Faith Groups

Ways to Engage as a Nonviolent Faith Community

 

How Much Extra Work is This for Us?

Writing your own nonviolence resolution, using samples from other Nonviolent Louisville faith communities, will take enough time to craft it and then to seek buy-in from your leaders and congregation.

Consider making a three, five or ten year commitment.

 

Choose Methods of Expanding the Culture of Nonviolence that work best for Your Faith Community

Connect in with organizations and individuals that provide trainings, presentations or offerings that fit into your structure and your schedule (many listed on this site).

Explore the Meaning, Practices, and Applications of Nonviolence.

Share materials on the array of nonviolent practices through print, video, group discussions.

Schedule a presentation or training for your community.

Examine conflict resolution practices between leadership and members.

Include a presentation or video as part of an already-scheduled service or meeting.

Encourage attendance in nonviolence education programs, classes, or workshops in-person or online.

Areas of study include: restorative justice methods, building awareness that all hold pieces of the truth, fostering skills in de-escalation and bystander intervention, understanding conflict styles, building emotional awareness and self-regulation, and Beloved Community, where all are respected and have a role.

 

Examine your Faith Community’s Internal Practices.

Consider including values such as “do no harm” or “we are committed to nonviolence in thoughts, actions, and words” in your building, weekly notices, or services.

Explore Dr. Martin Luther King’s definition of “the Beloved Community” and how the faith community can embody that.

Move from competitive to collaborative models of making decisions together.

Take a look at conflict resolution practices on all levels.