Swords into Plowshares

Study resource on Africa

Resolution on Africa: A Guide for Study and Reflection [PDF] is now available for download.

Based on "Resolution on Africa" approved by the 215th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the study is intended for youth of all ages. Former Stated Clerk, the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, notes that the study guide invites us to explore "our calling to be partners with Christians in Africa—and to do something about it!"

The study guide [PDF] has six sessions, but there probably is more material than can be covered in six one-hour sessions. Options are to expand the number of sessions or to be selective about the discussion questions to keep to a shorter time frame. The guide includes the resolution.

The sessions address a comprehensive range of topics and concerns:

• Introduction to Africa and the Church in Africa
• Singing a New Song:The African Church
• Diseases of Poverty (HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis) and Health Issues
• Human Rights
• Development
• The Role of the PC(USA) with the Churches in Africa

In the closing words of the resolution [PDF]:

"Christians in Africa sing and pray every day for the kingdom of God. We can do no less than join them—and in so doing fortify and renew our faith by sharing the pilgrimage of God’s people everywhere who seek justice, peace, and freedom. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) joins African church partners in working for the liberation of all people worldwide."

Isaiah and the work of the United Nations

Check out the new study on the United Nations from The Thoughtful Christian.

In three sessions, this group Bible study for adults discusses the biblical hope for peace among the nations in Isaiah and the work of the United Nations.

The United Nations is an organization with grand goals, yet is frequently seems to be undermined by the weakness of its structure. Without a nation-state political force of its own, without jurisdiction or fundraising ability, it still attempts to provide food for hungry people, peace for beleaguered nations, and hope that the world might move past its violent tendencies toward a safer, more equitable future.

This study explores the creation of the United Nations, its successes and continuing missions and challenges. Using the prophet Isaiah’s vision of the “peaceable kingdom,” the study includes options for participants to engage the topic through conversation, “mock” hearings, art, and peacemaking litanies.

The authors are Robert Smylie, long-time staff person at the Presbyterian United Nations Office and Martha Bettis Gee of the Office of Child Advocacy.

How will your congregation use its share?

Congregations that receive the Peacemaking Offering are encouraged to keep 25% of the offering for use in peacemaking ministries of their choice. These funds are used in many creative ways by different congregations. Ministries supported by the Peacemaking Offering include:

providing scholarships to peace and justice events

helping build a child care center in Malawi for children impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic

taking high school students on a journey through civil rights history

working with an interfaith group to build Habitat for Humanity houses

addressing gun violence

teaching children alternatives to violence

caring for veterans

and more.

How will your congregation use its portion of the Peacemaking Offering? Tell the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program so we can share your story.

The theme for the 2009 Peacemaking Offering is taken from Psalm 85:10, “Justice and peace shall kiss each other.”

The art is a serigraph by John August Swanson titled PSALM 85.

The Biblical Witness to Peacemaking

The Biblical Witness to Peacemaking, 2009-2010, is a daily lectionary that bears witness to God's gift of peace and to Christ's call to live as peacemakers.

This resource may be used by individuals or by congregations or other groups. The resource may be used in devotions, worship, or Bible study. 

New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, CD, First Presbyterian Church in Rumson, NJ, and other congregations include the Biblical Witness to Peacemaking in their bulletins each week.

Download the Biblical Witness to Peacemaking 2009-2010 in Word

Download the Biblical Witness to Peacemaking 2009-2010 in PDF

Register now for 2010 Irish Summer Institute

The 2010 Irish Summer Institute, jointly sponsored by the Presbyterian Committee for Northern Ireland (PCNI) and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will take place on June 14 - 26, 2010.

Find an itinerary. [PDF]

The brochure for the trip is posted in two parts: the cover [PDF] and the inside [PDF].

An application [PDF] for the trip is available as is a summary of costs.

The 13th Irish Summer Institute will begin with orientation in Dublin, where participants will get acquainted and begin exploring the religious and political background of “The Troubles,” in Northern Ireland. The Institute will then visit to Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. A visit to the walled city of Derry will include meetings with religious and political leaders and “cross community” centers where reconciliation efforts are greatly changing Irish society.

There will be a visit to the internationally renowned Corrymeela Peace Centre. On the Sunday midway through the Institute, participants will worship in Presbyterian and Roman Catholic churches together and be hosted for lunch and fellowship in the homes of local parishioners. A visit to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland will include meetings with Northern Ireland’s community, religious and political leaders.

If you would like more information, please contact the PCNI Chair, the Rev. Dr. Jim Macdonell, or contact either of the 2010 Institute Co-Directors: Carl Koch or Father Bob Stoeckig.

Peacemaking among the early followers of Jesus

Here is a study resource that addresses the question "Is Christianity a Nonviolent Faith?" [PDF]

Written by the Rev. Tim Simpson of Jacksonville, Florida, the resource explores the witness to nonviolence and peace in the New Testament and the writings of the early Christians.

It is designed for a two-week study, although it contains enough material that the study may be extended to four or more weeks.

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program provides links to a variety of resources on nonviolence.

Justice: A Journey in Moral Reasoning

"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream." (Amos 5:24)

Prophets and other biblical writers emphasize the theme of justice. Micah proclaims that one of the three things God requires of us is to "do justice."

Justice: A Journey in Moral Reasoning is a new television series and interactive Web site created by Harvard University in partnership with WGBH Boston that will provide an opportunity to explore the concept of justice.

These new tools will take participants and viewers inside the course, Justice taught by Michael Sandel each year. This course in moral and political philosophy has been taken by some 14,000 Harvard students.

Justice: A Journey in Moral Reasoning will premiere on public television stations nationwide in mid-September. Check local listings. The publicity states that the series will be available online in the middle of September.

The series will give viewers the opportunity to join in discussion and grapple with difficult ethical questions posed by the professor and students during each session.

The Justice interactive Web site will host discussions and debates with participants from around the world.

Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?, a related book by Sandel will be released on September 15.

Peace Notes Summer 2009

The Summer 2009 issue of Peace Notes, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program's print newsletter, is available for download. It will come out in print later this month. But you can download it from this blog. Download Peace Notes Summer 2009 [PDF]

Stories include information about the 30th anniversary of Peacemaking: The Believers' Calling [PDF], work of RECONCILE in Sudan, accompaniment in Colombia, efforts to create a nuclear free world, a way to support our partners in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, the 2010 Peacemaking Seminar, a January term D.Min. class at the Presbyterian United Nations Office, new resources, including a book of hymn by the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a book of prayers by the late Jim McGinnis, and 50 Ways to Save the Earth by Rebecca Barnes-Davies.

Download Peace Notes Summer 2009 [PDF]

Environmental theology and alternative energy in Peru

This September, take part in an action trip to the rugged Andes and the majestic coast of Peru.

The trip, which will take place on September 12–18, 2009, will provide an opportunity to learn more about Peru and see some unforgettable sites along the way, it will also be an opportunity to get involved in the work of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its Peruvian partners.

Participants will interact with local leaders in Peru to study God’s vision for creation from the perspective of Latin American theologians. By focusing on the environmental aspects of the work of Joining Hands Against Hunger–Peru, the team will interact with local advocacy groups and visit the site of a U.S.-owned smelter that has generated much controversy and even more pollution over the years. JHAH-Peru works with Uniendo Manos in Peru.

For those interested in alternative energy there may also be a workshop organized by participants for local churches on energy-conserving methods in the metropolitan area of Lima. This will depend on participants’ talents and professional experience in green collar jobs. As an alternative, participants will focus on Peru’s environmental conflicts and will study how these conflicts may relate to the United States’ international policies.

The cost of the trip is $1,500, which includes round-trip international airfare, lodging, and transportation in Peru. A portion of this price will be invested in equipping local leaders with energy-saving technology and training. This price does not include food expenses.

To register for this trip or for more information, contact Marisa Bustamante or by phone at (502) 569-5103. The deadline to register is August 12, 2009, so sign up today! Don’t miss out on this awesome experience to visit, share and see what is going on with our brothers and sisters in Peru.

Seek peace in the Middle East

President Obama's visit to Cairo and Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington have again focused the attention of the world on the Middle East. Churches for Middle East Peace offer the opportunity to sign an ecumenical letter to President Obama calling for a robust U.S. peacemaking efforts for a just and lasting two-state peace in Israel and Palestine. General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church have made statements on Israel and Palestine, Iran, and Iraq. The church also provides prayer and study resources for the Middle East in general and Israel and Palestine and Iraq in particular. A bulletin insert focuses on the Christians of Iraq. An Interfaith Toolkit is also available.