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.
Recent posts
- Summer 2013 intern at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations – Onaje Crawford
- Remarks by Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations, at a Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, June 17, 2013
- Together, We Have the Power to Protect the Ocean
- 1 is too many
- A prayer for World Refugee Day
Categories
- Peace (531)
- United Nations (516)
- Prayer (471)
- Human Rights (424)
- Justice (391)
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Archives
Posts with category: Nonviolence
June 10, 2013To Save Succeeding Generations from the Scourge of War
by Anna Folz
On June 6, 2013, I attended a briefing titled, “Determined to Save Succeeding Generations from the Scourge of War”. The title comes from the opening line of the UN Charter.
There were four speakers on the panel and each touched upon different aspects of war. Before the speakers started a video was shown. The video contained actual footage of the aftermath of war. The video showed the suffering of women, children dying, footage of men who had been shot. The video gave the viewer an opportunity to actually witness the human and environmental impact of war. The ...
May 1, 2013
Three prayer concerns - May 1
In addition to the joys and concerns that are on your heart, the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations suggests prayers for:
Libya
Prayers for people of Libya as they struggle to find nonviolent, positive, and constructive ways to express themselves in the midst of armed attacks on their governmental infrastructure.
The situation at Guantanamo Bay prison facility
Prayers for President Barack Obama as he attempts to find a resolution to the hunger strike in the Guantanamo Bay prison facility that has reportedly spread to over 100 inmates; for leaders who make decisions concerning the facility; those who serve at ...
April 11, 2013
Peacemaking Travel Study Seminar in Northern Ireland: Reconciliation in the Celtic Context
Post by Andy Gans, pastor of Fort King Presbyterian Church in Ocala, FL
So now what do we do? That's the question we all have after an incredible learning experience in Northern Ireland. How do we take this information and all we've learned back into our own context? These are the questions our group of 27 struggled with today as we engaged in a large group debriefing session. Through our discussion we observed that the stumbling blocks to peace and unity, not just here but back home as well, are ignorance, arrogance and the need for power. We felt what is needed is trust in the other and being able to see Christ in their eyes. Easier said than done isn't it?
April 10, 2013
Peacemaking Travel Study Seminar in Northern Ireland: Reconciliation in the Celtic Context
Post by Andy Gans, pastor of Fort King Presbyterian Church in Ocala, FL
Derry/Londonderry was our destination today. You may be asking why the name Derry/Londonderry. The names, as with many things, have roots to the struggle between Unionists (Protestants) and Nationalists (Catholics). The Unionists call the city Londonderry because of their loyalty to the Crown of England and the Nationalists refuse to use the name with London. The name you call the city identifies you, and the side, you have chosen.
April 9, 2013
Peacemaking Travel Study Seminar in Northern Ireland: Reconciliation in the Celtic Context
Post by Andy Gans, pastor of Fort King Presbyterian Church in Ocala, FL
Today was a wave of emotion for many of us as we spoke with some victims of the violence that has taken place over the past years.
Our first stop was the WAVE (Widows Against Violence Empowered) Trauma Center. The center works with victims of the conflict, both individuals and the society. They are a cross community volunteer organization founded in 1991 that offers care and support to anyone bereaved or traumatized as a result of the Troubles. One of those victims, Alex, shared with us his horrific story.