should give us confidence and courage to stay optimistic.
Conciliatory value
“I empathise with the victims of violence.”
Declaration Point 5This project is aiming directly at peaceful resolutions. Within the individual self and with ramifications across the rift of race, gender, nations and whatever else divides people. It is meant to be a contribution to the unfolding of a new consciousness and aims beyond the genre of Reiki which has been the arena of the reconciliation work as shown on this site. Thus, the conciliatory value cannot be overestimated.
Opposing voices and concerns
Before we launched our initiative, we had shown it to critical minds and to people who are directly affected by the current wars in Ukraine and Israel.
“I condemn terrorism … and desecration of humans’ dignity.”
Declaration Point 3In the declaration, we condemn crimes against humanity. But we do not explicitly take sides. To the contrary, we place ourselves ‘between the fronts’. One of the concerns of a Jewish person was that his visible position on the List of Signatories – although it emphasizes impartiality – could be misconstrued, even possibly as condoning Hamas. Furthermore, in times of turbulence, Jews have had a painful history of becoming scapegoats. In the current global climate, he believes it is important that everything he is involved in directly discourages the presently increasing anti-semitic sentiment.
A prominent figure in politics felt that his personal views are of no value for society at large. They are treasured by him privately and he does not want to expose them to a hostile environment of media and the opportunism of political foes.
We believe that these are serious thoughts and we respect them thoroughly. While they have not lead us to abandon the launch of the initiative, we have started to offer the signatories to stay anonymous when filling in the form.
“Against war” – Criticism
“I can do something … unarmed and keeping an open mind and heart.”
Declaration Point 6 and closing statement The Declaration’s statement “I am against war” drew more than one objection, because when we are ‘against’ something, we paradoxically reinforce its existence. Critics suggested a positive rather than a negative statement. For example, “I am in favour of peace.”
We agree in principle that ‘what we resist will persist’. However, in this case it seemed important to explicitly declare our contra position. The awakening to and the realisation of the horrors of war is a powerful experience. We need to become consciously cognisant of this before we even can ask ourselves how we define peace and what steps are to be taken. Realistically, peace may be forever elusive. But that should not stop us from following the compass of our vision of Peace.
We left the ‘negative’ statement in the declaration; may it be a potent and transformative catalyst.
Declaration of Position Sign now!Future actions
At the time of this writing (October 2023), we do not plan further actions. We believe that the next steps with reveal themselves to individuals and collectives in good time.
