Like all letters to the editor everywhere, these letters express the opinions of the writers and not Anglicans Online. We publish letters that we think will be of interest to our readers, whether we agree with them or not. If you'd like to write a letter of your own, click here.

There are often comments about our front-page letters on the Anglicans Online Facebook page. You might like to have a look.

Peace in our time

You are right iN stating this last week has been shocking. It has created many discussions about how to address the ills that continue to plague us as humans. Shannon L. Alder aptly wrote, 'Sometimes our belief system is really our fears attached to rules.' It is understandable that strife, conflict, and terrorism can lead us to be defensive and fearful of those who may not look like me, speak like me, think like me, and believe like me. Compassion is moving beyond our differences to realize that as humans we all have the very same need to belong, to feel safe, and to develop and use our innate human gifts to the betterment of others. Fear can also paralyze us into remaining bystanders as others are treated unfairly. We all belong! This is this message of inclusion that will challenge hate and xenophobia. Mother Teresa once stated, 'If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.' Advent is about God being displaced as a refugee among us. Take a second to greet and welcome someone who is different. Listen to the story of another. Share a smile. These are the tools that will change our world to a place where everyone belongs.

Donald Shields
Grace Church, Markham
Markham, Ontario, CANADA
dshields@msh.on.ca
20 November 2015

Absolutely perfect response to the horror. You're the best.

JC Eriksen
St Clare, Blairsville
Blairsville, Georgia, USA
16 November 2015

Earlier letters

We launched our 'Letters to AO' section on 11 May 2003. All published letters are in our archives.