Peace with Justice
"Some nations possess more military and economic power than do others. Upon the powerful rests responsibility to exercise their wealth and influence with restraint. We affirm the right and duty of people of all nations to determine their own destiny. We urge the major political powers to use their nonviolent power to maximize the political, social, and economic self-determination of other nations rather than to further their own special interests. We applaud international efforts to develop a more just international economic order in which the limited resource of the earth will be used to the maximum benefit of all nations and peoples...
War and Peace
"We believe war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. We therefore reject war as an instrument of national foreign policy, to be employed only as a last resort inthe prevention of such evils as genocide, brutal suppression of human rights, and unprovoked international aggression. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them; that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities; that the militarization of society must be challenged and stopped; that the manufacture, sale, and deployment of armaments must be reduced and controlled; and that the production, possession, or use of nuclear weapons be condemned. Consequently, we endorse general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.
From the Social Principles, ¶165, the 2004 United Methodist Book of Discipline
Peace with Justice Sunday
On Peace with Justice Sunday, we are called to care for every one of God’s children, especially those who have never known peace. Your special offering helps God’s people everywhere to learn to live lovingly and peacefully.
For more information, visit Sharing God's Gifts web site.
The Stimmel Peace with Justice Award
The Stimmel Peace with Justice Award is presented during Annual Conference Session for excellence in social justice actions as a way of lifting up the commitment of United Methodism to such endeavors. The award honors persons who actualize the Judeo-Christian vision of justice as interpreted by the United Methodist Social Principles
Gary Geiger of Scotia United Methodist Church, N.Y., was presented the 2006 Stimmel Peace with Justice Award. Geiger was beaten and shot while on duty as a night clerk in a hotel in 1981. After suffering assault, disability and psychological trauma, he met his imprisoned assailant and talked to him about the negative consequences of his crime. The meeting resulted in an apology from the assailant and forgiveness by Geiger. Geiger has become a leading advocate of restorative justice as a viable solution to transformation for both victim and assailant in schools and communities.
Peace with Justice Grants
Peace with Justice Grants are given as seed money for new programs or projects and/or to assist with special needs associated with new phases of on-going projects sponsored by local churches, church members, church agenices and organizations who provide resources for local churches.
For information about these grants, contact Ed Bennett at (518) 300-7733, or the Rev. Steve Smith at (518) 374-4306.
Resources
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
General Board of Church and Society Peace with Justice
A Call to Repentance and Peace with Justice, a statement from the bishops of the United Methodist Church.
