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” →

In highly violent communities, peace advocates hold out hope

Kingston, Jamaica (WCC) As peace advocates from around the world relayed heartrending stories of violence and oppression, they also expressed their ongoing hope that a movement of peace will prevail during the proceedings of the second day of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) being held in Kingston, Jamaica.

The advocates included religious leaders from the Middle East, India, Brazil and the USA addressed the issue of violence from the perspective and need for peace within communities and strengthening the dignity and rights of all.

“As a woman, I believe we cannot have justice in the community without having it first in the safe haven of our church,” said Dr Muna Mushahwar, a medical doctor who is a Palestinian Christian from Jerusalem. Continue reading “In highly violent communities, peace advocates hold out hope” →

Peace convocation opens with strong calls from global voices

Kingston, Jamaica (WCC) — The International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) formally opened on Wednesday in Kingston, Jamaica, as theologians, faith leaders and the prime minister of Jamaica welcomed some 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries.

Keynote speaker Canon Dr Paul Oestreicher, a globally recognized peace activist, called for churches across all spiritual traditions to strengthen their position on peace, even while recognizing their own history of declaring war in the name of God.

“Under the sign of the cross, Christian nations conquered other nations,” he said. “In the crusades, they massacred the children of Islam. That has not been forgotten. We, just like our brothers and sisters in Islam, regard those who die in battle as certain of a place in heaven.” Continue reading “Peace convocation opens with strong calls from global voices” →

International Ecumenical Peace Convocation opens this week in Jamaica

This week marks the beginning of a long-awaited International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica. At least two Bridgefolk participants will be in attendance and others will be following the event closely. We will be re-posting any major developments here. Those who wish to follow the event more closely can do so at www.overcomingviolence.org. Here is a press release announcing the convocation: Continue reading “International Ecumenical Peace Convocation opens this week in Jamaica” →

Beatification of anti-Nazi martyrs divides Lutherans, Catholics

Luebeck, Germany (ENInews)–Residents of this north German city have long taken pride in four native sons — three Catholic priests and a Lutheran pastor — who were beheaded in quick succession on 10 November 1943 by the Nazi regime. The commingled blood of Catholic priests Johannes Prassek, Hermann Lange, Eduard Mueller and Lutheran pastor Karl Friedrich Stellbrink spawned an ecumenical cooperation between the city’s majority Lutherans and minority Catholics that still lasts, Religion News Service reports. But the Vatican’s decision to beatify the three priests on 25 June — but not Stellbrink — is testing that ecumenical spirit, and has some religious leaders worried that the event could drive a wedge between the two communities. Click here to read more.