Peace

Please

     Today John Kerry and Melissa Rogers (Chair of Obama's White House Faith Based Initiative Office) boldly and brilliantly  announced a new US State Department initiative in which the Department will consciously engage faith communities of all kinds throughout the world headed by Casey- (hope to learn more about him later).

   Drawing upon the rich resources that already exist at State which they hope to magnify the office will consolidate and intensify efforts to meaningfully engage peacemaking communities and those wishing to partnership in global efforts to advance the common good by drawing on the better nature of our angels. Kerry noted that extremists who lack depth in their religious tradition have hijacked the tenets of their faith to promote an impure version of their religion in promoting violence.  This office seeks to work with the peace-builders, those who understand the global mission of redeeming not destroying God's creation by engaging civil societies, religious institutions, and leaders globally. Absolutely brilliant.

   They also noted that this will all be done quite constitutionally- it doesn't run afoul of any church-state
separation issues. It is an acknowledgment of sorts that elements of religious and/or ideological extremists hijacking religions pose real security threats that must be intelligently dealt if we are responsible in advancing the common good and protecting those that do good.

   This is a huge new light of hope as it recognizes that religion is only the problem when it is bastardized and hijacked , not when it is marshalled for the immense good it seeks to do by the incredibly dedicated good people seeking to do good.

  Bravo bravissimo all the folks at State who are doing this so nobly, courageously and creatively.

John Kerry, quoting the book of Mark noted that the greatest of all are the servants of all, and he here proves himself quite 'great.'