Serve, Work and Transform: Only nonviolent resistance will save Ukraine

Friday, March 25, 2022

Only nonviolent resistance will save Ukraine

I was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. I have known since then that violence and war do not solve ANYTHING. Living in a militarized culture, I have often felt like I was the only one who saw that. (What keeps me grounded and sane is being connected to very good networks like PPF.)

The western media is enamored with President Zelenskyy for his public resistance to Russia. However, that violent resistance has prolonged the violence, and increased the death toll, as well as devastation throughout Ukraine. Although we have heard some about the nonviolent resistance to the invasion in both Russia and Ukraine, I’ve seen almost nothing that explicitly questions Ukraine’s military response, even from advocates for peace. The real strength of Ukraine is the unwillingness of the people to accept Russian rule.

So rather than saying, “Nonviolent resistance is also good and worth supporting” I am of the opinion that nonviolent resistance is the only thing that will ultimately save Ukraine. I believe there is much more nonviolent resistance happening than we here in this country know about, and even the corporate media that loves to beat the drums of war has reported on some of it.

Read more from PPFer Bill Galvin...

Congregational Toolkit for Ukraine

We know many of you are lifting up the war in Ukraine in your congregations. We hope that this moment can be one in which we strengthen our commitment to resisting "Just War" arguments in the church, and continue to foster a commitment to nonviolence and following in the path of the Prince of Peace.

Check out these resources to help guide your worship, conversations and action in your local church. It's a "live" document and will continue to be added to as things unfold - so bookmark it and check back frequently!

GET THE TOOLKIT

Call to Action on April 4

April 4, 2022 is the 55th anniversary of Rev. Dr. King’s assassination, and the 56th anniversary of his historic A Time to Break Silence speech delivered at Riverside Church in New York City.

This speech went beyond civil rights to condemn militarism, racism, and extreme materialism, enforced by a culture of violence, as the source of the ills that plague U.S. society. As war rages on, we continue to organize against the ever-more-increasing militarization of our society.

Join the national call on April 4th or consider hosting your own reading of the speech in your community or congregation.

Find resources for how to organize your own event.

PPF is a partner sponsor.