The Way of Love – Love Peace

Life is filled with violence and its victims are everywhere. The Way of Love calls for learning and practicing an alternative life style that does not add to the brokenness around us.  We are called by the example of Jesus to seek reconciliation and restoration, and to not pursue vengeance and retribution.  In our private personal lives and our public actions and systemic policies we will aim to be people of peace.


Education – Love Peace 

Websites

The Catholic Church on non-violence

In his 2017 World Day of Peace message, Pope Francis shared with all Christians and with all people on earth a landmark call to learn, practice and mobilize the humanizing power of active nonviolence in responding resolutely to the global crisis of violence.

Web Articles & Podcasts

Power and non-violence  – “It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly.” This is nonviolence in one of its primordial moments. And nonviolence is a very serious endeavor. It is not, as it often appears, a passivity.

The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York Training

“Take to the Streets” Online Nonviolence Training: Basics of nonviolent tactics for social change and de-escalation (with Christian Peacemaker Teams)

Each Other’s Keeper: The Church’s Response to Violence

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri released Each Other’s Keeper: The Church’s Response to Violence, an electronic adult formation curriculum focused on the role of faith communities in understanding the many dimensions of violence in our society and ways in which they might care for both its victims and perpetrators.

Peacemaking, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding

 Peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peace building may not have the punch and the means of national security, but they are receiving an increasing amount of attention in education, research, and politics

Books

Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life, by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World. by Bishop Desomond Tutu

Crisis Intervention 101: De-escalation Steps for Law Enforcement, First Responders and Everyone Else, by Linda Flanders

Movies

Selma, The historical drama centers on King Jr. as a key figure, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the fight for suffrage, the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom,

Pro-Europe citizens organize protests and occupations, centered on and around Kyiv’s Maidan square. 

Objector

Like all Israeli youth, Atalya is obligated to become a soldier.  The movie follows Atalya to prison and beyond, offering a unique window into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the perspective of a young woman who seeks truth and takes a stand for justice.


Inspiration – Love Peace

Scriptures

Matthew 5:9

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Click here for more selections of Scriptures about seeking peace and non-violence.

Prayer
For peace and non-violence

God help us to find peace with you, in ourselves, with each other, in our communities and between nations. We don’t know how to do this. So teach us: to how to forgive, how to admit mistakes, how to live without retribution and vengeance, how to not create more victims, how to be peacemakers, and how to speak truth without violence. In the name of your son, the Prince of Peace.  Amen.

Click here and here for more prayers about seeking peace and non-violence.

Music / Art / Poetry

International Day of Peace: 20 songs about Peace

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix. Happy International #PeaceDay

Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church

15 Songs for times of conflict

The Hymn Society

Songs about unity and peace.

Poems and peace

11 Memorable Poems About Peace

Inward Peace and Peace Between People and Nations


Actions – Love Peace

Organizations

The Episcopal Peace Fellowship

The Episcopal Peace Fellowship is an inclusive community rooted in active love.  Her members endeavor to follow Jesus into the world, bearing witness to injustice, while striving for justice, and prayerfully expecting that peace will follow.