Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - Justice and Peace Links Newsletter, 2006, Issue 10

Justice and Peace Links

The electronic newsletter of the Presbyterian Women Justice and Peace Committee

		Peace X Peace

		By Rita Oestreich

2006, Issue 10

"Peace is a verb .... It's active and it involves the choices we make every day" (Excerpt from PEACE X PEACE's interview with Colleen Kelly for the documentary, Peace by Peace: Women on the Frontlines).

Background
"The woman who protects one child or takes in one neighbor is no less courageous than another. When such actions are multiplied exponentially through the Internet, we have the power to bring peace into our world today." —Patricia Smith Melton, founder of the original PEACE X PEACE Circle formed in January 2002

A Peace X Peace circle

A Peace X Peace circle

PEACE X PEACE brings women's circles from various cultures together via the Internet to support one another as they seek world peace. By participating in a circle, women learn, share and grow in relationships that build strength and hope. The beauty of these circles is that through email, women participate in a global network, allowing them to span the physical distance that separates them and build connections with other women who are working for peace and justice.

Biblical/Theological Dimensions
"Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (Rom. 14:19).

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful" (Col. 3:15).

The consensus of the women involved in PEACE X PEACE's Global Network of circles is "that God and Allah need to talk" if we are to have peace in the world. Women from various cultures and religions are involved, with one goal: to bring peace for all. The promise of peace found in 1 Timothy 4:8 comes alive through connections formed among women all over the world. The bonds formed help all participating women work toward global peace. PEACE X PEACE has grown into an effective network and is a model for women learning from and helping one another, regardless of their circumstances.

A Peace X Peace circle

What Can Presbyterian Women Do?

Pray for peace in the world every day and help women by extending the gifts of friendship, love and understanding.
Visit the PEACE X PEACE Web site to act on any or all of the following suggestions:
- Read a weekly report on the progress of PEACE X PEACE Circles around the world and share the good news with women in your congregation, presbytery and synod.
- Consider forming a PEACE X PEACE Circle to create one-on-one relationships with women around the world who are working for peace and need support.
- Donate time or money to support the work of PEACE X PEACE.
- Watch the documentary PEACE X PEACE: Women on the Frontlines, which airs periodically on PBS stations (check local listings) and is available on video from PEACE X PEACE.

Resources

July/August 2005 issue of Horizons
This issue of the magazine is devoted to the subject of peace and was produced jointly with three other women's religious magazines. PEACE X PEACE is highlighted in an article on pages 10-13. Learn more about this Horizons issue.

Peace Times
A monthly e-newsletter from PEACE X PEACE

Practicing the Sacred Art of Listening: A Guide to Enrich Your Relationships and Kindle Your Spiritual Life (The Listening Center Workshop)
by Kay Lindahl (Woodstock, Vt.: Skylight Paths, 2003)

A New Religious America: How A "Christian Country" Has Become the World's Most Religiously Diverse Nation
by Diana L. Eck, (New York, N.Y.: HarperCollins, 2002)

Whispers on the Wind: A Movie for World Peace
A 54-minute film from the International Humanities Center, produced by Ann Crawford and Arn Battaglene (Dovesong Productions, San Rafael, Calif.) that answers the question, "How do we create world peace?" For more information, call 415/459-3952 or visit the Whispers on the Wind Web site.



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