Creating A Culture A Peace:
More than a program, a Vision
Since the Methodist Federation for Social Action and
Fellowship of Reconciliation began collaborating in the fall of 2004
on
the nonviolence training program “Creating A Culture of Peace,” the program
has been implemented in several chapters and geographic areas. Trainings
have occurred or have been scheduled in the following annual conferences:
Greater Illinois, Troy, Wyoming, North Carolina, Pacific Northwest and
Baltimore-Washington. These times of gathering, reflection and action have
been meaningful to many throughout our connection including the national
staff. Yet, our work doesn’t stop with a training.
I am continuously inspired by MFSA chapters and members who
work to create a culture of peace in their local communities and throughout
the world. I began the year with an Epiphany celebration hosted by the
West Virginia MFSA chapter. After snowy travels I found the faithful MFSA
mountaineers gathered by the fire for a meal. It was a challenge to hold
the light in a time of darkness, being just 10 miles away from the Sago
mine. But there in West Virginia I witnessed the healing present in that
circle of chapter members, deeply aware of their presence of peace in a
hurting community.
One week later I sat with members of the Desert Southwest Chapter,
contemplating how best to address the anti-immigrant sentiment and border
issues present in their community. The chapter decided to write an annual
conference resolution calling for education and advocacy to acknowledge
the impact of crystal meth in their churches and communities. Their actions
are certainly creating a culture of peace that reaches far beyond local
congregations.
Part of my journey this winter took me to Denver to receive
an award from the Iliff School of Theology. As some of you
know, my time at Iliff was one of struggle and growth both
for me and, I pray, for the
institution. Iliff’s ongoing struggles with racism and diversity
are not unique. They exist in our society and in our churches.
My hope is that as Iliff continues to struggle with racism
and diversity that it
may also model a culture of peace, embracing differences with
integrity and openness.
While a student at Iliff, I had the opportunity to meet with
poet and activist Soñia Sanchez. She said these words to me about
the work of justice, “We must hear the voices and have the dreams
of those who came before us, and we must keep them with us
in a very real sense. This will keep us centered. This will help us to
maintain our understanding
of the job we must do.” The words of Soñia Sanchez are my
prayer as MFSA prepares to celebrate 100 years of working
for justice and peace in our communities, churches and world. May
we call on the wisdom
from the past to create a culture of peace and justice for
the transformation of our hearts, the United Methodist Church
and the social order.
Captions:
- Thom
Keely and --_______ welcome the Epiphany season
with song at the WV MFSA chapter meeting.
- Marilyn
Outslay (MFSA National Board Co-Chair),
John Reynolds, Fran Smith, Richard Bentley, Bob
Richards pause from meeting
with Western
Jurisdiction MFSA leadership. Frank Wulf, Amy Stapleton,
and John Schwiebert also present.
- Amy
Stapleton and Phil Wogaman pictured at the Iliff School of Theology
in
Denver CO. Amy received
the “Outstanding Alumnae Award
for Extension Ministry.”
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