The Theme

“Peace Among the Peoples” is one of four thematic areas of the 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation. The additional thematic areas of the Convocation are: Peace in the Marketplace, Peace with the Earth and Peace in the Community. While each of these areas is in need of deliberate reflection by the churches in North America, the initial organizers of Peace Among the Peoples chose to focus the conference on this theme for two reasons: 1) To narrow the scope of discussion in order to enable substantial conversation on related topics; 2) To address issues within this theme that reflect fundamental agreement and disagreement among Christians of various traditions.

One major question to be addressed in this conference is the morality of war. Historically, a division between pacifists and proponents of the just war tradition has characterized this subject. Our interest is not to ask the same questions that have divided Christians for centuries. Nor is it our objective to resolve this discussion by coming to a common theological agreement. Rather, we want to facilitate a truly ecumenical conversation that will encourage greater understanding among Christians on the morality of war. We hope that by acknowledging the areas where we agree and disagree, we will be able to come to a deeper level of respect for one another as we join together in dialogue and action to overcome the spirit, logic and practice of violence.

The Context

Eight years ago the World Council of Churches declared a ‘Decade to Overcome Violence.’ Its goal has been to intensify local and global engagement in overcoming oppression and building peace in order to overcome the spirit, logic, and practice of violence. In 2011 there will be a worldwide gathering named the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Kingston, Jamaica to confirm and deepen the convictions and actions that have grown over the past decade.

From July 28 - 31, 2010, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana will host an ecumenical conference, entitled, “Peace Among the Peoples: overcoming the spirit, logic and practice of violence.” This gathering of ecumenically minded Christian peacemakers is a direct response to the challenge of the Decade. Peace Among the Peoples will be an opportunity to contribute to the 2011 Convocation as well as to discuss North American perspectives on Christian participation in war.

Today, there is a plurality of Christian responses to war in North America. There is also a broad spectrum of peacemaking activities among denominations and ecumenical groups. A major task before us at the end of the Decade, therefore, is to strengthen the commitment of Christian peacemakers and our churches to future dialogue and common witness for peace.

What is unique about this meeting?

Academic and Grassroots: A combined focus of theological and ethical reflection will emphasize the foundations for action.

International and Local: The conference will give deliberate attention to the World Council of Churches’ Decade to Overcome Violence and the 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, while also asking how we might strengthen the ecumenical peace witness in North America.

Interdisciplinary Networking: Conference participants include academics, activists, Christian Peace Witness, ministers, ngos and peace fellowships.

Conference Objectives:

To support the goal of the World Council of Churches to convene the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation by facilitating a regional process of theological reflection;

To portray diverse Christian responses to war and facilitate dialogue among the positions represented;

To ask how the North American churches might best carry on the work of the DOV as well as implement the 2011 Convocation’s outcomes.