Dear Readers,

Whether globally or individually, we all need peace. Yet as we all know, the path to peace is far from “peaceful.” It is actually difficult and demanding, with setbacks and disappointments.

How do we achieve it? Many suggest starting from the heart. “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it,” reads Psalm 34:14. “First of all, peace should be built in hearts,” advises Pope Benedict.

One privileged way to achieve peace is to engage in dialogue and have an attitude which doesn’t pit one side against another, but rather encourages us to meet, be open, collaborate and find points in common.

This month’s issue speaks of dialogue and its mission of promoting peace. Some articles are thought provoking, others may stir a reaction, some are experiential, still others are reflective. Hopefully they will at least get us started in trying to see the reasoning behind those who think differently from us.

Typically those engaged in dialogue are those who need it the least, since they are already open and tolerating.

“How can we bring the fruits of dialogue to those who are not interested in dialogue?” asked Deborah Weissman, President of the International Council of Christians and Jews, of Focolare President Maria Voce in Jerusalem last February.

“It is a challenge,” she answered. “The only way I see is to show them dialogue in action as much as possible. Whoever engages in dialogue comes out with something more, enriched by the riches of the other.”

Thanks for engaging.