This page is being built to hold information and links to resources useful for building resilience in dark times. It is just a brief introduction and an artistic contribution.
Its title is taken from the Scots Gaelic word ‘Caim’ which is sometimes used to describe a circle of protection – like a prayer fortress. ‘Lorica’ is Latin for breastplate. The armour that protects your core. Together, as individual members of a community, we can develop resilience.
(If you have something to add – please contact us!)
Stories!
Legend has it that St Ninian of Whithorn learned from St Martin. The early church was vulnerable. It was a religion of the outcasts and powerless. There are many stories which have been preserved from those early times. As the Way spread it was not always carried by kings as a tool of oppression either. There are still many stories being written of people taking the option of the poor, seeking to serve rather than dominate. These stories are ways to access the richness of our faith.
St Ninian and the bull at Farres Last
Story to follow! You can find it in the life of St Ninian though. (Link to sources for the life of Ninian)
Download and Print
(or keep the images on your phone screen)
These files are on Simon Lidwell’s Ko-Fi page and are available free at point of access.
Business card size
Download a PNG image (85x55mm) to print using your own printer – or an online supplier.
Temporary tattoos
For a soldier, their armour is a second skin. These are reminders to dress your soul in prayer ready to face the day. The designs can be downloaded and made into temporary tattoos using a home printer and a bit of peel and stick.
Download and print this booklet. It prints on A4 and with one cut can be folded into shape. The text is a version of “St Patricks breastplate”
Lorica and Caim prayers
Put on the armour of God, draw a circle of protection around you. These are prayers handed on from a time when violence was normalised.
Read St Patricks Breastplate here.
More examples of Lorica made of words rather than bronze, and prayers to help draw a Caim on the “A New Eden” website.
Another lorica prayer by Gildas here.
The Theology of Non Violence
In this lecture, given at Schumacher College on Wednesday November 6th 2013, he describes what his presentations about non violence to the military. He comments on their responses, and asks what contributions a spiritually-grounded approach to nonviolence can make in seeking true security in the third millennium.
PLEASE NOTE: this talk is not suitable for children and the slides used on the evening have been removed at Alastair’s request.
A lecture by Alastair McIntosh
Practical guides
This section will have links to practical tools for organising. War is perhaps a consequence of other breakdowns in society.
Working to relieve poverty, increase understanding and promote the heath of humans and our environment is a way to create the conditions within which war cannot be sustained.
Rights to protest explained with links to evidence. This resource page is Scotland specific, and refers to Scots law as well as laws applicable in the rest of the UK such as England and Wales, (and beyond). http://”https://www.justrightscotland.org.uk/your-right-to-protest-in-scotland-explained/”
Peacebuilding – A Quaker library
The Iona community peacemaking
Planning tools for non violent campaigns
This page is founded in Hope and a belief that God is making you now, and you can join in with this process to flourish and fulfil your potential as a child of God. It will not waste space trying to define the right and the wrong of things. The Law does that and especially if you are in a dark place you are getting a first hand lesson. Don’t hide from the light though, and don’t let anyone make you their dog to do their dirty work..
So stand firm, have courage,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matt 5 vs 43 -47 (NIV)