S for Solidaritet (Solidarity)
In addition to being a Quaker, I’m a member of the Religious Social
Democrats of Sweden. In
Swedish the movement is called Socialdemokraterna
för tro och solidaritet. We are radical believers (of all faiths) with a
passion for peace, solidarity and justice, a progressive voice for a just, open
and responsible society. We are a bit redder and a bit greener than the Social
Democratic Party. The movement has its origins in the Labour movement and in
the Christian ecumenical movement. For me, being involved helps me to unite prayer
with action and to live my faith.
In my English dictionary the word solidarity means unity based on shared
interests, objectives and standards. On the Catholic Social Teaching website,
solidarity is defined as being “about valuing our fellow human beings and
respecting who they are as individuals”. In other sources it is linked with
kinship, bonding, standing alongside, drawing attention to injustices, and calling
for change.
We can stand in solidarity. W can live in solidarity. We can speak and
think about solidarity. We can practise solidarity. Solidarity has also been
described as a moral value.