Going on a procession is one of the commonest sights we come across in our streets. They can be in connection with religious festivals, political rallies, protest march, celebrations, funerals, etc.
The protest marches are more frequent now. Most people gather together emotionally surcharged, ready for an outburst of anger.
Recently there was a dispute between the Highway development authority and the civil society over the enforced demolition of shops to widen the road. The aggrieved took out a procession to protest and fight the decision of the highways authority. The Church located along the route of the protest march distributed water to the protesters and invited them to come back to the church premises after their march. Many did return and the vicar of the church enquired if the church can help them to resolve this dispute. Some people asked the vicar to negotiate with the authorities. This has resulted the highways authority agreeing to make some changes in the route of the road so that less people will lose their property and business.
What could have become an endless confrontation and litigation got resolved amicably.
The right to protest gives civil society immense power for dialogue and bargaining. However protests will become sterile attempts and disturb harmony, until, we are committed to negotiation. No situation is out of reach for dialogue; most confronting situations can be contained by mediation; there will be settlement if collaboration to find a way forward is facilitated.
We live in a conflict prone society. Ours is a society of hurting people. I wonder whether the church can become present in the community as advocates of conciliation!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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