While going through old issues of the Catholic Worker from my days as managing editor (1976-78) I came across this—from a letter by #ThomasMerton to in the 1960s. I asked Jim if I could publish it in the 12/77 issue and gave it the title “Letter to a Young Activist.”
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Surprisingly, it became the most oft-reprinted text by Merton— and it still speaks to peacemakers and activists today. Recently at I published Jim’s reflections on this letter and Merton’s message: “The Root of War is Fear.” orbisbooks.com/the-root-of-wa
Jim Forest is a treasure. There is a reason why both Merton and Dorothy Day trusted him to tell their stories.
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One of Merton’s very best pieces. Always gets a tremendous reaction on Merton weekends.
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