Page 6 - 2024年4月號

The change within

T hese are times that cry out for peace. The our principles, but never doubt the sincerity of each

Middle East is in its most volatile condi-
other to end conflicts, not inflame them.
tion in years. The war in Ukraine is the
I’m reminded of a speech that U.S. Senator Robert
largest in Europe since World War II, and
when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assas-
there are armed conflicts in Sudan and Kennedy made on 4 April 1968, that dreadful day
parts of Central Africa. Nearly every continent is sinated. Kennedy was in Indianapolis speaking to
experiencing a major armed conflict. an audience in a predominantly African American
Rotary has a vital role to play in advancing the neighborhood where people had yet to learn that Dr.
cause of peace — I often say Rotary needs to work King had been killed.
toward peace as aggressively as those who wish to He shared the terrible news. He honored Dr. King
wage war. It’s the spirit found in our vision state- for all he had done for the cause of justice and peace.
ment: “Together, we see a world where people unite And then he connected with the fuming, grieving
and take action to create lasting change — across the crowd by saying: “For those of you who are Black and
globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” are tempted to be filled with hatred and distrust at
We must never lose track of that last call — that to the injustice of such an act, against all white people,
bring about change in the world, we need to foster I can only say that I feel in my own heart the same
change within. kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed.”
It is up to us to model peacebuilding behavior It was the first time he had spoken publicly about
among each other. We can do better than question- President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. And while
ing the motives of one another and jumping to the many American cities exploded in violence that night,
harshest possible explanation. After hearing words Indianapolis did not.
It is in times of crisis and despair that we need em-
that might strain or offend us, we have an opportu-
PHOTOGRAPH: KEVIN SERNA of those offending words. And then we have another R. GORDON R. MCINALLY
nity to ask, with compassion and curiosity, the intent
pathy most of all. Empathy is the most powerful tool
of peace, and it is vital if we are to take the first brave,
humble steps to Create Hope in the World.
opportunity to repair the breach.
If we wish to be a beacon to the world, let us start
by being so to one another. Let’s help each other find
greater understanding and productive alternatives to

4 words that cause hurt and distrust. And let’s stick to President, Rotary International
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