Sometimes people say that the language of evolution of consciousness is a philosophical idea that is not connected to the real life of people in our world. In other words, it is disconnected from the overwhelming problems and challenges of our own lives and the life of the world.
Werner Wnedt, the German ambassador to Canada, embodies a strong and moving example of the evolution of consciousness on a societal scale. In an interview with Rosemary Barton on Power and Politics on September 8, 2015, he was quizzed about the German policy on accepting refugees.
Let me quote him as he spoke in a direct and clear way.
Because of our history during the Nazi era, we realise that hundreds of thousands of people fled Germany. We have a history and we have a responsibility which we will take.
Germany has agreed to accept 500,000 refugees annually over the next several years. Quite simply, the ambassador stated, “We must take care of them.” Along with this commitment, he is aware that there ought to be a common EU refugee policy approach. Indeed, he might suggest a common global approach.
The scenes of Germans welcoming Syrian refugees is in stark contrast to other stories that are unfolding as countries wrestle with what they will do and how they will respond.
Sometimes one has to just take time for awe as people reclaim their collective shadow and turn it inside out to reveal something new.
Today, Werner Wnedt gave me hope, gave us all hope.
Margo Ritchie CSJ