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For Roma Ann Nisha Prodhan of the Church of North India the value of being at peace is rooted in recognizing disagreements but finding ways to keep moving forward together as a community and fellowship of churches.
After four days of meetings during the World Council of Churches Central Committee, 2-8 July, where some 150 committee members explored the theme of a “pilgrimage of justice and peace”, Prodhan found time outside the meeting for reflection.
A walk in the countryside of Switzerland on a sunny Sunday afternoon caused her to realize the value of peace. The serenity of her surroundings gave Prodhan a “sense of personal pilgrimage” helping her to reflect on the struggles for justice and peace in her homeland of India, miles away from the lush green fields spread around her.
Walking to the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey from the Abbaye de Bonmont several kilometres away, she was part of an international group of people who walked together through the Swiss countryside for a few hours on Sunday
Unlike their official meeting routine in Geneva, Sunday for them was a time to walk together, share meals, pray and reflect personally on the theme of the meeting, “pilgrimage of justice and peace”.
“Our walk is symbolic of how we would embark on a pilgrimage of justice and peace,” said Prodhan, who represents the Church of North India at the WCC Central Committee.
“When we walk together; we get to talk to people. We get to know each other better and we make friends. This experience helps us to come closer to each other as human beings”.
“When we talk, sometimes we disagree. We address our agreements. And when, despite our opinions, we keep walking together, we show our commitment and aspiration to build societies that are just towards men and women, rich and poor, all people in the world,” she said.
“We can only work for peace when we are able to actually value peace,” she said. “This happens when we experience peace as individuals.”
“This walk was an opportunity for me to do just that.”
“In natural surroundings I felt I was one with nature and God. It made me realize how small we are as human beings and how we are dependent on our Creator. No matter what we do, we always need to remember that the God above is taking care of everything,” Prodhan said.
For Prodhan, this walk, worship, prayer and spiritual reflection during the meeting help in preparing the minds of the participants for the “real work of the WCC Central Committee”.
The WCC Central Committee, a chief governing body of the Council, is responsible for carrying out the policies adopted by the WCC 10th Assembly, as well as reviewing and supervising WCC programmes and the budget of the Council.
More about the WCC Central Committee meeting
High resolution photos available via photos.oikoumene.org
