Center for Spiritual Living Nashville Statement on Peace

CSL Nashville stands for peace.

We hold the high consciousness of a world that works for everyone and all creation. Violence is not the answer — not now, not ever. Our consciousness is rooted in unconditional love: a universal love that does not favor one person, one system of government, or one nation over another.

We believe that God is not something outside of us, but an indwelling Spirit of unconditional love — ever-present and always accessible. That Spirit does not take sides in war. That sacred Truth calls us home to our shared humanity.

In the spirit of peace, we call on all world leaders to pause, look within, and find this light of love. It will inspire a vision of peace. It will illuminate a path to reconciliation — one that requires no weapon, no conquest, no sacrifice of innocent lives.

We affirm that no soul is inherently evil but can make choices that express and promulgate fear. We are endowed with free will, and with that gift comes responsibility. We call upon our higher consciousness — and upon the conscience of those with power — to shift from limiting beliefs that inflict harm, toward the love-based conviction that bringing aid, comfort, and healing to all those affected by this war is our divine obligation. 

As Ernest Holmes reminds us, "Peace cannot come from the barrel of a gun; it must come from our hearts. So long as humanity believes in separation, it will continue to express that belief in conflict and war."

We celebrate the Oneness of all life. We release the old story of "us versus them" and step into a New Thought — one of unity and compassion.

We can learn from the past and choose a different future. Let us build that future together. Let us join hearts and hands in peace and hold sacred the lives of everyone caught up in these challenging circumstances. 

May all beings be safe. May all beings be at peace.

Rev. John W. Adams

Senior Minister | CSLN