Swedish artist, Carl Fredrik Reutersward (1934 – 2016) created this iconic sculpture on non-violence after learning of the death of his friend, John Lennon. It is a .357 Magnum disabled in a simple, cartoonish way. It is definitely worth thousands of heart-felt words against violence spoken and repeated through the years since its creation. This sculpture was purchased by the government of Luxembourg and donated to the United Nations. It is installed on the plaza outside UN headquarters in New York City. 

On a recent and beautiful October day I saw this “symbol against violence and war anywhere in the world” outside the UN, while inside this body was considering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and whether Russia should be declared a “terrorist” regime. As you may know, the vote was nearly unanimous in favor of the declaration. 

Imagine a world of non-violence. May we make our own declarations as we lift our prayers for this possibility each day. 

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church