Workshop: Beginning to Explore Violence
by Anne Thomas, Canadian Yearly Meeting

Because this is a difficult topic, Friends may feel more comfortable if each receives a handout which details the process of the workshop. Allow about 90 minutes altogether.

Open with a time of worship (10-15 min.)

Introduction: (5 min)

Many of us have experienced relationships or families which have been destructive because of elements of abuse and violence. As Friends, we are called to face up to our woundedness and our violence if we really experience God as love. The journey to wholeness will not be easy. Not all members will be ready to begin their own journey and some may feel the need to hinder others.

Any such journey needs to incorporate the following elements (write on a flip chart beforehand):

• respecting the wisdom and opinions of others which are different from our own

• not dismissing issues we do not understand or which make us feel uncomfortable

• not blaming others for differences

• allowing others to express their discomfort

• speaking from our own experience, rather than insisting there is only one right way

• appreciating that it takes time to understand other people

• becoming a supportive presence in times of discomfort

• agreeing to disagree

• avoiding manipulation and power plays

• assuming that everyone has something unique to offer

• learning to listen to oneself and others

• respecting the confidentiality of the group

The violence around us

a. Using a flip chart, respond to the following: (large group, 10 min)

• How do you distinguish between peace and violence:

• there is violence when . . .

• there is peace when . . .

• Violence is mainly present:

• in society because . . .

• in personal relationships because . . .

b. Divide in pairs to share the following: (10 min)

• Identify four situations of violence in the world. Were any of these acts justified? If "yes," why?

• Identify three situations of violence in the community in which you grew up. Were any of these acts
justified? If "yes," why?

• Identify two acts of violence you know of in your family or among acquaintances. Were either of these
justified? If "yes," why?

c. In the large group, using a flip chart, ask" (10 min)

• What are the different types of violence? (Identify the following if the group does not introduce them:
physical, sexual, verbal or emotional, psychological, financial, spiritual)

• Give examples of each of the above types of violence.

d. Divide in pairs and share personal experiences of each type of violence: (10 min)

e. In the large group, move into worship-sharing in response to the following query: (20 min)

• Are you prepared to begin a process of exploring abuse and healing in this Meeting?

Close with silent worship. (10 min)

This workshop is based in part on the resource Fire in the Rose: churches exploring abuse and healing, prepared by the
Church Council on Justice and Corrections. Available from: CCJC, 507 Bank Street, Ottawa ON K2P 1Z5 phone: (613) 563-1688

1216 Arch St #2B, Philadelphia, PA 19107		(215) 561-1700. Fax: (215) 561-0759
Website: www.fgcquaker.org		Email: friends@fgcquaker.org