Decade News

A Message from the Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR)

"Do you know a youth or young adult that has been actively engaged in peacemaking? Someone who is a model for others in challenging violence in creative ways! Tell us about him/her! We're looking for stories about how someone you know (is it you???) has done cool things to help stop violence that's going on all around us. Maybe through their church or school, or maybe something they organized or did on their own to help make the community (and the world) a more peaceful place. We're going to give citations and recognize them during the Ecumenical Luncheon at the 2004 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charleston, West Virginia! There are two categories: Youth (ages 14-18) and Young Adult (ages 19-35).

Find out more information at www.brethren.org/genbd/CIR/SendStories.html
Or You can email jkobel_gb@brethren.org

Remember: We need submissions ASAP.

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The Decade at 2003 Annual Conference

There will be a Decade to Overcome Violence Insight Session at Annual Conference in Boise. It is jointly sponsored by On Earth Peace and Brethren Witness Office. The session will be at 9 p.m. Sunday evening, and will be facilitated by the new DOV Program Assistant, Rachel Peterson.

This session will introduce the Decade's new biennial theme: "Overcome Evil With Good." The theme will provide the framework from which we look at the success of the Decade in it's first two years, as well as look forward to where it could be by the end of 2010. DOV congregational and district reps, as well as anyone else who's work is inspired by the Decade, are encouraged to come and share their stories. Those who have heard little about the Decade can learn what this thriving, ecumenical movement is all about.

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photo by David Radcliff

Laura Kreider, former CoB DoV program assistant (l.) and Jean Stromberg, Executive Director of the US Offices, WCC at a meeting of the US committee on the Decade to Overcome Violence in Baltimore, Md. in May 2002.

100 Congregations Commit to the DECADE TO OVERCOME VIOLENCE

Nearly one-hundred Church of the Brethren congregations in all 23 districts have committed to the Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) as of September 2002. Each congregation has named a contact person who will keep in touch with their district's representative, possibly attend DOV training events, and help keep the congregation's resource pack, called a "DOVPak," current. The DOVPak, sent out to each congregation that commits to the Decade, provides ideas for worship, suggestions on ways to take action, background on Brethren heritage and peacemaking, and other resources. Periodic mailings provide updates and additional materials. Congregations wishing to sign a commitment should contact Rachel Peterson at On Earth Peace, 410-635-8709 or dov_gb@brethren.org.

The Church of the Brethren affirmed joining the Decade at the 2000 Annual Conference, and the DOV was officially launched within the denomination in 2001. The General Board's Brethren Witness office and On Earth Peace are coordinating the denomination's involvement in the worldwide effort. Internationally, a World Council of Churches DOV working group meeting brought 30 participants from around the world to Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 25-27. The group met to draft user guidelines for a study document on overcoming violence being prepared for churches. The document will focus on four major themes, identified as root causes of violence by responses to a 2000-2001 survey among churches: the spirit and logic of violence; the use, abuse and misuse of power; issues of justice; and religious identity and plurality. The WCC says the document will need to be adapted to each church's specific environment and context.

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