Fighting War in the Community

by the Revd.Dr.Julia Perry,
Chaplain to the Samaritans Foundation, Anglican Diocese of Newcastle
article first published in Anglican Encounter March 2003

Who are our neighbours?

War? Which war?

'Onward Christian Soldiers...' has never been one of my favourite hymns. But then I've been fortunate in not living in wartime; my brothers were just too young for Vietnam. However in ministry I've been privileged to meet many members of the RSL and other members of our troops who have served in wartime but have no desire to join another institution ever again. Generally those who have fought have been committed to the purpose. They have experienced first hand the cost of violence - to themselves and their ways of thinking, their families and of course the 'enemy' of the times. They have also, I think, a special view of peace...that will always have an extra dimension because of that knowledge and experience of the violence of war.

In the last few months as Chaplain to the Samaritans Foundation I have realised that in many ways I am a chaplain in a war zone. There is violence aplenty. Violence of society towards those who do not have the resources to fend for themselves. Violence from many arch-manipulators towards themselves. Violence of the purse strings which may offer some help in a crisis, but which does not extend to long term assistance to 'get on their feet'. Violence that is a consequence of not being able to access information, because of its physical unavailability, illiteracy, or simply a paucity of resources. And there is violence to relationships that are fractured by inexperience of love or any sort of peace.

The armed forces have a particular approach to problems...and order and organization is one of the key features. Identify the target and go for it! But the 18th century idea of walking in straight lines into battle regardless of safety - cannon fodder - has given way to fighting a problem from many different angles. Guerrilla warfare. The army can change its tactic...but its goal is still the same.

Over the years the target of the Samaritans army has not changed. The Samaritans still seek to care for those in need, catch those who fall through the cracks and enable us to recognise that we are all a part of the same community, with rights and responsibilities towards each other. However over the years the tactics to these ends have changed.  More often the Samaritans are endeavouring to prevent violence and forestall the harm of homelessness. A number of Samaritans programs are about ensuring that hostilities don't ever break out.

Early Intervention & Activities (EIA), Creative Times, Youth & Family Support, Job Placement and Employment Training (JPET), The Cottage. All these services are about helping people stop any slide and restore whatever health and wholeness of self and relationships are possible. I've been very impressed by the 'rock and water' project which the Youth Services team takes into schools. The project helps young boys & girls learn some tactics for self-care and some strategies for walking away from an argument or fight...without losing face!

Order, organisation, dedication to the purpose. The Samaritans staff and volunteers are fighting a war that I totally support, even as the need for it grieves me. Support these troops, their tactics and above all know that God is on every side. It is violence which is the enemy, not those who live in it. They are our neighbours.