A Force More Powerful – Part II

Part II of the documentary film “A Force More Powerful” will be shown at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, at the Housatonic Quaker Meetinghouse in New Milford, at Route 7 and Lanesville Road (just north of Lanesville Rd intersection). All are welcome and there is no charge. Refreshments and discussion will follow. The program will conclude at 5:00 pm.

Thus is the second segment of a two-part documentary that explores one of the 20th century’s least understood stories – the history of nonviolent conflict power around the world and how it overcame oppression and authoritarian rule. Its power came not from the barrel of a gun, but from discipline and shrewd tactical planning. Premiered on PBS in 2000. Narrated by Ben Kingsley. The film is “rich in archival footage and thoughtful interviews … The stories are inspiring, sometimes awesome.” (Washington Post)

There are three stories: 1) in 1984 a young activist leads a consumer boycott against apartheid in white-owned businesses in the black townships of South Africa; 2) during five years of Nazi occupation, Danes’ noncooperation undermines the Germans’ attempt to exploit their country for food and war materiel, and rescues all but a few hundred of seven thousand Jews from the Nazis; and 3) the 1980 Gdansk strike wins Poles the right to free trade unions, launches the Solidarity movement, and catapults founder Lech Walesa into national leadership.

The Housatonic Quaker Meeting is sponsoring this film program to foster the understanding that nonviolent strategies have been used effectively in the past to bring about important changes. With violent conflict in so many parts of the world today, it is imperative to consider more peaceful means of bringing justice to the oppressed.

Parking will be available at the Red Barn just south of the meetinghouse. For more information, call Bill Holcombe at 203-313-4438