Statement from Mt. Toby Meeting
(Massachusetts)

We, the undersigned, represent a diverse Massachusetts community calling for peace. We are profoundly grieved at the loss of life, the suffering, and the sorrow that resulted from the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We yearn for comfort and strength for those who are injured and grieving. We are grateful to those who are responding to this tragedy and working for peace and reconciliation. We hope with all our hearts that in addressing the tragic events, we will find ways to help end the violence that is consuming our world.

We abhor the inhuman and violent acts of those who planned and carried out this attack. They must be brought to justice. Yet vengeance and violent retaliation cannot be the answer to this situation. They simply increase the spiral of violence and perpetuate and deepen our country's culture of violence. Justice and peace can only be realized through just and peaceful means.

As a country, we must come to the understanding that our perpetuation of global violence will ultimately destroy us. As it has been said, what happens outside the gates will inevitably happen inside the gates. With shocking suddenness we find ourselves in the position of so many in the world who live with constant fear and senseless violence. We urge our fellow community members, local leaders and elected officials to call for a national examination of our country's role in the cycle of global violence. We call not for war, but for the use of a legal process and for healing and reconciliation. We must also protect the rights of those who easily may be targeted by racist, religious, xenophobic and ethnic hatred. It is a time to draw upon the resilience of the human spirit as we forge lasting connections with our sisters and brothers across the world who join with us in this call for peace.

Approved by Mt. Toby Meeting on September 16, 2001