The Church of the Brethren has a long history of pursuing peace. Yet the work has not been finished; God’s vision of a peaceful and just world is still one we must call into being with each step we take.

Wars continue to rage on in many countries, and violence of all forms is prevalent throughout the world. According to the United Nations (UN), an estimated 300,000 children are being used in over 30 conflicts worldwide as child soldiers. Closer to home, one-quarter of all young women will face physical or psychological violence in a dating relationship according to the National Violence Against Women survey. And 160,000 children miss school every day for fear of bullying, according to the National Crime Prevention Council.  Meanwhile, in the FY 2011 budget the US government spends 13 times more on its military than it does on aiding the world’s poor, 1.4 billion of whom live on less than $1.25 a day according to World Bank research.

What does the Bible say?

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27 NRSV).

The Church of the Brethren’s peace conviction is firmly rooted in the New Testament through Jesus’ teaching to “love our enemies” (Matt. 5:44, Luke 6:27) and Paul’s admonition that Christians seek to live peaceably with all and that they strive to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21 NRSV).

For more Biblical resources on peace, click here

Church of the Brethren statements on peace and war

“We cannot retreat from the world… We must become aware of the rampant injustice and subtle hidden violence in today’s world, examine our own involvement, and identify nonviolently with the oppressed and suffering… We look toward a future that will be more peaceful, just, and respectful of God’s creation.”

from the 1991 statement, “Peacemaking: The Calling of God’s People in History”