‘2021 again offered ample opportunities to work for a more peaceful, nonviolent world and thus to try to follow the way of Jesus.
Here are some of the Church and Peace highlights:
Regional networks
Church and Peace members in the French-speaking region have become more connected, getting together monthly online and sharing about the importance of nonviolence in their lives. The series of conversations, alongside members’ introductions, can be found on the region’s sub-site on our website.
Participants in online events in the Britain and Ireland region discussed resisting politics of polarisation and white nationalism. At the regional meeting we challenged to transform the relationsships and conditions we live in so that they are unfavourable to violence.
In Germany, there was fruitful cooperation with organisations from the peace movement, which led to the development of a compilation of questions relevant to peace and European policy for the new members of the German Bundestag (Wahlprüfsteine).
International Conference: Images of God and (Non)Violence
Once again we were not able to meet in person, but we held an intensive online meeting. On four days in September, we met for encounters, thematic input, discussion, prayer and worship. Speakers from different European contexts facilitated workshops on aspects of the theme “Images of God and (Non)Violence”.
In our most recent newsletter we reported on some of the workshops. They are also available to watch and read on our website.
Europe
European security policy was also a topic this year. The Board reviewed and commented on the security policy decisions during the German EU Council Presidency. In autumn, the Board specified three concrete topics for the deliberations of the Conference on the Future of Europe. These are an expression of our horror at the inhumane treatment of refugees both on the edges and in the heart of Europe. Many Church and Peace members are active locally in this field of human rights work.
Ecumenical movement
21 years after the signing of the Charta Oecumenica by churches in Europe, we are looking forward to the World Council of Churches, the worldwide ecumenical movement, holding its 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. We are involved in ensuring that issues of peace and justice find a place in the encounter programme. We support the peace appeal “War is Contrary to the Will of God!”. The aim of the appeal is for the inviting churches to clarify their positions on Just Peace, nuclear weapons, arms exports and military budgets in the run-up to the Assembly, to courageously contribute to the discussion in the churches and in society, to seek dialogue with the people at grassroots level and to present clear demands to politicians.
Donations
Thank you very much for all your support in the past year – whether through prayer, being involved and participation or financially! We continue to rely on your donations and are grateful for every gift.