August 8, 2003
Dear President Carter,
I was born in 1978, during your term in the White House. I knew little of your life until January of 2003. I live on the campus of the College of Metaphysics in Windyville, MO. As a part of our efforts in preparing to dedicate what we believe to be the World’s First Peace Dome we began to research the lives of Nobel Laureates. What came from our research is a performance we have entitled The Invitation.
The structure of The Invitation revolves around a document the teachers of the School of Metaphysics created in 1996 called the Universal Peace Covenant. We thought “What would Nobel Laureates think and say if they gathered together and discussed the Peace Covenant.” In order to explore this idea we drew upon the speeches given in acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize by Albert Shweitzer, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Linus Pauling, Betty Williams, Mother Teresa, Alva Myrdhal, Tenzin Gyatso, and you - Jimmy Carter. The dialog in The Invitation is direct quotes taken from your Nobel Prize acceptance speeches. I have the privilege of embodying your ideals and vision as I portray you in our presentation.
When I first heard your acceptance speech I was moved by the practical vision of peace you described in bridging the chasm between the rich and the poor. I struggled personally because ideologically I consider my beliefs to be most closely aligned with the Republican Party. Your words in your acceptance speech about the choices Jesus Christ made in embracing Romans, other Gentiles and even Samaritans became a mantra for me as I overcame my own political judgements and prejudices.
As the weeks progressed a growing recognition began to dawn in me that men’s actions proclaim their true nature. I came to discover, as I heard the words of the eight Laureates, that there are many ideas about the work of peace. The belief I have formed is that the world needs more people who are willing to put aside ideological differences in recognition that the work of peace requires cooperation, the embracing of others despite differences in opinion, and the courage to act on inner convictions.
My life has been changed in embodying your words and ideals. You have become an image for me of what my life can mean for humanity. On October 11, 2003 we will dedicate the World’s First Peace Dome. At one o’clock pm central time we have called for a Moment of Peace and are asking people around the world to join us by reading the Universal Peace Covenant. We will be reading this document here at the College of Metaphysics in Windyville, MO. The full details of this event can be found at www.peacedome.org.
We would love to receive you and Rosalynn in person for this event. We also understand that the demands upon your time and where you are capable of being are also very great. If you and your wife are unable to be with us in person we invite you to join us in spirit as we read the Peace Covenant.
President Carter, whether you are able to attend the Dome Dedication or not I hope that we may meet someday. I feel a great deal of affection for you and the role that your words have played in my life. You and Rosalynn are welcome at our table here at the College of Metaphysics for a wholesome meal anytime you can make it.
Sincerely,
Matthew D. Marian
School of Metaphysics Representative
A response from the Carter Center
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