Join the the 2022 International Conference and Annual General Assembly of Church and Peace!
Division. War. Nonviolence.
First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your sister’s or brother’s eye. (Luke 6:42)
20 – 23 October 2022 in Crikvenica, Croatia
We are issuing this invitation at a time when we are horrified to see Russian troops destroying Ukraine. We do not know what the situation will be in October. We planned the topic when there were threats but not yet a war in Europe.
Back then we wrote: Living together always means living with conflict. It seems as if conflicts have recently become more painful, and divisions are hardening or are only now surfacing. The very naming of conflicts evokes vulnerability: global and regional conflicts, wars and growing arms buildup, capitalist exploitation, climate crisis, growing nationalism, colonialism and racism, expulsion and fleeing, patriarchal structures and violence in society and the church, dealing with and responding to COVID-19… Often violence shapes these conflicts and divisions.
Jesus encourages us to be peacemakers and overcome and transform divisions by active nonviolence. Being in dialogue is a way to practise this active nonviolence. What are the preconditions for dialogue? Jesus teaches us to start with ourselves.
What does it mean to remain open to dialogue when rational arguments seem in vain? When is dialogue the way to a solution – and when does it come to nothing instead of preventing violence?
This year’s international conference is taking place in Croatia, creating the opportunity to learn from peacemakers in that country and region.
This conference will create a space where we identify our own conflict issues and solutions, share experiences of success or failure and work with them. We also want to face the difficult questions, e.g. of holding on to the Gospel’s vision of nonviolence in times of war, to connect to our spiritual roots and learn practical techniques from each other.
An invitation to practise with each other how active nonviolence, dialogue and concrete methods of transformation and reconciliation can overcome divisions – so that peace becomes possible.
Find programme details in the leaflet for download.
Venue: Life Center, Crikvenica, Croatia
Registration: Please register by 15 August via this registration form!
