FOR England and Scotland statement on the death of Rev Richard Deats
The Fellowship of Reconciliation, England and Scotland, was saddened to hear of the death of Rev Richard Deats, a United Methodist Minister and nonviolence practitioner of over 80 years. Mr Deats had served on the staff of FOR USA for over 30 years and became an internationally recognised writer and trainer in peace and nonviolence.
His learning and practice were deeply inspired by his encounters with British Baptist Muriel Lester, the American Civil Rights leader Rev Martin Luther King Jnr and Buddist Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
In 2010 he worked with FOR England and Scotland to reproduce a collection of essays profiling nonviolent movements around the world. The booklet, Active Nonviolence Around the World, has been a popular item ever since it was released.
Denis Beaumont, long term FOR England and Scotland Trustee encountered Richard on many occasions. On behalf of the Fellowship he said:
“ Richard’s life and ministry became a golden thread for peace and nonviolence that flowed through many of the key moments and movements of the last 80 years. His death is a moment of great sadness for the global peace community and a loss to all those who wish the world to embrace nonviolence.
Richard’s contribution both to FoR USA and to IFoR is immeasurable. He held many positions in both organisations and was also a valuable source of advice and counsel. His gentle demeanour was always helpful in defusing tension and his years of training and study saw him an invaluable global resource for peace.
We send our condolences to his wife, Jan and their 4 children and give thanks for his full and challenging ministry”.
A fuller obituary is provided by our friends FOR USA ; Waging Nonviolence
