New resource: Just Peace: Ecumenical, Intercultural, and Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Christian theology and ethics have wrestled with the challenge to apply Jesus’s central message of nonviolence to the injustices of this world. Is it not right to defend the persecuted by using violence? Is it unjust if the oppressed defend themselves—if necessary by the use of violence—in order to liberate themselves and to create a more just society? Can we leave the doctrine of the just war behind and shift all our attention toward the way of a just peace?

In 2011 the World Council of Churches brought to a close the Decade to Overcome Violence, to which the churches committed themselves at the beginning of the century. Just peace has evolved as the new ecumenical paradigm for contemporary Christian ethics. Just peace signals a realistic vision of holistic peace, with justice, which in the concept of shalom is central in the Hebrew Bible as well as in the gospel message of the New Testament. Continue reading “New resource: Just Peace: Ecumenical, Intercultural, and Interdisciplinary Perspectives“ →

Fernando Enns publishes new book on ecumenism and peace

Fernando Enns, Professor of Mennonite Peace Theology and Ethics at the University of Amsterdam has recently published a new book Ökumene und Frieden (Ecumenism and Peace). In it Enns shows how ecumenism “works.” What are realistic goals and methodologies? Enns applies the ecumenical approach to different fields of theology and ethics. The large chapter on the Ecumenical “Decade to Overcome Violence” of the World Council of Churches is the first coherent account on that stimulating enterprise.

Click here for more information

Message of International Ecumenical Peace Convocation:
“Churches can teach nonviolence, if we dare”

The final message of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, held in Jamaica in May, closes by highlighting the witness of historic peace churches, and insisting that all churches can teach peace to the powerful:

History, especially in the witness of the historic peace churches, reminds us of the fact that violence is contrary to the will of God and can never resolve conflicts. It is for this reason that we are moving beyond the doctrine of just war towards a commitment to Just Peace. It requires moving from exclusive concepts of national security to safety for all. This includes a day-to-day responsibility to prevent, that is, to avoid violence at its root. Many practical aspects of the concept of Just Peace require discussion, discernment and elaboration. We continue to struggle with how innocent people can be protected from injustice, war and violence. In this light, we struggle with the concept of the “responsibility to protect” and its possible misuse. We urgently request that the WCC and related bodies further clarify their positions regarding this policy.

We advocate total nuclear disarmament and control of the proliferation of small arms.

We as churches are in a position to teach nonviolence to the powerful, if only we dare. For we are followers of one who came as a helpless infant, died on the Cross, told us to lay aside our swords, taught us to love our enemies and was resurrected from the dead.

To read the entire document click here.

For a reflection on the IEPC and its message by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, click here.

Canadian Mennonite reports on ecumenical peace convocation

Canadian Mennonite magazine has just published a report on the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation held in May in Jamaica. The article draws on some of the news releases already posted here at Bridgefolk.Net, but also provides a helpful summary. Click here to read.

Peace message closes convocation, but work has only begun

KIngston, Jamaica (WCC) — Participants at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) released a message on Tuesday expressing their unified experience of a week-long exploration of a just peace and to navigate a path forward as they return to their homes and churches across the world.

Attempting to take into account each other’s contexts and histories, IEPC participants were unified in their aspiration that war should become illegal and that peace is central in all religious traditions.

The message states: “With partners of other faiths, we have recognized that peace is a core value in all religions, and the promise of peace extends to all people regardless of their traditions and commitments. Through intensified inter-religious dialogue we seek common ground with all world religions.” Continue reading “Peace message closes convocation, but work has only begun” →

Peacemaking can be rooted in theology and mission

Mennonite ecumenist Thomas Finger leads workshop

Kingston, Jamaica (WCC) — Making peace, as an integral part of the life of church mission and witness, has not been as common as one might think.

Rather, the opposite seems to be true, as, throughout history the church has found itself pointing the sharper rather than the blunt edge of the sword, many times using violence in the name of God. Following closely behind has been mission and theology – either justifying it or keeping silent.

Is it possible there is a non-coercive expression of mission and theology that can move the church toward being a peacemaker?

For Rev. Dr Thomas Finger, who is a member the Mennonite church, this was the point of discussion in a workshop at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC), held in Kingston, Jamaica, on Monday, 23 May. Continue reading “Peacemaking can be rooted in theology and mission” →

What does “God’s security” look like?

Lisa Schirch of Eastern Mennonite University participates on panel

Kingston, Jamaica (WCC) — As a 10-year-old schoolgirl, on 6 August 1945, at 8:15 a.m., Setsuko Thurlow, then Nakamura, suddenly saw a brilliant bluish light flash outside her schoolroom window. “I remember the sensation of floating in the air. When I regained consciousness, in the total darkness and silence, I found myself in the rubble.”

She began to hear her classmates’ faint voices: “Mom, help me. Dad, help me.”

Thurlow is a “hibakusha”, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb, one of two nuclear bombs dropped on Japan by the United States toward the end of World War II. She is also a lifelong advocate against armaments. Continue reading “What does “God’s security” look like?” →

Pope salutes ecumenical peace convocation

Kingston, Jamaica (WCC) — Pope Benedict XVI saluted the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) on Sunday, praying that “every act of violence is eliminated.”

Before 30,000 people gathered at the Regina Caeli in St Peter’s Square, he commended the work of some 1,000 IEPC participants who are gathered in Jamaica to explore ways to move toward a just peace across the world.

“Let us join in prayer,” Benedict said, “for this noble intention, and recommit ourselves to eliminating violence in families, in society and in the international community.”

The IEPC participants have spent the past four days discussing the role of the church in ending violence between countries and within them. They have explored peace in the community, peace with the earth, and peace in the marketplace; on Monday, they will continue with peace among the peoples. On Tuesday, they will issue a convocation message that aims to unite churches worldwide in their vision of peacemaking.

The IEPC ends on Tuesday.

More information on cooperation between the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC

Finding the strength to pursue a just peace

Kingston, Jamaica (WCC) — In war-torn or violent communities – and perhaps in so-called peaceful ones – reaching a state of just peace takes strength and courage.

Participants at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) discussed on Friday how to help local people find the strength within themselves, and within their communities to resolve conflict and end violence through peaceful means.

The IEPC is being held in Kingston, Jamaica from 17-25 May and is sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC) and the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC).

During the workshop called “Empowerment for Just Peace”, presenters shared practices of peace from historical and theological perspectives then culled ideas from workshop attendees for ways to strengthen this effort. Continue reading “Finding the strength to pursue a just peace” →