Peacebuilding

God has given us so much. We have a responsibility to care for this gift, and address strife and discord. In a world that is becoming increasingly connected, it is difficult to ignore the problems we face.

From terror, to war, the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, famine and political strife, our communities around the globe are dealing with a lot.

At the same time, scripture clearly calls people of faith to build peace and beat swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. (Isaiah 2:4)

According to the United Nations, peacebuilding is a process that facilitates the establishment of durable peace to prevent the recurrence of violence by addressing root causes.

The United Methodist Church is committed to peacebuilding efforts around the world in places like the Korean Peninsula, Israel and Palestine, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and many other societies facing unrest. To be successful, these efforts often must be combinations of awareness and advocacy, multilateral cooperation among nations, and solutions that address root causes of conflict.

What the Bible and The United Methodist Church Say:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

“We recognize that no nation or culture is absolutely just and right in its treatment of its own people, nor is any nation totally without regard for the welfare of its citizens … While recognizing valid differences in culture and political philosophy, we stand for justice and peace in every nation.” (Social Principles, ¶165.A)

“We believe war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ … As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work together to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them … We endorse general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.” (Social Principles, ¶165.C)

Three Things You Can Do:

• Advocate with your governments and policy makers for robust funding for the United Nations, and critical accounts within your country’s budget that work to prevent violent conflict and atrocities.
• Support Peace with Justice Sunday, one of the six special Sundays that provides funding for peace with justice programs in your Annual Conference.
• Learn about Sustainable Development Goal #16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

For more information on peacebuilding, visit:

• Working for a Just and Lasting Peace
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech on Vietnam
• The Alliance for Peacebuilding.
• United Methodist Book of Resolutions:
  • Korea Peninsula
  • DRC
  • Liberia
  • Philippines
  • Opposition to Israeli Settlements on Palestinian Land
  • The UMC and Peace