Violence in North America

1994 Church of the Brethren Statement

The Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, assembled in Wichita, Kansas, this 2nd day of July, 1994, declares or concern about the increasing level of violence in our communities and countries. This violence assaults us in a wide variety of ways. It is felt in the proliferation of handguns, assaults against men, women and children, drive-by shootings, serial and multiple murders, gang warfare, and the increasing use of violence in the entertainment media, particularly television. This increased violence invades our families, our private lives, and our communities. Its destruction falls particularly upon the weak, the poor, and the defenseless.

We believe that the Christian church should be a powerful witness against the use of violence to settle disputes. Faithful disciples of the non-violent ways of Jesus have acted as leaven in the society against the violent trends of every age. Out of devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ we cry out against the violence of our times. We encourage our congregations and agencies to work with other Christians to find dramatic and effective ways to witness to the peace and reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ.

1994 Annual Conference Officers on behalf of the 1994 Standing Committee

Earl K. Ziegler Moderator
Judy Mills Reimer, Moderator-elect
Anne M. Myers, Secretary

Action of the 1994 Annual Conference: Paul Wampler, a Standing Committee member from the Mid-Atlantic, presented the Stranding Committee recommendation that the 1994 Annual Conference consider and adopt the Statement on Violence in America with one amendment from the delegate body which has been incorporated into the preceding text.