Fellowship of Reconciliation (UK)

The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR) is a UK-based Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and nonviolence. It operates as part of the wider International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), a global network of religious peace fellowships. Established to embody the teachings of Jesus Christ in opposing war and militarism, FoR in the United Kingdom mobilizes Christians and others committed to nonviolent principles to actively pursue a more peaceful world.

History and Background

FoR UK traces its roots to the early 20th century as part of the international peace movement responding to the devastation of war. The International Fellowship of Reconciliation was founded in 1914 as a response to the horrors of the First World War, bringing together pacifists and Christian socialists who sought a revolution based on love and nonviolence rather than violence and conflict. The UK branch became a significant part of this movement when IFOR's headquarters moved to England in 1923. Over more than a century, FoR UK has been involved in education, campaigning, and advocacy against war, conscription, and nuclear weapons[3][5].

Mission and Vision

The core mission of FoR UK is to grow and support a community of Christians committed to nonviolence. The organization challenges militarism and seeks to embody peace and reconciliation through action. Its vision involves building a world order founded on love and nonviolent transformation of unjust political, economic, and social structures. FoR UK operates on the belief that peace is active and requires continuous effort from individuals and communities inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ[1][2].

Activities and Methods

FoR UK carries out its mission through:

• Education and Training: Offering workshops, prayer meetings, and worship opportunities that deepen understanding of peace and nonviolence.
• Campaigning and Advocacy: Engaging at local, national, and international levels to oppose war, nuclear proliferation, and militarism.
• Solidarity and Networking: Collaborating with other peace organizations and supporting those committed to nonviolent action.
• Membership and Community Building: Encouraging individuals to become peacemakers within their congregations, schools, workplaces, and communities[1][2][4].

Notably, FoR UK has been associated historically with six Nobel Peace Prize laureates and is partnered with the International Campaign to Ban Nuclear Weapons, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017[2].

Structure and Affiliations

FoR UK is a registered charity (Charity number: 207822) operating as a member-led organization. It forms part of a global ecumenical network linked through the International Fellowship of Reconciliation, which includes branches and related peace fellowships representing many faith traditions worldwide. In the UK and internationally, FoR collaborates with a diverse range of religious peace fellowships, sharing a commitment to nonviolence and interfaith solidarity[3][4].

Significance

The Fellowship of Reconciliation in the UK holds a pivotal role in the Christian peace movement, advocating for nonviolent solutions to conflict and injustice for over a century. Its ongoing work includes opposing war, promoting disarmament, and encouraging grassroots peacebuilding inspired by faith-based principles.

Charity Number: 207822

This article summarizes the key aspects of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (UK) based on publicly available information about the organization's history, mission, and activities.

[1] https://for.org.uk [2] https://for.org.uk/home/ [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fellowship_of_Reconciliation [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=207822 [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Fellowship_of_Reconciliation