Swords into plowshares
About this blog
Swords into Plowshares is the blog of the Peacemaking Program and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations of the Presbyterian Mission Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Seeking peace. Striving for justice. Together.
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- Summer 2013 intern at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations - Brendan Welsh
- Summer 2013 intern at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations - Marissa Costello
- Hold Sudanese Human Rights Violators Accountable!
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- Three Prayer Concerns - May 16
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Posts with tag: nonviolence
August 11, 2012Celebrate the 2012 International Day of Peace
The United Nations has set September 21 as the International Day of Peace. This day provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The focus for 2012 is Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.
Here are some ways to celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21 or Sunday, September 23 or at some other time:
Observe a Minute of Silence at Noon in your time zone
Ring your church ...
June 21, 2012
War and peace in Afghanistan
The 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved an overture “On the War in Afghanistan.”
Through this overture, the General Assembly directed that “materials appropriate for studying the effects of the present war in Afghanistan and of non-combative actions the United States might take in pursuit of the region’s stability, prosperity, and peace” should be made available to presbyteries and congregations. Such materials and resources include:
- Afghanistan - Friends Committee on National Legislation
- Afghanistan – United States Institute for Peace
- Afghanistan & Pakistan Peace Process – 3P Security
- Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program – International Security Assistance Force ...
August 22, 2011
Keys: Shiphrah, Puah, Czechoslovakia, Nonviolence
On my way back from preaching at White Plains Presbyterian Church today, I met Andrew Stehlik, pastor of Rutgers Presbyterian Church on the Uptown Number 2 subway. We exchanged greetings and then began to talk shop.
As he described his sermon, Andrew reminded me that on the night of August 20-21, 1968, Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia shattering the hopes of the Prague Spring.
He also reminded me of the use of keys during the nonviolent Velvet Revolution as it is called in the Czech Republic (in Slovakia it is known as the Gentle Revolution) that overthrew the communist government ...
May 3, 2011
PC(USA) resources related to issues raised by the death of Osama bin Laden
The death of Osama bin Laden raises many issues for prayer, study, discussion, and reflection. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a number of resources available to use at this time. Among them are the Resolution on Violence, Religion and Terrorism...
January 11, 2011
Egypt's Muslims attend Coptic Christmas mass, serving as "human shields"
Egypt's Muslims attend Coptic Christmas mass, serving as "human shields" - Ahram Online. Egypt’s majority Muslim population stuck to its word Thursday night. What had been a promise of solidarity to the weary Coptic community, was honoured, when thousands of...
January 10, 2011
Nonviolent Activists in Palestine Face Harassment, Prison, and Violence
Nonviolent Activists in Palestine Face Harassment, Prison, and Violence This article, found on Sojourners' God's Politics Blog, tells of Palestinians who are practicing nonviolence and the responses they are receiving. The Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz published an editorial reflecting on the...
January 5, 2011
Accompaniment in Palestine and Israel
Become a Facebook friend of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) and learn about this important ministry. From the EAPPI Web page comes the following description: The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) brings internationals...
September 5, 2010
Civil Resistance and the Dynamics of Nonviolent Conflict
From the United States Institute of Peace comes an announcement about a new course, Civil Resistance and the Dynamics of Nonviolent Conflict: October 19, 2010 - December 9, 2010 An in-depth and multi-disciplinary perspective on civilian-based movements and campaigns to...
August 11, 2010
New resource on nonviolence at 30th Anniversary Celebration
Authors Sarah Henken and Roger Powers took a moment to autograph their book Resurrection Living: Following the Nonviolent Christ, during the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Peacemaking: The Believers' Calling sponsored by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program during the 219th General Assembly...
August 11, 2010
Celebrate the International Day of Peace
How will you celebrate the International Day of Peace? September 21 is set by the United Nations General assembly as the International Day of Peace - a day when the world is called to observe a ceasefire, practice nonviolence, and...
July 26, 2010
Nonviolent Community Change Workshop
You Can't Stop the River 2010 Nonviolent Community Change Workshop October 28-31, 2010 Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren 219 Hummel St, Harrisburg, PA 17104 $150.00 per participant This four-day workshop focuses on developing skills and spiritual strength for nonviolent...
June 23, 2010
What does it mean to follow the nonviolent Christ?
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is pleased to announce the publication of a journal resource on nonviolence. Resurrection Living: Journeying with the Nonviolent Christ is designed as a journal to help individuals explore the theology and ethics of nonviolence and ways...
May 18, 2010
Living the Believers’ Calling – observe the International Day of Peace
Here's a way congregations can celebrate 30 years of peacemaking: Observe the International Day of Peace, a day set by the United Nation General Assembly, on September 21. This day brings a global call for a day of ceasefire and...
April 18, 2010
Election status - Sudan
Our colleagues in the Sudan Advocacy Action Forum have issued the following situation report that addresses the status of the election.Dear Sudanese Friends and Friends of the Sudanese, This update specifically addresses the current status of the elections, the results...
March 20, 2010
Nonviolence Summer Institute
July 6 through 16 The Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island offers this institute in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation.Based on the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the Nonviolence Summer Institute 2010 joins...
March 18, 2010
Peacemaking in Jamaica
The Decade to Overcome Violence initiative of the World Council of Churches is sponsoring an International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Kingston, Jamaica in May of 2011. The International Ecumenical Peace Convocation will be a "harvest festival" celebrating the achievements of...
February 12, 2010
Pray for the people of the Philippines
Here is a prayer for peace from Lei Garcia of the Philippines: Grant us peace that will BREAK our silence in the midst of violence then prophetic voices shall resonate. Grant us peace that will PULL US DOWN from the...
January 29, 2010
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Convocation
Convocation of Peacemakers April 15-17, 2010 a national gathering of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship to deepen the commitment to nonviolence and radical discipleship in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship invites you into a hard conversation about nonviolence,...
January 29, 2010
Praying for Peace, Remembering All Hurt by Gun Violence
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the leading proponents and practitioners of nonviolence in the United States. He died in an act of gun violence. On January 18, 2010, an interfaith vigil took place in Richmond,...
January 9, 2010
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Litany
Here is a litany written for an interfaith service celebrating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and addressing gun violence. Feel free to adapt or use the litany. If it is used, please include the attribution: Presbyterian Peacemaking...
January 7, 2010
Meet the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A new study for youth on honoring Dr. King through nonviolent action in service to others has been released by the Thoughtful Christian. In 1986, the third Monday of January was established as a national holiday. This means that for...
December 14, 2009
Not finished with your shopping?
Still looking for a gift for that someone special? Consider a gift that works for peace. Support the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. There are several options. Give to: Peacemaking Offering - provide basic support for the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program's ministry Conference...
November 2, 2009
Community of Living Traditions
Something new is happening at Stony Point Center. An interfaith intentional community dedicated to nonviolence and peacemaking is in the making. For at least five years, Christians, Muslims and Jews will live together at Stony Point where they will work,...
October 14, 2009
Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution
Plough Publishing House has made available the book Jesus and the Nonviolent Revolution [PDF] by André Trocmé [PDF]. It may be read online or downloaded. André, and his wife Magda, were Huguenots - French Reformed Christians. They were also pacifists....
September 17, 2009
Peacemaking among the early followers of Jesus
Here is a study resource that addresses the question "Is Christianity a Nonviolent Faith?" [PDF] Written by the Rev. Tim Simpson of Jacksonville, Florida, the resource explores the witness to nonviolence and peace in the New Testament and the writings...
August 22, 2009
Pray for the people of Honduras
A call to prayer and expression of concern for Honduras comes from the Central America and Mexico Office with information from PC(USA) mission workers Tim and Gloria Wheeler. Here are the prayer requests. During this time of great difficulty in...
July 1, 2009
Observe the International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace, observed each year on September 21, brings a global call for a day of ceasefire and nonviolence. It is a time to reflect on the benefits of peacefully resolving disputes. This year, consider that gun...
April 17, 2009
Study and practice nonviolence
The Peacemaking Program launched a new Web page, Study and Practice Nonviolence. Find links to explore nonviolent living, learn about nonviolent tactics and strategies and identify opportunities for engagement in nonviolent actions. The 200th General Assembly (1988) of the Presbyterian...
February 25, 2009
To See and Be Seen in Colombia
The Colombia Accompaniment Program, a partnership of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, is entering its fifth year. The program arose from a request by our partner church, the Presbyterian Church of Colombia. Colombia has suffered four...
January 8, 2009
All Violence Must Stop
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons has issued a statement on the Gaza-Israel Crisis. The statement begins: "Whether Jew, Muslim, or Christian, we share commandments of love for God and neighbor. Therefore, all violence in Gaza, Israel, and the...
December 31, 2008
Statement by church leaders in Jerusalem
On December 30, 2008, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued a statement “on the current devastating situation in Gaza.” The statement “calls upon all officials of both parties to the conflict to return to their senses...
December 30, 2008
Act for Peace in Gaza
Violence continues in Gaza - the violence of Hamas rockets and the violence of the Israel Defense Forces and the violence of the blockade of Gaza. Inspired by the nonviolent Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace, Christians trust that...
December 28, 2008
Pray for Gaza
As rockets fly from Gaza As airplanes pound Gaza As the blockade tightens its noose on Gaza It is a time to pray for Palestinians to pray for Israelis to pray for victims of violence to pray for those who...
July 2, 2008
Standing with Our Sisters and Brothers
Is God calling you to nonviolent action following Jesus Christ? Consider serving in the Colombia Accompaniment Program. The people of Colombia have endured over forty years of violence and warfare. A variety of "armed actors" are present in the country:...