A Church struck by the violence of conflict in Ukraine - from Vatican News, “Pope Francis' words against religious justification for war”
Time:
3:00pm Central Europe / Central Africa (4:00pm East Africa Time / Jerusalem, 2:00pm UK, 9:00am USA Eastern, 6:30pm India Time)
Meeting Theme:
Jesus trained his followers to be peacemakers and reconcilers who love their neighbors and enemies. Peacebuilders like that Jesus! At the same time, Jesus also called Peter the rock upon which “I will build my church” (Mt 16:18), and the Bible connects following Jesus with being part of the body of Christ and the church (cf. Eph 1:22-23). This brings up a point of tension, because some peacebuilders have become exasperated and frustrated with "church" because of experiences or church hurt or understanding about the many ways Christianity and churches have contributed to harm. Can the "church" become a peacebuilding presence engaged in the work for and toward holistic just peace (shalom/eirene) or is “church” an endless source of exasperation?
During our August CPN meeting, we delve into this relationship between the church and peacebuilding with Phil Wagler, the Global Director of the Peace and Reconciliation Network (PRN), a commission of the World Evangelical Alliance. Phil will offer insights from his experience working with evangelical alliances about the reasons why “church” can be so expasperating, what renewal might look like, and the unique opportunities for local churches to engage in impactful and hope-filled peacebuilding. Kiran Peter, Executive Director of Weaving People to Grow Foundation based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, will also share about her experience with PRN and the important role of a networks to build bridges between local organizations with larger church bodies and wider networks.
Key points for reflection and consideration:
What is Jesus's vision for the church as peacebuilder?
What does he even mean by "church" anyway?
What are the unique opportunities of the local church as peacebuilder that are radically hopeful for the sake of the world?
Why does the "church" exasperate us so often and what is required for renewal of Jesus vision for his body?
Facilitators:
