We can make the world a safer place!!!

Bells of Peace

Violence is increasing everywhere. As citizens, we have the responsibility to promote a more peaceful atmosphere. Peace comes out of contemplation and understanding. Our global leaders must be encouraged to embrace nonviolent communication as the means to real peace and security.

Bells have rung for centuries to invite people to pause and contemplate peace within themselves and their communities. Some faiths chant or sing at certain times of the day. This is even more important in today's stressful and insecure world. These thoughts and sounds provide an atmosphere that promotes peace and harmony.

As a result of global news media and Internet communications, communities are no longer defined by neighborhood or national boundaries. Our global community must now include all people. This simple practice will help unite all human beings and people of all faiths in a common concern for the future.

We envision these bells of peace ringing out every hour somewhere in the world. Through this simple ritual, people will be creating conditions that nurture world peace. These bells represent a pervasive plea for all to think and act as one united family in search of peace and harmony.

We urge all communities in every country to ring bells at noon. We ask you to work with those who run religious centers, civic buildings, schools, businesses or other institutions in your community. We also ask that you set alarm clocks or watches to go off at noon. These sounds will alert people to take a few moments to cultivate an inner awareness of peace and harmony.

With the ringing of noontime bells we stop and visualize world peace, we pray for peace among all beings. This united ringing of the noontime bells will have a ripple effect-as a stone in a pond. The bell ringing will impact the whole of human consciousness.

Imagine all people everywhere living in peace. We need to reach a critical mass of peaceful people generating positive energy. This critical mass of conscious intention can produce a chain reaction of peaceful thoughts and actions, even within and among those who are not consciously participating.

Thoughts, prayers of peace are the creative material of every person -- regardless of race, religion, age, gender or nationality. We as individuals can make the world more secure for ourselves and for all generations to follow. Hear the bells!! Empower yourself and your neighbors to promote peace among all people.

 mhoban@holynamecathedral.org