Nonviolence 4 Equality

Handout #1: what-is-spiritual-violence [downloadable .PDF] 

Handout #2: soulforce-vigil-perspectives-and-guidelines [downloadable .PDF]

Vigils: A Soulforce Perspective and Guidelines

The following Soulforce perspective and suggested guidelines are intended to familiarize and prepare proactive participants in the vigil process.

What is a Vigil?

A vigil is a “devotional watching” or “maintaining a state of spiritual wakefulness” in anticipation of positive change or things to come. Vigils have historically been associated with people of faith and religion. Originally and to this day they occur on the eve of a church feast and often involve fasting. Over time, however, vigils have also come to be viewed and used as outward symbols and demonstrations of people’s faith and hope surrounding various situations.

Why Do We Vigil?

We vigil primarily for our own spiritual renewal and for the hopeful transformation of society. We vigil in faithful anticipation that hearts and minds, especially those of our adversary, will be changed by our personal truth and witness. We participate in this humble process of voluntary redemptive suffering as yet another way of demonstrating the power and presence of God in our lives and to renew our resolve in following God’s call for love, justice and mercy.

When Do We Vigil?

We vigil individually and/or collectively when the power of our inner “soul-force” spirit calls us. It is always prudent, however, to initiate a vigil only after careful mental, physical and spiritual consideration and preparation. Additionally, Soulforce may elect to incorporate a vigil into a pre-planned direct action as an educational and informational venue and/or to serve as a means of opening (or reopening) dialog and negotiations with an adversary.

Types of Soulforce Vigils

There are many types of vigils. Soulforce primarily uses two types: silent vigils and teaching vigils. A silent vigil is prayerful, without engaging in conversation with each other, passers-by or the media. In a teaching vigil, vigil participants are interactive and communicate with the public and media, distributing leaflets or other educational materials. Soulforce occasionally incorporates both types during the same direct action. When a vigil is part of a pre-planned Soulforce direct action we vigil only as a team under the careful guidelines and directives set forth by the leadership team or designated person(s). To do otherwise could not only jeopardize the safety of self and others but also undermine and be counter-productive to the overall success of the direct action and its goals.

Soulforce Vigil Guidelines

We vigil:

1. Under the direction and manner set forth by the Soulforce leadership team or designated person(s).

2. With a carefully thought out and well defined plan and purpose.

3. After preparing ourselves spiritually, mentally and physically.

4. In a spirit of love and nonviolence. Seeking reconciliation, not victory. All Soulforce vigil participants must sign a pledge of nonviolence (of tongue, heart and deed).

5. Conducting ourselves respectfully and demonstrating/observing rules of common courtesy, communication and mutual respect with friend and foe alike.

6. Practicing care and due diligence for the safety and well being of ourselves and others, including our adversary.

7. With means and methods as pure and honorable as the goals we seek to achieve.

** For additional information about Soulforce or to find out how you can help make a difference, go to: www.Soulforce.org or write: N4E@soulforce.org