Brazil starts its first Creators of Peace Circle

Forgiveness for the sake of peace

Brazil starts its first Creators of Peace Circle

By Joelina Cândida Alves

Eight women representing different areas of the city of Rio de Janeiro; different professions, age groups and stratas of Rio society, felt called to take part as ‘builders of peace’  in the first Creators of Peace Circle to happen in Brazil, 12-14 July.  The Peace Circle took place in Sítio São Luiz, Petrópolis, the IofC Conference Centre for Latin America and was led by Maria Cristina Muñoz from Colombia, assisted by Vera Regina Guerço de Oliveira from Brazil.

Starting to talk about building peace, Cristina and Vera talked about the confidentiality that is a basic component in holding Peace Circles. Then they invited the women to get to know each other on first name terms. This initial laying down of the ground rules prepared an atmosphere of understanding which is fundamental to the process of every Peace Circle – the opening section of the programme. The participants were seated in a circle throughout the activities and each women spoke in turn at the appropriate moment. Each one was open to share their feelings.

The space was carefully prepared to help create an atmosphere for conflict resolution and to promote a culture of peace and trust in people, with respect and acceptance of others. This encouraged all who felt a desire to unburden themselves and share their experiences. Through a process of structured dialogue that allowed full expression of emotions, the Circle encouraged everyone to look inside themselves for answers.

Forgiveness is the best approach

Forgiveness for the sake of peace: This theme led to an outpouring of personal stories and awakened in every woman a desire to explore the nature of forgiveness in their lives and look at alternative ways to resolve conflicts and vendettas by transforming hearts and minds. ‘I learned that in all languages ​​the word 'forgive' is a word made up of 'give or 'donate'. So 'forgive' is not to fight evil by committing another evil to the offender. Holding grievances and resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies. Forgiveness is the ultimate test of perfect harmony,’ shared one of the participants.

Honesty, purity, unselfishness and love – the Peace Circle is based on these four core values of Initiatives of Change. It is also born out of the awareness of the tears, blood and pain of many women, who sowed hatred and taught their children from a young age to cultivate hate, even though they didn’t want war, because they did not know how to pass on peace within their families.  Today Creators of Peace Circles, the main tool of the IofC programme Creators of Peace, is spread across five continents. (Fotos Alline Serpa).