Watford Bridge of Peace

Inspirational Quotes:

"It is common today to speak about “root causes” of humanity’s critical problems, such as poverty, disease, conflicts etc… some associate “root cause” with government corruption. Surely these are critical factors and indeed they are part of the root system. However, if we look even more deeply, we find that the most fundamental aspect of all human beings are related to the roots of love, life and lineage all of which have their foundation in the family, our ancestral, genetic and historical roots."
- Dr Hak Ja Han Moon

For other inspirational quotes:

First Bridge of Peace Comments:

"I come from Bulgaria, a Christian country that had a long history of conflict with its neighbour Muslim Turkey. I thought it was all in the past and nothing to do with me. I was really surprised to have a deep experience of cleansing and healing...I felt the hand of God bringing us all to his bosom. Already from the very beginning with the song "Our hearts beat at the same time" my tears started flowing and didn't stop till the very end. It was an amazing experience of warmth and celebration. Now when I see Muslim women in the street I have a very warm feeling toward them."
- Diana.

Love can build a Bridge

I'd gladly walk across the desert
With no shoes upon my feet
To share with you the last bite
Of bread I had to eat
I would swim out to save you
In your sea of broken dreams
When all your hopes are sinking'
Let me show you what love means

(This is the theme song for all the sisterhood ceremonies)

Diamonds are made under pressure

Life is full of ups and downs. We all experience difficult challenging situations in our lives: we struggle with sickness, our children give us great concerns and worries, we struggle financially or we lose a loved one. How are we reacting to those challenges? Are we victims and defeated or are we taking responsibility for our situation and winning?

Thank you letter regarding "Empowering Women in Conflict Resolution" Seminar / Workshop.

Dear Francoise

This is just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the seminar/workshop on “Empowering women in conflict resolution” on the 29th of August.

I understand that we were kindly funded by the Pathfinder Programme and would like to say that I think the money was very well spent. It was an excellent day and provided much food for thought. The handout which I have carefully filed but will be perusing later, provides a really good insight into how we can view conflict differently and how we can act differently as well.

Women Ambassadors for Peace in the Family and the Community Watford Bridge of Peace.

When I was very kindly asked by Françoise to say a few words on this special occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Bridge of Peace, she outlined the topic ‘Women Ambassadors for Peace in the Family and the Community’. I started to think about what I could share with you today. I don’t know if it’s the same for you, but I mostly get my inspirations when I am either in the bath having a soak, or on the school run for my daughter. I got this particular inspiration while on the school run!

Reflections on ‘The Dignity of Women’

Those are some of the reflections from those who attended:

Women are beautiful not just externally but also internally. They are the bearer and giver of life, an experience that no man whatever powerful or intelligent can ever go through. For 9 months, women carry in their womb a new life, going through pains and uncomforting situation but also experiencing the greatest joy of cuddling her new born child. Attached to this unique experience, women have been given the wonderful qualities of caring, nurturing and unconditional love. Read more.

Coping with stress

Many people find it hard to cope with the pressure of modern living. Every day a quarter of a million people miss work because of stress, with 75 per cent of all illnesses thought to be stressed related. And when times are hard, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Role and Perception of Women in the 3 Abrahamic Faiths

Our speakers: Stephanie, from the Friends Meeting House, Di from the Watford and District Synagogue and Kauser from the Muslim community.

Listening to the various speakers, we could find a common trend between the 3 faiths: all expressed a great respect towards women and an equal value between men and women.