June 21, 2025

Dear Friends,

The Interfaith Peace Project continues its ongoing observance of International Women’s Day (March 8) and the International Day of Peace (September 21) by sending out reflections on the eighth and twenty-first of every month. On March 8, Fr. Tom started a 10 part series on the Beloved Community. You will receive a section of the series on the 8th and 21st of each month through July 21, 2025. If you miss a part of the series, you can find it on our blog at interfaithpeaceproject.org. If you have anything that you would like to share, please contact:

Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
[email protected]
925-787-9279

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Adobe Stock 1535603909 By OHMAl2T

The Beloved Community
“Connection”
A Reflection on June 14, 2025
by Susan Batterton

On June 14, 2025, millions of Americans came out of their houses, their place of safety, and spent their Saturday on the streets of the United States demonstrating to me and to the world just what Democracy looks like.

Watching the demonstrations online brought tears to my eyes every time a different city appeared on my screen. I am trying to examine what brought out these emotions. What is it about seeing all these people who believe in a cause that makes me cry?

I believe it was the human connection I found between them and myself. I believe it was because, for months, I have felt alone in my beliefs that things need to change in this country I love. I have felt hopeless, as if there was nothing I could do to change things.

I watched with great sadness at the arrests, detentions, and deportations of innocent human beings, laborers, students, green card holders, and scientists by masked “agents” in unmarked cars. I saw the great fear in the eyes of those accosted. I watched unlawful monetary abuses occur at the highest levels of government. I watched DOGE take Medicaid away from sick and disabled people. I looked on helplessly as governmental agencies that once helped the poor in the world (USAID, for example) were cut back and destroyed. I watched as our Public Health was and is being destroyed by a madman who is taking away life-saving vaccines, medicines, and research.

I always knew that there were many who believed as I did, but on this day in June, I saw a connection with the many people sacrificing their time, risking their safety, taking a chance on democracy to show me (and the world) that they cared. I believe we shared a special experience together on this day. I believe that these demonstrations reveal what it means to be a community, a Beloved Community. We made a connection. We gave one another hope.

These demonstrations were mostly peaceful. They looked more like a family gathering. People were lively, they were thoughtful, and at times joyous. Demonstrators put away their fears and went out into the streets to express their views and reveal their hopes. They touched me and connected with me, giving me the desire to do everything I can to proudly and courageously walk with them as we continue to build and uplift the Beloved Community.

Blessings, Beloved Community, you showed just what Democracy looks like! Thank you for giving me, giving us, hope.