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16/08/2017
A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Julian Filochowski, Chair of the Archbishop Romero Trust.
Last on
Wed 16 Aug 2017
05:43
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Script
Good morning.
Today I would like to tell you about some young men from the Melanesian Brotherhood, an Anglican religious order in the Solomon Islands. They lived a simple life of prayer and service. Amazingly the example of the martyred Oscar Romero became a model and an inspiration to them.Β
In 2003, the island of Guadalcanal became divided by bitter ethnic tension between the people of Guadalcanal and those from Malaita. Β Many from the local native population of Guadalcanal thought there were too many Malaitan migrants taking over land and jobs at their expense.Β
In the midst of the violence the Melanesian Brotherhood became a national sign of hope. They worked for peace - camping between the enemy lines, negotiating the release of hostages, Β and speaking out against the escalation of prejudice and hatred.Β
Eventually one of the Melanesian Brothers was himself taken hostage by rebels. Six brothers went in search of their lost brother. They too were taken hostage. Three months later it was discovered that all seven had been brutally tortured and murdered. It seemed that evil was stronger than love….Β
But the story did not end there. It was as though their act of courage and goodness starkly revealed the choices that the nation was facing - cruelty, violence and prejudice contrasted with these brothers’ acts of love and peace. The miracle of this story is that the rebels who murdered them surrendered without a shot being fired.Β Each of these young men believed in peace and goodness. They were prepared to oppose violence and to risk much. They bravely lived what most of us can only proclaim.Β
Lord, take away from us all prejudice and selfishnessΒ that we may live together in your holy peace. Β Amen.
Today I would like to tell you about some young men from the Melanesian Brotherhood, an Anglican religious order in the Solomon Islands. They lived a simple life of prayer and service. Amazingly the example of the martyred Oscar Romero became a model and an inspiration to them.Β
In 2003, the island of Guadalcanal became divided by bitter ethnic tension between the people of Guadalcanal and those from Malaita. Β Many from the local native population of Guadalcanal thought there were too many Malaitan migrants taking over land and jobs at their expense.Β
In the midst of the violence the Melanesian Brotherhood became a national sign of hope. They worked for peace - camping between the enemy lines, negotiating the release of hostages, Β and speaking out against the escalation of prejudice and hatred.Β
Eventually one of the Melanesian Brothers was himself taken hostage by rebels. Six brothers went in search of their lost brother. They too were taken hostage. Three months later it was discovered that all seven had been brutally tortured and murdered. It seemed that evil was stronger than love….Β
But the story did not end there. It was as though their act of courage and goodness starkly revealed the choices that the nation was facing - cruelty, violence and prejudice contrasted with these brothers’ acts of love and peace. The miracle of this story is that the rebels who murdered them surrendered without a shot being fired.Β Each of these young men believed in peace and goodness. They were prepared to oppose violence and to risk much. They bravely lived what most of us can only proclaim.Β
Lord, take away from us all prejudice and selfishnessΒ that we may live together in your holy peace. Β Amen.
Broadcast
- Wed 16 Aug 2017 05:43Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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