Keith R Maddock

Swiss activist Pierre Ceresole (1879-1945) was the founder of the international work camp movement and a Friend imprisoned for defying his own government to bring a message of truth and peace to Germans and Italians in the world wars, yet his contributions are not widely recognized in North America. Known as “one of the great consciences” of the Swiss, Ceresole protested the churches’ silence during wartime, met with Mussolini to discuss peaceful collaboration and conceived of the show more healing and practical work of Service Civil International as a moral alternative to war. Author Keith Maddock goes beyond Ceresole’s actions paint a portrait of the spiritual growth of a passionate, poetic, solitary seeker of Truth who urges us “to set aside our theories and our fears, to take up the tools that are needed to create a more humane, just and peaceful world.” show less

Written with sensitivity and grace, this essay depicts Friends Testimonies in prison service work. By example of listening and respect, more than by preaching, the author has much to say about being present in prison and receiving gifts from people who are

Swiss activist Pierre Ceresole certainly seems to have walked the walk. He went to prison for a variety of things: taking his message of peace to both Germany and Italy, and lambasting his own government to give up their neutrality in the face of evil, among others. Maddock includes snippets of Ceresole's writings. Especially poignant are some of the prayers he wrote.

This essay depicts Friends Testimonies in prison service work. By example of listening and respect, more than by preaching, the author has much to say about being present in prison and receiving gifts from people who are.