JustPeace

WCC: Churches are called to be peacemakers in Africa

Adam Bray — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:26:24 +0000

"Amidst increasing security issues in several African countries plagued by violence, political turmoil, religious intolerance and lack of democratic governance, churches are called to engage in peace-building"

Being One in Christ within a Diverse Church

Adam Bray — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:23:41 +0000

Circuit Rider: "We celebrate our diversity as a unique gift from God to serve people in an ever more diverse world and at the same time we struggle with the fact that it hurts our longing for harmony when we are divided in our understanding of the Bible."

Before ‘Transforming’ Your Neighborhood, Talk to Your Neighbors

Adam Bray — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:35:26 +0000

Christianity Today: Chris Smith tells the story about how the practice of dialogue and conversation transformed his urban congregation, and as a result, transformed their broader community.

Teresa Mueller: ‘Exploring Differences, Deepening Faith’

Adam Bray — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:57:39 +0000

UMNS: We all look at the world from our own unique perspective, and I have been truly blessed to be surrounded by others who have opened up and shared their lives with me

The Art of Peace: From “Conflict Resolution” to “Conflict Transformation”

Adam Bray — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:53:28 +0000

Be sure to visit the On Being Blog and listen to Krista Tippett’s most recent interview with John Paul Lederach as he talks about his work in conflict transformation.

As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, from when he was on Krista Tippett’s program last time, Lederach who is now a professor of conflict transformation at Notre Dame, was part of the design team for this organization and argued successfully at its inception for its name to be “JustPeace”.

Below is from the introduction on the On Being blog:

John Paul Lederach is one of the most esteemed names in conflict mediation in the world today. He is also Mennonite, an icon of this tradtion that passionately embarces the biblical command to “be peacemakers.” In our conversation in “The Art of Peace” he calls his work “conflict transformation” rather than the more commonly used term of “conflict resolution.” Across three decades, in over 25 countries on five continents, he has sought to help people transform their relationships with their enemies.”

The interview is well worth your time. You can listen by clicking here and/or read the transcript of the interview here.

Holy Conversation About Challenging Issues – Pre-General Conference News Briefing

Adam Bray — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:34:53 +0000

During the next few days, the Rev. Stephanie Hixon, Co-Executive Director of JustPeace, will be joining United Methodist General Conference delegation leaders and delegates from around the world to prepare for the upcoming 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Florida April 24 – May 4. She will be participating in a panel discussion entitled “Holy Conversation About Challenging Issues” being moderated by Bishop Sally Dyck of the Minnesota Episcopal Area and Unity Team Chairperson of the Council of Bishops. It is taking place on Saturday, January 21st at 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-16 in the Tampa Convention Center.

Also on the panel will be the Rev. Thomas Lambrecht, Vice President and General Manager of Good News, Erin Hawkins, General Secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race and the Rev. Mike Slaughter, Lead Pastor of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio.

JustPeace will also have a table at the Issues Fair. If you’re in Tampa, please stop by and introduce yourself!

Will Willimon: Disturber of the Peace

Adam Bray — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:16:01 +0000

King explains that while he opposes violent tension, he believes there is “a type of constructive, nonviolent tension… the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.

Resources for Human Relations Day/Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

Adam Bray — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:51:17 +0000

The General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) of the United Methodist Church has put together a great list of worship resources for Martin Luther King Day.

A New Year’s meditation – ‘Blessed are peacemakers’

Adam Bray — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:25:33 +0000

(From UMR) William McElvaney - "Peacemakers are blessed because peacemaking at its best is theologically faithful to the core beliefs of all our religious traditions."

UMR: United Methodist of the Year – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf leads Liberia, wins Nobel

Adam Bray — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:57:19 +0000

For her work in peace-building and championing women’s rights in Liberia—and in turn, inspiring women around the world—Liberian president and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the Reporter’s 2011 United Methodist of the Year.