Peace

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life…

Prov. 15:4

As a subscriber to numerous online journals and newsletters, I was surprised to receive a news report - Kingston Jamaica to host global churches’ peace conference from a think tank promoting the transformation of theological ideas in public life. The report stated;

Kingston , Jamaica , will be the host city for the World Council of Churches' International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in 2011, it has been announced - marking a decade of activity promoting practical responses to violence. The convocation in 2011 will meet under the theme "Glory to God and peace on earth." It will be the culmination of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV), which has sought to network and bring attention to the peacemaking initiatives of its various member churches. WCC Central Committee members reached consensus on Kingston as the venue during a session on Friday 15 February 2008. Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, was the other finalist.

My surprise or rather shock was fuelled by the constant stream of violent incidents affecting all sections of society, regularly reported in the local and foreign press that increase my fears for the safety of my family and friends. In this context the decision to hold a peace conference in this seemingly unsuitable environment seemed ironic - until I slept on it and did a little research. I visited the associated overcoming violence website and found the following pieces of information about the DOV – a WCC initiative, billed as “a global movement that strives to strengthen existing efforts and networks for overcoming violence, as well as inspire the creation of new ones.” It states;

In order to move peace-building from the periphery to the centre of the life and witness of the church and to build stronger alliances and understanding among churches, networks, and movements which are working toward a culture of peace, the goals of the Decade to Overcome Violence are:

Addressing holistically the wide varieties of violence, both direct and structural, in homes, communities, and in international arenas and learning from the local and regional analyses of violence and ways to overcome violence.

Challenging the churches to overcome the spirit, logic, and practice of violence; to relinquish any theological justification of violence; and to affirm anew the spirituality of reconciliation and active non-violence.

Creating a new understanding of security in terms of cooperation and community, instead of in terms of domination and competition.

Learning from the spirituality and resources for peace-building of other faiths to work with communities of other faiths in the pursuit of peace and to challenge the churches to reflect on the misuse of religious and ethnic identities in pluralistic societies.

My second thoughts centred on the WCC’s confidence in the Jamaican authorities for the safety of the delegates and their faith in Jamaica’s commitment to peace building. In a culture perceived by many to be endemically violent, the hosting of this conference is also indicative of the huge potential for ongoing change. Active church participation is crucial for any meaningful transformation in attitudes of the people at all levels. Without the visible involvement and support of peace loving church leaders, the momentum for the continuation of this ethos will not take place. There is so much that is fundamentally good and honest in Jamaica that is swamped by negative reporting. Hopefully this conference will help to showcase the positives. On my visits home, I pray that I can be involved in the ongoing mediation and reconciliation processes and attend this historic event.

For wherever there is jealousy, envy and contention; rivalry and selfish ambition, there will also be confusion, unrest, disharmony, rebellion and all sorts of evil and vile practices. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, undefiled; then it is peace-loving, courteous, considerate and gentle. It is willing to yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned - free from doubts, wavering and insincerity. And the harvest of righteousness of conformity to God's will in thought and deed, is the fruit of the seed, sown in peace by those who work for and make peace in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts. James 3:16-18 (Amplified, edited)

May the Holy Spirit of God continue to use us as instruments of peace and reconciliation.

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