The Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010) stems from the World Council of Churches' (WCC) passionate engagement with the issue of justice, peace and the integrity of creation, while relentlessly exploring the purpose of Christian unity in a broken world.

The churches meeting for the Eighth WCC Assembly in Harare, Zimbabwe, at the end of the most violent centure in human history, committed themselves to a pilgrimage of peace. The Assembly called the churches, ecumenical organizations and all people of goodwill, to work together to overcome violence through peace and justice.

The WCC encourages churches and communities to address issues of violence in their own contexts and to work together for peace, justice and reconciliation in the Decade to Overcome Violence.

In its commitment to overcoming violence the WCC:

• Commissions studies aimed at exposing the structural and cultural roots of violence
• Campaigns against the perpetrators and instruments of violence
• Introduces education processes that seek to uphold the value and dignity of life
• Takes innovative liturgical, biblical and theological initiatives
• Links people, peace initiative and supports networking

The Mandate

"All this if from God, who reconciled us to Godself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:18

"Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream." Amos 5:24

"For Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility..." Ephesians 2:14

"We are challenged by the vision of a church, the people of God on the way together, confronting all divisions or race, gender, age or culture, striving to realize justice and peace, upholding the integrity of creation." (Message of the Eighth Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Harare 1998)

"We are convinced: A clear witness to peace and nonviolence grounded in justice is what the world needs today from all churches together.... As Christians, we are motivated and encouraged by the Gospel message of the peace of Christ and the rich biblical tradition of peace with justice... We want to engage in constructive efforts to build a culture of peace." (Message from the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, Geneva 1999)

Questions to Explore

• What are the various forms of violence you encounter in your country, community, homes, workplaces, schools, etc.?
• Who/what are the perpetrators?
• How do you plan to overcome these forms of violence?
• What are your hesitations and obstacles?
• What are your faith resources?
• Who are your partners?
• What are your priorities?
• Who are your allies and how do you plan to work with them?
• How do you want to relate with those struggling for justice and liberation?
• What kind of peace do you wish?

To learn about how others are attempting to overcome violence, visit the WCC website at www.wcc-coe.org

Share with us....

• Your peace-building efforts
• Your biblical and theological insights and cultural resources
• Your expectation of the Decade to Overcome Violence in your community, church, and the world.

World Council of Churches
PO Box 2100
1211 Geneva 2
SWITZERLAND
email: dov@wcc-coe.org

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Overcoming Violence Stories from CoB Churches

To send your story to WCC, click here
To send your story to CIR, click here

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