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.

MWC names first general secretary from the global South

César García has been leader in Mennonite-Catholic dialogue in Colombia

Mennonite World Conference has just announced the appointment of its next General Secretary. A search of Bridgefolk’s online archives suggests that García already has a record of involvement in Mennonite-Catholic dialogue in Colombia and advocacy for continued dialogue at the international level. Here is the MWC press release:

Taipei, Taiwan (MWC) — For the first time, a leader from the global South will become the General Secretary of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC). On May 4, the MWC Executive Committee formally appointed César García of Bogotá, Colombia, as General Secretary-elect, to succeed Larry Miller on January 1, 2012.

“I am excited about the possibility of serving in the leadership of MWC with the purpose of praying, thinking and acting as part of Christ’s global church,” García said, following his acceptance of the call. “God is glorified when the multicultural interdependency of his church is evidenced in our way of doing theology, practicing ecclesiology and bearing Christian witness in the world.”

Continue reading “MWC names first general secretary from the global South” →

Harder to address future of Canadian ecumenism

Winnipeg, Man. — Dr. Helmut Harder, Professor Emeritus, Canadian Mennonite University, and former General Secretary of Mennonite Church Canada, will be a keynote speaker at the 20th Summer Ecumenical Institute at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon, July 6 – 9.

Harder has a long history of working with ecumenical agenda, and is noted particularly for his initiative and years of experience in fostering a Roman Catholic-Mennonite dialogue, addressing both commonalities and differences. Continue reading “Harder to address future of Canadian ecumenism” →

Vatican announces day of reflection, dialogue and prayer in Assisi

VATICAN CITY, 2 APR 2011 (VIS) – The Holy See Press Office today published the following English-language communique:

“On 1 January 2011, after the Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he wished to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the historic meeting that took place in Assisi on 27 October 1986, at the wish of the Venerable Servant of God John Paul II. On the day of the anniversary, 27 October this year, the Holy Father intends to hold a ‘Day of reflection, dialogue and prayer for peace and justice in the world’, making a pilgrimage to the home of St. Francis and inviting fellow Christians from different denominations, representatives of the world’s religious traditions and, in some sense, all men and women of good will, to join him once again on this journey. Continue reading “Vatican announces day of reflection, dialogue and prayer in Assisi” →

Churches prepare for International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica in May

The International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) will be a “harvest festival” celebrating the achievements of the Decade to Overcome Violence which began in 2001. At the same time it encourages individuals and churches to renew their commitment to nonviolence, peace and justice. In the video below, Mennonite theologian and ecumenical leader Dr. Fernando Enns of Germany, introduces the convocation, which will be held in Kingston, Jamaica, May 17-25.

Continue reading “Churches prepare for International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica in May” →