Register of Non-Retaliation

More than 100 Bristol Quakers say 'no' to retaliation

Many people believe that violence breeds violence, whether it takes place in the playground or on the world stage. Sadly, reactions since the horrific events of September 11 2001 have only served to underline this belief. How is it possible to break free from a circle of violence?

Local Quakers - and others - have thought long and hard about this. A number of us have asked ourselves this question:

How would I want my loved ones, the press and politicians to react if I died as the victim of a terrorist attack?

We have decided that revenge could never be the answer.

To emphasise this, Bristol Quakers have started a 'register of non-retaliation'. This gives individuals the chance to record their intention that, in the event of their falling victim to terrorism they would not want any violent retaliatory action to be carried out against those responsible for the attack. Already more than 100 Bristolians, mostly but not all Quakers, have added their names to the register.

We believe that this is a positive way to show that there are alternatives to violence. We hope that more and more will join our register and that other groups will decide on similar initiatives.

If you want to know more or decide to establish your own register please write to:

Eddy Knasel, Clerk to Bristol and Frenchay Monthly Meeting (Quakers) at 13 Morley Square, Bristol, BS7 9DW.

Bristol Quakers will not use the information given on the register for any other purpose.

Quakers are available to give interviews on this subject to the local press and broadcasters.

Eddy Knasel
Clerk to Bristol and Frenchay Monthly Meeting