I will not believe in the law of the strongest,
In the power of the powerful.
I want to believe in the right of all,
In the open hand,
In the strength of the non-violent.
I will not believe that I don’t have to concern myself
With what happens far from here.
I want to believe that the whole world
Is my home,
And that all reap what all have sown.
I will not believe that I can combat oppression out there
If I tolerate injustice here.
I want to believe that what is right is the same here and there,
And that I will not be free
While even one human being is excluded.
I will not believe that any effort is in vain.
But I will dare to believe in the dream of God:
A new heaven and a new Earth
Where justice and love reign.
Gracious God, I want to believe; help my unbelief.—AMEN.
(Adapted from Essential Writings by Dom Helder Camara)