A congregation resembles a family more than a business, labor union, or political party in which we might set an objective and mobilize everyone to reach it. Groups within a congregation may take action, but it is unlikely that the congregation as a whole will agree. Congregations make poor "front line units" in the struggle for social change, but can support a number of individuals and groups in their involvements.

Peace is not an objective or program that we can accomplish this year or the next. It is not the responsibility of one group within the congregation. Our concern needs to be long-term, perhaps life-long. We cannot "do" peace and move on to something else. Peace is a way of life that needs to inform all our doing, and all of our activities in the parish.