When I came to the Willamette Valley in 1976, I was delighted to learn that there was an active chapter of the FOR in Salem, I had heard about the Fellowship of Reconciliation as an Idaho teen-ager in 1940, but here at last was a local group I could attend. I met Betty Rademaker and Violet Nettleton (who seemed to be the key figures in the local movement at that time) I appreciate Eric Robinson, (the Oregon FOR staff in the 1970's) and then Vern and Rosie Cooperrider (Oregon Volunteers) who staffed the national Office for a year in the 1980's. In more recent years, John Roy Wilson and Janet Brown assumed leadership responsibilities, and Lance and Frances Loberg have helped the Salem chapter function. (Many others have played significant roles in leadership and behind the scenes).
The initial of the Fellowship of Reconciliation are FOR but it is often pronounced as one word "FOR" The Fellowship is not just against injustice and violence, it is FOR justice, FOR a positive peace, FOR human rights in our country and everywhere. I believe that the founders of this movement- in England in 1914 and the USA in 1915 decided on the work "Reconciliation" from the Christian scripture: Now we are ambassadors for Christ, God is making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ- be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:20) but I believe we must learn to be reconciled with each other, in order to be reconciled to God. Although raised as a Protestant Christian, I have grown to understand that the longing for reconciliation goes beyond the understanding of any particular expression of faith. To quote our membership brochure: "Today the membership of the FOR is in 40 Countries and on every continent -includes Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and people of other faith traditions as well as those with no formal religious affiliation."
I NEED THE FOR. It helps me stand with people who are committed to stand FOR PEACE, FOR HUMAN DIGNITY, and FOR JUSTICE IN OUR WORLD. "The Fellowship of Reconciliation is composed of women and men who recognize the essential unity of all creation and have joined together to explore the power of love and truth for resolving human conflict." It is my hope that the Oregon FOR can work with individuals and other groups to carry out this high purpose in our time and in the places where we live. I look forward to working with the new Board of Directors in the year ahead.
Paul LaRue - Board Chair, Oregon Fellowship of Reconciliation
OFOR |
PO Box 222, Salem, Oregon 97308 |