Peace is something we all long for in our lives and communities, but it doesn't always come easily. No matter the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can be those who pursue peace. We can be the peacemakers in our families, neighborhoods, churches, and communities. In a time of deep divisions, [...]Read More
Stop Grasping for Power – Start Reaching for One Another
On October 13th, after six days of navigating bomb shelters in Jerusalem, I arrived at Logan International Airport. As I shuffled toward customs I watched the sunrise over Boston. I resented its beauty because it increased the weight of privilege: I was relieved to be out of a war zone and ashamed [...]Read More
Peace Over Troubled Waters
Content Warning: This blog contains references to child abuse.Peace for cities is when everything works for everybody all the time, and no one is left out. Peace is God’s goal for our cities.H.P. SpeesOver ten years ago, I started the journey of becoming an ordained pastor. I read Pastor: The [...]Read More
Four Ways to Support Middle Eastern Communities
In September 2017, I discovered a major discrepancy in social justice spaces as a white pastor. I came back from a human rights delegation with Community Peacemaker Teams in Iraqi Kurdistan. This was during a referendum that would’ve given the Kurds their own nation-state. It was voted on and passed [...]Read More
#ccdaAdvent: Waiting With Peace
Welcome to #ccdaAdvent.In the midst of darkness, oppression, and marginalization, Christ entered the scene of the first Advent and paved the way for our communal wellbeing. This Advent season, we invite you to consider the implications of Christ's coming for our communities. What lessons may we draw [...]Read More
“Do Not Cross”: The Disruption of Gun Violence
by Mike Davis, Executive Director, Youth For ChristReducing Gun Violence Network Connector“Do Not Cross” is what the yellow tape reads as we watch as officers’ motion for drivers to redirect or turn around, creating an unexpected detour. In addition to the inconvenience, there is an audience that [...]Read More
Peace in the Storm: Reflections on the 2023 Border Southwest Conference
Reflections by:Reflections by Nancy LamCiudad Nueva Community Outreach, Abara Borderland Connections in El Paso“Do not try to save the whole world or do anything grandiose,” the quote by Martha Postlethwaite, a United Methodist pastor, spiritual director, and counselor for addiction recovery, [...]Read More
Peace is Wellbeing
Welcome to #ccdaAdvent.In the midst of darkness, oppression, and marginalization, Christ entered the scene of the first Advent and paved the way for our communal wellbeing. This Advent season, we invite you to consider what wellbeing meant for the community of first Advent. What lessons may we draw [...]Read More