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Frances M. Alguire
President emeritus of the World Methodist Council
I was asked recently, "Who are the elderly?" We have been led to believe that an elder is an older individual; one having authority by reason of age and experience; and in some faiths it denotes a member of the clergy. I have visited countries where elderly men are given priority in being served, however I live in a country that believes in equality of male and female and I try to promote that concern. Since my birth date now places me beyond the third quarter of a century, my comments will come as an elder in addressing this topic. However, I like to think that age is a matter of the mind. Those of us who are 76 or older have lived through a number of global conflicts, civil strife and war faring. We have witnessed the loss of human life in addition to mass destruction of homes and infrastructure. Pollution of the environment and curtailing natural growth, plus countless land mines that continue to maim innocent victims are lasting reminders of war. These are some of the factors that cause us to ask, "When will human beings learn that war is not the answer to conflict resolution?" The elderly have learned that the welfare of humanity is more important than selfish material gains. I am not proud of what the current leadership of the United States is doing with the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq and the prospect of continued chaos and further armed conflict. During the month of August, I met with a group of forty senior citizens. These men and women are eighty and ninety years of age. They are alert mentally, and politically active in their development of goals for action, and in keeping informed on global issues. Currently they are circulating a printed statement giving rationale for discussion of regime change in the United States of America in 2004, when the next presidential election will be held. Their organization "Elders for Peace" is a politically nonpartisan organization of senior citizens who are deeply concerned about issues promoting peace. They question what is happening to the economy and unemployment rate and the many other changes made in the name of "The war on terrorism." This is just one group of seniors taking action to further public awareness and policy debate. They are now in the process of developing a web site. It was stimulating to meet with this group of elders and note their activity in inviting concerned people - of all political parties, religious affiliations and service groups to become knowledgeable of issues relating to peace and the 2004 election. They are anxious to learn what is happening globally from the reports shared at this meeting. Many of us believe that the United Nations has done excellent work in what they are about and should be involved in unilateral dialogue and humanitarian efforts. The United Nations is also concerned about the elderly and has a Non Governmental Organization Committee on Aging. Reports indicate there are more than 600 million people today over the age of sixty and this number is rising rapidly. Over half of these live in developing countries, where they are among the most vulnerable victims of wars, famine and civil crisis. These elders are often left behind in the countryside as younger family members move to cities. Many older people live in difficult circumstances even though conditions are stable. When crisis and civil violence engulfs their region, they are often the first victims. Lacking strength and physical mobility, they are among the first to die along the road as displaced persons. Those that stay behind, cling to a painful existence or perish in abandoned villages, caught up in violence and military aggression. War is not the answer. Members of the Community of Sant�Egidio are to be commended for their many programs and great volunteer service in caring for the elderly. In 2000, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees adopted a new "Policy on Older Refugees" that identifies the special plight of older persons displaced in conflict. Then in 2002 the Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging called on the International Community to protect and assist older persons in situations of armed conflict and foreign occupation. Delegates from 168 nations adopted the Plan of Action that was later confirmed by the United Nations General Assembly. There is still much to be done to provide protection for vulnerable elders. The United Nations is seeking to recognize older adults as "protected non-combatants". We know these elders have much wisdom to share. So what can we do while we are in sessions here and as we go forth to our homelands? We can: Continue to be in dialogue We can: Promote peace and justice for all We can: Talk instead of fight when conflict arises We can: Listen to one another We can: Become an example of peace in all that we are about. A Chinese proverb states:" A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words." Children learn as much from what we do as what we say. A 90 year old acquaintance died recently. One of his grandsons shared these memories: "If you looked and listened the message was everywhere from the little embroidered banner above the kitchen counter which read WAR IS NOT HEALTHY FOR CHILDREN AND OTHER LIVING THINGS; to his regular hosting of exchange students, and in his support of humanitarian causes through out the world. Clearly, for grandpa the concept of pacifism, equality, diversity, tolerance, education, hard work, and "thinking outside the box" were not just trendy buzzwords but values to embrace, to live by and to pass along." His example will long be remembered. We are assembled here from different countries, and circumstances of historic, ethnic and religious differences, but we are united in our efforts to pursue peace. May this time together give us a sense of renewal in our efforts both individually and corporately in the continuing promotion of peace. There is a beautiful large banner displayed in the United Nations building in New York City with this quote from the book of Isaiah chapter 2:4 - "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." May we each do our part toward making this verse a reality both today and into every tomorrow.
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