Creating a Culture of Peace

A key element in the North American Dominican Family’s 2006 Call to Justice is the commitment to developing a culture of peace. Noting that “peace is wholeness created by right relationship with God, self, others, and creation,” the Dominican family determined to work on a number of issues related to peace including:

• The death penalty
• Disarmament
• Conditions in Iraq, Israel/Palestine, Africa, and Columbia

With this is mind, Campus Ministry, the Center for Dominican Studies, and other areas within Barry University have sponsored several presentations, panel discussions, and liturgical events.

Peace Conferences

July 13 -15, 2007: International Women’s Peace Colloquium
More than 170 women leaders from around the world gathered on Barry University’s Miami Shores campus to dialogue on peace and to establish action plans. This event was co-sponsored by the Adrian Dominican sisters, Barry University, and the Center of Concern. Keynote speaker, Gertrude Mongella, president of the Pan African Parliament, discussed women’s unique perspective on peace.  Read more.

June 5, 2007: Children’s Peace Conference
More than 40 fourth- and fifth-graders from various public and private elementary schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and from various faith backgrounds took part in Barry University’s first-ever Interfaith Children’s Peace Conference, created and hosted by the Center for Dominican Studies. Read more

Interfaith Presentations and Panel Discussion: “Killing in the Name of God: “Perspectives in the Abrahamic Faiths”

October 30, 2007: Panel Discussion: Rabbi Mario Rojzman, Temple Beth Torah; Imam Shafayat Mohamed, Darul Uloom Institute; and Dr. Edward Sunshine, Barry University
This panel discussion arose in response to participant requests from the previous interfaith presentations. More than 80 Barry students, faculty and staff attended this session which consisted of a five-minute recap by each of the presenters, dialogue between the presenters and a lively question and answer period. Read more.

March 22, 2007: Mr. Jim Howe, National Conference of Christians and Jews of Miami
Mr. Howe’s presentation inspired hope in his audience of more than 75 Barry students, faculty and staff. Howe focused on the efforts currently being undertaken within Christian groups to open dialogues on the concept of peace and how this concept relates to the world in which we live. Noting that all three religions have resorted to killing in order to control political situations, Howe called for “making peace” in the “Name of God.”  Most participants commented on Howe’s directness and integrity, with many recommending a follow-up panel discussion.

February 27, 2007: Imam Shafayat Mohamed, Darul Uloom Institute, Hollywood, FL
An equally large group of Barry faculty, staff and students attended this presentation, many noting their appreciation for the historical background given on the development of Islam and the Koran. Imam Shafayat brought the perspectives of the three faiths into the conversation at several junctures, furthering his audience’s ability to relate the major religions to one another. Some participants remarked that Shafayat was willing to discuss controversial issues, an important step in peace-making efforts.

Jan. 24, 2007: Rabbi Mario Rojzman, Temple Beth Torah, N. Miami Beach, FL
More than 75 participants attended this session, many commenting that the presentation was both informative and enlightening. Rabbi Rojzman clearly demonstrated his respect for, and knowledge of, the three major religions that trace their roots to Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. His major emphasis, an historical presentation of Judaic thought on killing, was well-received as was his assertion that Jews, Christians, and Muslims do not have or “own” Truth, but “seek” Truth. Endorsement of this perspective alone would do much to further peace-making efforts.

Liturgical Events and Activities commemorating the International Day of Peace

Sept. 20: Peace Vigil
Beginning with prayer, a reflection, and liturgical dance, the Peace Vigil concluded with a dynamically symbolic ceremony in which the words hate, fear and violence were burned in a fire pit and white candles were lit representing love, charity, acceptance and hope. The vigil was meant to destroy feelings that prevent peace and illumine ways in which we can promote peace. The Peace Vigil was organized by Mary Leonard, a theology/philosophy major at Barry.

Sept. 12 – 28, 2007: Creation and Display of Peace Flags
Barry faculty, staff and students created over 300 peace flags, which were displayed on campus in Thompson Hall, Adrian Hall, and at the doors of the chapel.

Sept. 11, 2007: Evening Service in Cor Jesu Chapel
Prayers were dedicated to ending violence, fear, and war, and to offer hope in the midst of September 11th remembrances.