MVUUF Peace Labyrinth

On April 20, 2008 a ceremony was held to take down the peace flags that have been encircling our labyrinth since September 2007. The flags are gone but the labyrinth and our mission for peace remain.

Each peace prayer flag represented:

• one US soldier that has died between 2003 and 2007 in the Iraq war
• between 20 and 120 civilians killed in Iraq during the same time
• a prayer for peace to honor those that have died, with hope that strong people will unite and build a peaceful world.

On September 2, 2007 the MVUUF Peace Labyrinth was installed as a public prayer for peace in our world. Over 3700 prayer flags cradle the perimeter of the Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s grass labyrinth with intention and purpose.

Unitarian Universalists have deep respect for all the world’s religions. The peace prayer flags are inspired by Buddhist prayer flags, which are traditionally used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Tibetans believe the prayers will be blown upward as offerings to the divine and will bring benefits (such as happiness, good health, and peace) to all who hang them, as well as their families, loved ones, neighbors, and all people throughout the world including their enemies.

As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified. Over time the prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements. This is the inspiration for our peace project.

The MVUUF Labyrinth:
The public is invited to walk the Peace Labyrinth and reflect on the impact of war and the efforts needed to create and perpetuate peace. There are no easy solutions, but each one of us has something to contribute. The labyrinth takes 20 minutes to walk, plus whatever time you take resting at the “center” on the benches. You may also enter the labyrinth to the right of the main entrance to walk along the perimeter.

Our faith, Unitarian Universalism, encourages the search for truth along many paths. Instead of centering our religion on specific beliefs, we gather around shared moral values that included the inherent worth and dignity of every person. To learn more about our spiritually alive and justice-centered religion, please join us for Sunday services at 11 am.