We follow Jesus of Nazareth, the Prince of Peace.
We are a people of peace, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
We say “no” to war, for war has no power to save us.
We strive to embody the command to love God and neighbor.
We will not be enemies with anyone
not those who believe they are our enemies
not those whom we have been taught to hate
not even those whose actions make us afraid.
We confess our complicity in a world of violence
by believing the lie that violence can restore balance, offer security or establish peace
by accepting the propaganda that nonviolent approaches are ineffective
by squandering vast resources to uphold military might.
We stand with those who have no power
with those displaced or devastated by war and conflict
with those marginalized by systems that oppress them
with those excluded just because of who they are.
We confront injustice
seeking to understand how our own actions provoke conflict
examining circumstances through the lens of scripture
using nonviolent strategies of direct action.
We embrace a life of peacemaking, even knowing that
peacemaking requires humility of spirit
peacemaking requires sacrifice of privilege and power
peacemaking requires acts of great courage, risking suffering and even death.
We commit to bold witness to our church and to the world
reflecting, praying and acting for peace
honoring those who have devoted their lives to the cause of peace and justice
proclaiming that we are – all of us – God’s beloved children.
For we belong to God
and give our lives to the hope and possibilities of a world transformed.
Developed by the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship’s National Committee – Holy Week 2015
Companion Document: What We Believe!