The Golden Rule mosaic based on the painting by Norman Rockwell is housed at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. MCC photo/Kirstin De Mello.
As active global armed conflicts increase, we see the catastrophic outcomes of growing violence. Governments continue to prioritize militarized approaches to confront conflict while dismissing nonviolent and holistic peacebuilding mechanisms. The proposed fiscal year 2023 U.S. federal budget would allocate 37% of discretionary funds to military expenses with little for life-saving foreign assistance.
Today, as the world celebrates the International Day of Peace, we remember that we are called to a mission of nonviolent peacemaking, as modeled by Jesus himself.
A bill that would speed permitting for critical minerals mining and fossil fuel projects is expected to be attached to a must-pass continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded. This bill could remove important environmental and human health safeguards, allow strip mining on sacred lands and disproportionately impact Black, indigenous and low-income communities.
On July 28, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its FY2023 funding levels for State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, but the bill has yet to be approved. Congress plans to extend FY2022 funding until December 16, but passing the FY2023 bill is a priority to adequately fund foreign assistance programs.
The Unites States' sale of $1 billion worth of military helicopters to Nigeria is concerning, not least because reports indicate that U.S.-supplied weapons have been used on civilians. Rather than further military sales, the U.S must prioritize humanitarian and development assistance, especially robust funding for localized peacebuilding approaches. Read more of the article by Charles Kwuelum and Iyabo Obasanjo in Foreign Policy.
The International Day of Peace is dedicated to the absence of war and violence. This year's theme is "End racism. Build peace." Congregations can choose to celebrate and pray for peace on Sunday, September 25, or another Sunday. Download the worship resource.
On World Food Day, October 16, we raise awareness about various issues regarding poverty and hunger. Access to healthy, affordable food is being negatively impacted by violent conflicts, an ongoing pandemic, climate change and rising prices. This worship resource will guide churches through reflection and prayer about global food security. Download the worship resource.
Calling all young adults! Join us November 6-11 on the island of Puerto Rico as we discover new ways to live and proclaim the gospel of peace. This weeklong experience will be filled with practical learning about deconstructing oppressive systems, building community, participating in spaces of healing and commitment to hospitality. Registration fee is $200, sign up now!
**Our prayers are with the people of Puerto Rico following the devastation from Hurricane Fiona this past weekend. After speaking with peace camp organizers on the ground there, we are glad to know that staff are okay and that the peace camp location was not impacted. As of today, we expect the peace camp to take place as planned.
Calling young adults living in metropolitan areas! Take a break from daily life and join us for a transformational week of connection and learning. During this experience, you will gain tools for understanding trauma and develop strategies for self-care and healing through the lens of restorative justice to bring back to your city. Registration fee is $200, sign up now!
Are you a youth who attends a Mennonite high school or an Anabaptist church? This is your opportunity to express your views in essay format on critical issues facing U.S. society. Submissions are due Feb. 24, 2023, and may be in English or Spanish. The grand prize is $1000! Find out more about the high school essay contest.
Galen Fitzkee will focus on Latin America, immigration, and international climate policy. Galen has a B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies from Messiah University. He previously worked at the Church of the Brethren policy office and was a Student Representative on the MCC East Coast Board in 2019.
Zachary Murray will focus on the Middle East, North Korea and U.S. sanctions policy. Zachary has an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the American University of Cairo (AUC). He has lived and worked in Egypt off and on since 2017, first as an MCC SALTer and later as a fellow at AUC.
Anthony Khair joins NPJM as an MCC IVEPer, working on issues related to the Middle East (Palestine and Israel) and Latin America. Anthony has a 2-year diploma of theology from Bethlehem Bible College. He was part of The Model United Nations, a debate team for teenagers, and attended conferences in Denmark and the Czech Republic.
On the weekend of August 20, Jes Stoltzfus Buller and Daniela Lázaro-Manalo facilitated two experiential learning exercises, You Got Booked and Loss of Turtle Island, at New Holland Mennonite Church in Pennsylvania. Together the congregation engaged in meaningful discussions surrounding racial disparities in the criminal legal system and the pervasive legacies of the Doctrine of Discovery. Request facilitation of these exercises for your church or group.
Thirty-seven individuals from across the U.S. took part in a 40-hour training on immigration law from Sept. 12-16 in Akron, Pa. Many participants will take these new skills back to their communities and provide low-cost immigration legal services for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
O God, transform our hearts and attitudes toward each other. May we respect our differences and constantly thank you for the diversity. You made all things good and beautiful; may your will be done. Renew us and fill us with your presence.
Bring peace to our chaotic world. We offer you our obedience, and submit ourselves to you in all things. Reconcile all things to yourself.
