In a world plagued by war and terror, violence and destruction, people of faith have a clear call to build peace with justice. Scripture is consistent in the call for followers of Christ to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-45a), forgive others their trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15), to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), and to seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14). Peacemakers are blessed and called the children of God (Matthew 5:9).
“As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We must 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.” — United Methodist Social Principles, ¶165.C
The Council of Bishops, in their pastoral letter, God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action, remind us that “Christ’s resurrection assures us that death and destruction do not have the last word.” As United Methodists, our yearning for peace must move us to act.
We know the presence of political and social turmoil can be caused by a number of issues including economic disparity, environmental degradation, gender inequality, racism and xenophobia, and illness and disease. If we want peace, we must be committed to disrupting these conditions and systems that perpetuate injustice.
The United Methodist Church states that war is “incompatible with Christian teaching” (Social Principles 165.C). If we are to live into our mission of transforming the world, we must prioritize collaboration among nations, work to reduce the use and need for weapons, and foster just, equitable and durable solutions to the root causes of conflict.
Peace With Justice Sunday
Peace With Justice Sunday is one of the special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. Each year, on the first Sunday after Pentecost, United Methodists celebrate efforts across the connection that are building peace. Learn more and donate.
We encourage United Methodists to build a Peace With Justice ministry in your conference by connecting with your Peace With Justice Coordinator.
Learn more about Peace With Justice Sunday and the United Methodist Church’s call to action in Resolution 6139 Peace With Justice Sunday and Special Offering.