The author of a forthcoming book on the religious history of Gettysburg, Pa., will deliver this year’s John Kline Lecture at the John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., on April 28. The speaker, Steve Longenecker, will explain the impact of the famous battle on members of the Church of the Brethren (Dunkers) who lived on the battlefield.
Peace
3,000 Miles Campaign of on Earth Peace Receives Lots of Support
In a recent update on its 3,000 Miles for Peace campaign, On Earth Peace reported that over 60 fundraisers are underway in support. As of last week, over $80,000 has been raised for the Paul Ziegler Young Peacemaker Fund. Twelve riding or walking events have already taken place, and those taking part have already traveled more than 1,000 miles toward the goal of 3,000 miles. The campaign is a fundraiser for On Earth Peace that honors young peacemaker Paul Ziegler.
Nigerian Brethren Experience Another Church Attack, Hold Annual Meeting
Another Nigerian Brethren congregation has suffered an attack during worship, shortly before leaders of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) are to gather for the Majalisa or general church council, equivalent to the Annual Conference of the US church. EYN’s 66th Majalisa is scheduled for April 16-19
Sponsor a Peace and Reconciliation Scholarship in South Sudan
Although South Sudan is a new country, decades of war have left traumatic scars that today manifest themselves in re-occurring clashes, conflicts, and challenges, which all witness to the need for relevant, practical, and sustainable peace efforts in the country.
Christian Leaders Celebrate Adoption of the World’s First Arms Trade Treaty
“We give thanks to God for the adoption of the world’s first Arms Trade Treaty and for the efforts by a large majority of countries and many civil society groups to bring it into existence,” said an April 3 public statement by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Olav Fykse Tveit.
‘Something Must Change’: Harrisburg, Pa., Pastor Reports on Efforts Against Gun Violence
The Harrisburg (Pa.) Chapter of Heeding God’s Call continues to operate on the premise that “Something Must Change.” Heeding God’s Call is a faith-based movement to prevent gun violence. The organization got its start at a meeting of the Historic Peace Churches in Philadelphia, Pa.
More Brethren Agencies Express Support for Resolution on Drones
Brethren Benefit Trust and On Earth Peace, which are both Annual Conference agencies, have affirmed the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board’s “Resolution against Drone Warfare.” The resolution was adopted at the board’s spring meeting and will be on the Annual Conference agenda in early July.
Prayers for Peacemakers: Ten Year Anniversary of War in Iraq
Ten years after the US invasion of Iraq, Christian Peacemaker Teams, together with uncounted Iraqi families, laments the carnage that continues to echo from that moment.
Brethren Board Issues Resolution Against Drone Warfare
A Resolution Against Drone Warfare was issued by the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board on March 11. Proposed by the denomination’s Peace Witness Ministry based in Washington, D.C., the resolution will be sent on to the 2013 Annual Conference for its consideration in early July. The resolution addresses the use of drones in warfare in the context of a reaffirmation of the Church of the Brethren’s longstanding assertion that “war is sin.”
Agape-Satyagraha Program Now at Six Sites Across the Country
The On Earth Peace program to teach nonviolence and Christian peacemaking to youth, called Agape-Satyagraha, is now active at six sites across the country. Reports Marie Benner-Rhoades, Youth and Young Adult Peace Formation director for On Earth Peace: “Agape-Satyagraha Leadership Training helps junior and senior high youth learn to deal with conflict without using violence by presenting concepts and skills training through the completion of five levels.