The former president of the International Red Cross is now the president of the Swiss Foundation “Caux- Initiatives of change” as well as of the International Association for Initiatives of Change. Both emerged from the former Oxford Group which was, Sommaruga said, like the Focolare Movement, a product of World War II.”

In 1938, when countries were preparing for war, the founder of the Movement, Frank Buckmann, encouraged a “moral and spiritual rearmament” for “a world without hatred, fear and greed”. Towards the end of the war, the Movement, under the name “Moral Rearmament,” (MRA) promoted the process of reconciliation of old enemies, first of all between Germany and France.

Today “Initiatives of Change” comprises a network of persons of different backgrounds, religions and generations who are dedicated to working at the ever necessary process of “renewing the world.” Every year in Caux, near Montreux, Switzerland, seminars on different themes are held.
This year the themes included “From conflict to encounter”, “The spiritual-religious factor in a lay society,” “Initiatives for peace,” and “Human safety for the prevention of conflicts.”

by Beatrix Ledergerber-Baumer for KIPA agency, 3 agosto 2003
(our translation)

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