Peace with Justice

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).

“The church deplores war and all forms of violent conflict and urges the peaceful settlement of all disputes. We yearn for the day when there will be no more war and people will live together in peace and justice.” The UMC 2025-2028 Social Principles, The Political Community, Government Responsibilities, F., War and Military Service.

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.

“We reject the use of war as an instrument of foreign policy and insist that every peaceful and diplomatic means of resolution be exhausted before the start of armed conflicts.” The UMC 2025-2028 Social Principles, The Political Community, Government Responsibilities, F., War and Military Service

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 this special Sunday, United Methodists across the globe give offerings to promote peace all over the world.

You can:

• Use these Local Church Resources from ResourceUMC
• Build a Peace With Justice ministry in your conference by connecting with your Peace With Justice Coordinator.