“We can never direct a living system. We can only disturb it. As external agents we provide only small impulses of information. We can nudge, titillate, or provoke one another into some new ways of seeing.” (Margaret Wheatley,  A Simpler Way, p. 49)

Experience

At their fall meeting, members of LCWR Region 13 shared their experiences and analysis as leaders of religious congregations following the events of September 11. After learning of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the crash of the hijacked plane in Pennsylvania, women religious gathered for special rituals, praying for the victims and supporting one another in their grieving. Many encouraged other people to join them and participated in interfaith services. Several distributed prayers in print and on their web sites. One community invited readers to post personal reflections on their web site; another created and aired radio spots urging nonviolence in our U. S. response. Another gathered a group to hear a local Afghan woman describe her perspective of the “war on terrorism.” Many issued statements expressing compassion for those suffering the loss of loved ones; many, too, made donations to relief organizations. Congregational leaders found the LCWR-CMSM joint statement and the LCWR letters to Congress and members of the Administration, posted on the LCWR web site, helpful in articulating their own concerns and speaking with a corporate voice. They felt supported by expressions of sympathy and concern from members and co-workers living in other countries.

Social Analysis

Region 13 members reflected on Margaret Wheatley’s observation: “From a systems consciousness, we understand that no problem or behavior can be understood in isolation. We must account for dynamics operating in the whole system that are displaying themselves in these individual moments” (Leadership and the New Science, p. 140). The impact of communications was very influential as television reports, with their repetition of the horrifying images and interviews with those most closely affected, involved all viewers intimately and emotionally. Cell phones played a central role in expressing both danger and love. Americans were confronted with anger and hatred from some people in other countries and were led to consider the historical sources of such strong negative feelings. News reports of public opinion polls emphasized support for retaliation and a strengthening of national security. At the same time, the media aired voices asking for reflection, national self-examination, and the avoidance of discrimination against people of another ethnicity or religious belief.

Political dynamics shifted as countries that were once considered enemies were now courted as allies. Militarization was enlisted to protect our national interests. The “war on terrorism” consumed resources that otherwise would have been available to meet domestic needs. The President was seen as a unifying figure, increasing in popularity. Congressional action was originally nonpartisan, then became increasingly divided as legislators debated specific actions. The exercise of democracy weakened as the threat of anthrax closed government offices and endangered legislators as well as postal workers.

Economically, many people’s financial stability slipped as a result of the loss of family members or of jobs and investment income. Corporations sought government bailouts. Philanthropy directed to the immediate and urgent needs of victims resulted in smaller donations to respond to ongoing social inequities.

Overall, U.S. society experienced entirely new threats and concomitant fears. Simultaneously, people expressed generosity and an unaccustomed gentleness in daily interactions. The role of religion, and especially religious tolerance and understanding of differences, became widely discussed, along with clarification of the tradition of Islam and the necessity for ethical action respectful of human rights. Many Americans spoke of clarifying their priorities.

Reflection

In considering how faith shapes our vision and perspective, LCWR members referred to Jesus’ proclamation of the Beatitudes as a challenge for us as individuals and as a nation.  Jesus’ paschal mystery inspires us to enter into suffering with hope for new life. The contemplative vision that LCWR has been deepening deliberately during this year moves us toward seeing the world as God sees it – and us. Our specific congregational charisms shape our vision and actions within the Christian community. In interfaith conversation, exploration, and prayer, we seek core elements common to people of faith. Many of us find ourselves challenged to nonviolence in a social environment that considers it unpatriotic. As disciples of Jesus, we pray and act together for peace and reconciliation.

Action

Region 13’s suggestions for future action included the following:

• Use our existing networks and skills in convening groups as a source of support and common action.
• Build on our international membership and ministry to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity.
• Articulate our Christian faith and congregational charisms as the basis for our actions.
• Study the Catholic church’s just war theory and analyze its pertinence to the current situation.
• Involve our retreat and spirituality centers and our justice offices in integrating prayer and action.
• Weigh the possible effects of our not acting in response to crisis as well as the potential effects of our acting.
• Put energies into personal and congregational change as well as social change.
• Figure out where to insert ourselves right where we are.
• Remember that everything is connected.
• Let our mutual sharing energize our souls.
• Continue our communal exercise of contemplation and fasting once a month, perhaps on the 11th.