Faith CoLab: Tapestry of Faith: Resistance and Transformation: An Adult Program on Unitarian Universalist Social Justice History

Activity 2: Understanding Pacifism

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Read Handout 2 and discuss with your co-facilitator any questions you might have about pacifism.
  • Copy the handout for all participants.
  • Optional: Prearrange for a volunteer to read the handout aloud.

Description of Activity

Distribute Handout 2, Pacifism and either for ask a volunteer to read the handout aloud or invite participants to read the handout silently. Once everyone has finished reading, engage participants in discussion, using these questions:

  • What do you find compelling about pacifist theory and approach?
  • Do you have questions or concerns about this approach?
  • Do you think that pacifism can be a conditional stance (i.e. is it something that works in some situations but not others)?
  • Should Unitarian Universalist congregations advocate pacifism as a response to war?