STONEWALK 2000: DUBLIN, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TO BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

On July 20, members of The Peace Abbey completed the eleven day, hundred mile journey of Stonewalk Ireland, having traversed narrow roadways through countryside and villages from Dublin to Belfast, Northern Ireland. The two ton, hand-pulled granite memorial stone and caisson which honors civilian casualties of war had a prophetic presence during the final stage of the Good Friday Peace Agreement. Its subtle, yet dramatic gesture of mourning for the innocent victims of armed conflict was readily understood by all that came in contact with it, as almost everyone has had a family member or friend killed in what is referred to as the "troubles".

As we moved Northward from Dublin on the Belfast Highway, laboring against the drawbars of the caisson which bore the weight of the stone, our hearts were heavy knowing that the daily killing of civilians has gone on for over three decades, with over thirty-six hundred new grave stones scattered throughout the landscape.

As we heard story after story of killings and mayhem, the weight of the stone's message made the somber journey of stonewalk feel increasingly like a requiem procession. There is something most sacred about sharing a sense of grief over the human condition with people who lived through what seems to be an endless nightmare. The stone, as we have found, speaks to the heart and comforts the soul. It says that we are not alone ... that others from around the world care, that we care a great deal.

Like Stonewalk America last year, our journey through Ireland was blessed from start to finish with wonderful people whose kindness and generosity affirmed our pilgrimage and the message of the stone. We were fortunate to have had numerous family members and friends with us, and the involvement of Corrymeela, an extraordinary reconciliation group in Belfast to assist in various aspects of our travels.

Irish poets have written much over the centuries about stones --- about their healing power and intrinsic beauty -- their usefulness in building homes, churches, walls and roads. Stones, of course, have always been used as grave markers and, regrettably, they've been hurled with the intent to injure and destroy. The Bible tells of the admonition not to cast the first stone, of the stone rolled away from the tomb, and of the cornerstone rejected by the builders. Parables, legends, and myths abound regarding stones in Christian literature and in the sacred texts of the great faith traditions of the world. Every stone has a story we are told and this stone from America, which gives voice to the voiceless, certainly has its own tragic story to tell.

When we set out for Ireland, one year from when we departed from The Peace Abbey for Washington D.C., we were stepping into centuries of sectarian hatred and violence, religious distrust and oppression, division and ill-fortune. As we headed North from Dublin, news of sectarian violence in Portadown and Belfast was unsettling, though we had in place a contingency plan to move the stone out of Ireland should the violence continue. When we crossed the border into Northern Ireland, reports of shootings and bombings had ended, so we continued onward. We soon discovered through conversations with those loyal to British ties, Unionist and Protestant in faith, and Catholic Nationalists who seek unification with the Republic, that within conflict, understanding exists; within hatred, dwells love; and woven within centuries of hostility, harmony is possible. Somehow we felt it was safe to carry-on.

The Irish are an exceptionally beautiful, friendly and hospitable people who looked after us with such care that we found ourselves simply overwhelmed by their generosity. Thankfully, they are well on the road to peace and reconciliation which is far more complicated, difficult and tedious a process than Americans can ever fully appreciate. Though cynicism for some is understandably tempting given the years of conflict, hope is held out at every turn that peace, this time, may find its lonesome way into the lives of those who so desire and deserve it. When we recall the faces of the children, their parents and elders whose lives were so devastated by the violence, we ache at the thought that they ever had to endure such pain --- that they now live with the specter of violence returning to their lives.

As we travel as part of Stonewalk, essential is the effort to link with grassroots peace groups, religious institutions and the media to encourage people to express their concern, their outrage even, over the targeting of civilians. The percentage of civilian deaths in war, which now stands at 90%, with women and children comprising half, is a compelling argument against turning to violence.

The memorial stone's presence on Irish soil seeks simply to join the chorus of voices calling attention to the civilian casualties of war throughout the world, and the "troubles" in particular. "Remembering the innocent victims" stated Trevor Williams, Director of Corrymeela during the send-off at Trinity College in Dublin, "is an essential element in the healing process". Through numerous radio interviews, BBC and local news coverage and newspaper articles, not to mention the thousands of motorists that passed the stone on the roadways, the healing message of the stone was received and pondered by thousands.

Arrangements, we are grateful to report, are being made for the stone to be placed in Belfast by the Mayor who greeted us when we arrived. In early July 2001, the stone will be unearthed, placed on its caisson and pulled to the docks at Belfast where it will travel by ferry to Liverpool, England to begin the third leg of this global walk of remembrance --- the 260 mile journey to London.

The civilian memorial stone which was denied a place at Arlington National Cemetery will continue its journey to war torn areas throughout the world. After leaving London in 2002, the stone will be pulled over the next decade through parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, the Philippines, North and South Korea, Vietnam and conclude in Hiroshima, Japan.

On behalf of the entire Peace Abbey community, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the support, encouragement and prayers from our many friends who envision a culture of peace that pays respect, not only to soldiers, but also to the countless innocent victims of war. In the words of Pulitzer Prize and Courage of Conscience Award recipient, Stanley Kunitz, "To whom can one pay one's allegiance, except to the victims."

Those interested in learning more about STONEWALK, or in being part of Stonewalk England, should contact the Peace Abbey office at (508-650-3659, Fax 655-5031) or by email at info@peaceabbey.org or through www.stonewalk.org.

Contributions are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.

Take care,

Lewis M. Randa
The Peace Abbey
Sherborn, Massachusetts 01770 USA