Christian Witness to Peace
The following is an email from our Northwest Yearly Meeting Superintendent, Colin Saxton. I was struck by the Spirit behind his words. Many times those who say they follow the path of peace use the language and ideology of violence. Then, peace becomes one more position with which to denigrate others. Even Quakers do not escape this indictment. In the following email, though, is a testimony of peace grounded in the Love and Spirit of God.
I am gathering a group of people together at Olympic View Friends Church to spend some time listening as to what our response should be. To find out what is going on click here and here!
Truly,
Jon
Hello Friends!
I know full well that I do not speak for all NWYM Friends. Yet, I am concerned that we have an important witness to share with a watching world in these days. As a people committed to knowing, loving and obeying Jesus Christ, I think all of us are deeply grieved and concerned about the escalation of warfare and the mounting death toll, not only in Iraq, but all around the globe.
Last week, I had an interesting experience as I was thinking and praying about the witness of NWYM in our communities and around the world. I won't go into all the details, but I was reminded that we really do have an amazing opportunity (and maybe a divine responsibility)…if we will only seize it.
All across the nation, tonight and tomorrow, there is going to be a fierce outcry against the proposed military “surge” in Iraq. Over the last few days, I have received many invitations to join in gatherings that will held in order to say “NO” to this political strategy.
I am convinced that these types of gatherings and efforts have there place. I also know, having been a part of many of these over the years, that there is often something very important missing in them. Sometimes, the tenor of the events reflect more fear, anger and hatred than they do hope, healing & sacrificial love. At times, the activities seem more geared toward venting frustration and bashing political enemies than they are geared to imagining and implementing creative and effective alternatives to violence. And, I've even been part of a couple of these where the outcome seemed to lead to more division than genuine reconciliation. And above all...there have been times when Jesus was noticeably absent.
For many of us, our commitment to non-violence and active peacemaking is not simply a political strategy. It is a fruit borne out of commitment to Jesus Christ. It is an aspect of discipleship—a necessity rooted in our understanding of Scripture and an expression of our unity with the leading of the Holy Spirit. These testimonies, manifest in the practical, day-to-day choices we make, identify us with the people who confess to knowing, loving and obeying Jesus in all we do. And finally, the non-violent love and active ministry of peacemaking make visible one aspect of God's Kingdom--which we seek not only in our own lives but in all of creation.
What an amazing witness to the world! Not just "We don't want war." Instead, we can say:
"As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled to God and have been called into the ministry of reconcilation. We now live in the Life and Power that has freed us from guilt, sin and shame and taken away the occasion for all wars and all violence. As ones who have been overwhelmed by God's mercy and grace, we commit ourselves to loving others with sacrificial love of Christ. And so we invite others to commit their lives to Him and become members of His Beloved Community. In the church of Jesus, we will study war no more. More positively, we will commit ourselves to learn how to love and serve each other and to share with those who are in need. In this community, we will base our lives on the values taught and modeled by Jesus and on the clear teachings of the Bible. As His people, we will be model citizens in our homelands...but our true allegiance will only be to the Kingdom of God. Believing that Jesus, not rulers, dictators, presidents or kings, is truly Lord of all, we will speak His Truth and encourage the carrying out of His Kingdom ways in every sphere of life and in every tribe and nation. In the case of warfare and violence, we will work actively and creatively as peacemakers in areas of conflict and injustice. In doing so, we will rely on the armor of God rather than the weapons of this world. Instead of opting to fight or flee, we will seek to apply the practical and powerful love of God--the only power truly able to overcome evil. And as we seek to be faithful in our own lives, we will act in the hope that others will respond to the Truth. When they do not, we will not respond with anger or surprise...knowing that not everyone is ready or willing to follow the way of our Lord. And when we are ridiculed or abused for our witness, we will gladly receive it for His name's sake."
In order to help us take advantage of this opportunity for witness, I am working with a small group of people to pull together what we are tentatively calling a “peace Sabbath”…or maybe a “love your enemies Sabbath” that we would hold on Valentine’s Day all across NWYM. The intent, on a day that is generally given to romantic love and sometimes, sappy expressions of affection, is to remind ourselves and other followers of Jesus that we are called to a deeper, more genuine, redemptive love--one that is ready to embrace and suffer for the sake the world.
My initial suggestion to the group is that we declare this day a real Sabbath. As much as possible and is appropriate, we will encourage people to “take this as a day of rest.” Maybe that will mean taking a day off of work or school. It might mean canceling group or individual Valentine's Day plans. Instead, we Friends of NWYM would invest ourselves in a day of worship and witness--aimed at recommiting ourselves to follow Christ, to encourage our other brothers and sisters in Christ to consider the call to peacemaking, and to reach out to our non-Christian neighbors with the Good News and peace of Christ.
My hope is that this small group will be a catalyst for Sabbath Day events all around Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Through resources, practical aids and ideas to consider, we will hope to encourage you in your efforts at putting together something that is appropriate for your context. In Newberg, I am hoping that there might be an event that is coordinated with George Fox University. How and where you might flesh this out will depend on you. We will simply want to be a resource for those of you who are interested.
Here are some initial ideas...
*Open the church building to Friends and other Christians as a place to gather to pray for peace around the world and the spread of the gospel of peace.
*Hold a worship service focusing on Christ & his call to peacemaking.
*Put on a series of workshops, educational events for Friends & others in the community around non-violence, practical peacemaking, peacemaking in the family, conflict resolution, host a speaker on the war in Iraq (or Israel/Palestine, or any other option), make a presentation on pro-active, alternatives to violence or efforts aimed at justice, Christian social action & evangelism, conscientious objection, etc.
*Hold a public vigil/demonstration that is both Christ-centered & an invitation to learn more about Friends. (Consider inviting other peace groups to come...to let them see how you organize such an event).
*Host other Christian leaders/churches to discuss the topic or how you might better partner in your local community
*Put together teams of volunteers to help out in local ministrys/social agencies
*Host a meal in which you invite disenfranchised groups, low-income neighbors, etc
*Sponser a Christian/Muslim dialogue opportunity--simply to talk about how to be good neighbors despite religious differences
*Put together a some show of compassionate support for families in your community who have lost a soldier or who have family members overseas
*Host a letter writing opportunity...maybe with letters about the war...and maybe letters to those political leaders who identify themselves as Christians. With them, it would be appropriate to share your biblical convictions about peacemaking & as them to reflect on these. Commit to praying for these individuals as you send these letters.
*Encourage every person in your church that is willing to engage in some active witness for peace that day. (I was involved in something like this when I lived in Virginia. It was a powerful day for us and an amazing witness to the community. I remember several people being inspired to begin attending churches by the witness of this group).
*there are lots of others...but I'll stop here
I am taking the initiative with this because our new boards are not yet fully functional. It feels like now is the time for action...not when it would be more convenient. In addition, this has felt like a leading to me and I would like to be faithful to it.
Blessings, peace & joy in Jesus!
Colin
p.s...I know some will not like the idea of "replacing" Valentine's Day with something like this. Be encouraged to take your sweet-heart out the night before or after. It is alot easier to find a seat at a restaurant. :>)
Colin Saxton, General Superintendent
Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church
200 N. Meridian St.
Newberg, OR 97132
503-538-9419
csaxton@nwfriends.org
I am gathering a group of people together at Olympic View Friends Church to spend some time listening as to what our response should be. To find out what is going on click here and here!
Truly,
Jon
Hello Friends!
I know full well that I do not speak for all NWYM Friends. Yet, I am concerned that we have an important witness to share with a watching world in these days. As a people committed to knowing, loving and obeying Jesus Christ, I think all of us are deeply grieved and concerned about the escalation of warfare and the mounting death toll, not only in Iraq, but all around the globe.
Last week, I had an interesting experience as I was thinking and praying about the witness of NWYM in our communities and around the world. I won't go into all the details, but I was reminded that we really do have an amazing opportunity (and maybe a divine responsibility)…if we will only seize it.
All across the nation, tonight and tomorrow, there is going to be a fierce outcry against the proposed military “surge” in Iraq. Over the last few days, I have received many invitations to join in gatherings that will held in order to say “NO” to this political strategy.
I am convinced that these types of gatherings and efforts have there place. I also know, having been a part of many of these over the years, that there is often something very important missing in them. Sometimes, the tenor of the events reflect more fear, anger and hatred than they do hope, healing & sacrificial love. At times, the activities seem more geared toward venting frustration and bashing political enemies than they are geared to imagining and implementing creative and effective alternatives to violence. And, I've even been part of a couple of these where the outcome seemed to lead to more division than genuine reconciliation. And above all...there have been times when Jesus was noticeably absent.
For many of us, our commitment to non-violence and active peacemaking is not simply a political strategy. It is a fruit borne out of commitment to Jesus Christ. It is an aspect of discipleship—a necessity rooted in our understanding of Scripture and an expression of our unity with the leading of the Holy Spirit. These testimonies, manifest in the practical, day-to-day choices we make, identify us with the people who confess to knowing, loving and obeying Jesus in all we do. And finally, the non-violent love and active ministry of peacemaking make visible one aspect of God's Kingdom--which we seek not only in our own lives but in all of creation.
What an amazing witness to the world! Not just "We don't want war." Instead, we can say:
"As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled to God and have been called into the ministry of reconcilation. We now live in the Life and Power that has freed us from guilt, sin and shame and taken away the occasion for all wars and all violence. As ones who have been overwhelmed by God's mercy and grace, we commit ourselves to loving others with sacrificial love of Christ. And so we invite others to commit their lives to Him and become members of His Beloved Community. In the church of Jesus, we will study war no more. More positively, we will commit ourselves to learn how to love and serve each other and to share with those who are in need. In this community, we will base our lives on the values taught and modeled by Jesus and on the clear teachings of the Bible. As His people, we will be model citizens in our homelands...but our true allegiance will only be to the Kingdom of God. Believing that Jesus, not rulers, dictators, presidents or kings, is truly Lord of all, we will speak His Truth and encourage the carrying out of His Kingdom ways in every sphere of life and in every tribe and nation. In the case of warfare and violence, we will work actively and creatively as peacemakers in areas of conflict and injustice. In doing so, we will rely on the armor of God rather than the weapons of this world. Instead of opting to fight or flee, we will seek to apply the practical and powerful love of God--the only power truly able to overcome evil. And as we seek to be faithful in our own lives, we will act in the hope that others will respond to the Truth. When they do not, we will not respond with anger or surprise...knowing that not everyone is ready or willing to follow the way of our Lord. And when we are ridiculed or abused for our witness, we will gladly receive it for His name's sake."
In order to help us take advantage of this opportunity for witness, I am working with a small group of people to pull together what we are tentatively calling a “peace Sabbath”…or maybe a “love your enemies Sabbath” that we would hold on Valentine’s Day all across NWYM. The intent, on a day that is generally given to romantic love and sometimes, sappy expressions of affection, is to remind ourselves and other followers of Jesus that we are called to a deeper, more genuine, redemptive love--one that is ready to embrace and suffer for the sake the world.
My initial suggestion to the group is that we declare this day a real Sabbath. As much as possible and is appropriate, we will encourage people to “take this as a day of rest.” Maybe that will mean taking a day off of work or school. It might mean canceling group or individual Valentine's Day plans. Instead, we Friends of NWYM would invest ourselves in a day of worship and witness--aimed at recommiting ourselves to follow Christ, to encourage our other brothers and sisters in Christ to consider the call to peacemaking, and to reach out to our non-Christian neighbors with the Good News and peace of Christ.
My hope is that this small group will be a catalyst for Sabbath Day events all around Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Through resources, practical aids and ideas to consider, we will hope to encourage you in your efforts at putting together something that is appropriate for your context. In Newberg, I am hoping that there might be an event that is coordinated with George Fox University. How and where you might flesh this out will depend on you. We will simply want to be a resource for those of you who are interested.
Here are some initial ideas...
*Open the church building to Friends and other Christians as a place to gather to pray for peace around the world and the spread of the gospel of peace.
*Hold a worship service focusing on Christ & his call to peacemaking.
*Put on a series of workshops, educational events for Friends & others in the community around non-violence, practical peacemaking, peacemaking in the family, conflict resolution, host a speaker on the war in Iraq (or Israel/Palestine, or any other option), make a presentation on pro-active, alternatives to violence or efforts aimed at justice, Christian social action & evangelism, conscientious objection, etc.
*Hold a public vigil/demonstration that is both Christ-centered & an invitation to learn more about Friends. (Consider inviting other peace groups to come...to let them see how you organize such an event).
*Host other Christian leaders/churches to discuss the topic or how you might better partner in your local community
*Put together teams of volunteers to help out in local ministrys/social agencies
*Host a meal in which you invite disenfranchised groups, low-income neighbors, etc
*Sponser a Christian/Muslim dialogue opportunity--simply to talk about how to be good neighbors despite religious differences
*Put together a some show of compassionate support for families in your community who have lost a soldier or who have family members overseas
*Host a letter writing opportunity...maybe with letters about the war...and maybe letters to those political leaders who identify themselves as Christians. With them, it would be appropriate to share your biblical convictions about peacemaking & as them to reflect on these. Commit to praying for these individuals as you send these letters.
*Encourage every person in your church that is willing to engage in some active witness for peace that day. (I was involved in something like this when I lived in Virginia. It was a powerful day for us and an amazing witness to the community. I remember several people being inspired to begin attending churches by the witness of this group).
*there are lots of others...but I'll stop here
I am taking the initiative with this because our new boards are not yet fully functional. It feels like now is the time for action...not when it would be more convenient. In addition, this has felt like a leading to me and I would like to be faithful to it.
Blessings, peace & joy in Jesus!
Colin
p.s...I know some will not like the idea of "replacing" Valentine's Day with something like this. Be encouraged to take your sweet-heart out the night before or after. It is alot easier to find a seat at a restaurant. :>)
Colin Saxton, General Superintendent
Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends Church
200 N. Meridian St.
Newberg, OR 97132
503-538-9419
csaxton@nwfriends.org
posted by Jon at 12:50 PM
2 Comments:
Hi Jon: thanks for passing along Colin's letter, it could be a powerful witness. Let us know if it happens and how it goes. For what it's worth, I'd be for a late Valentines--more flowers and chocolates for the buck!
Practicing prayerful love of others and not just romantic love would make Valentine's Day a wonderful Sabbath experiece, to be sure. As for now, it stands as an exercise in marketing excess that needs a little Friendly simplicity. Great idea... thanks for sharing it.
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