A Just Peace Church 

 

After reading the pronouncement affirming the UCC as a Just Peace Church I was overwhelmingly impressed. Being that I am new to the denomination I have been exposed to very few instances where the mantle of peace is a major driving factor in the theology of that denomination. Far too often the theology revolves around getting it right and doing the prescriptive acts, sometimes viewed as sacraments or sacramental/holy living, which are written out in the New Testament. It was refreshing not only to see the Church talking about such things in light of theological stances but to also go forward and make an all-encompassing pronouncement stating this is now our theology motivated me to teach these principles to my local congregation. 

One statement that I particularly liked was found in the section titled Statement of Christian conviction. It said, "A commitment of loyalty to God and to the whole human community over any nation or rival idolatry." I believe the reasoning behind this statement gets to the heart of why there have been many wars in the history of humanity. Taking this into the almost two thousand years of the Christian era, we can observe that Christians themselves fought against each other. While it could be said the disputes were over correct doctrine or interpretation the truth is that they were over power struggles, each side desire to have control. In these cases, nationalism overruled the Christian love for one another.  

Another statement that jumps off the page is found further down in the same section. "A community of sacrifice and commitment, ready to go the extra mile, and then another mile, in the search for justice and peace" rings of the sentiment of Christ telling his disciples to carry the soldiers pack two miles instead of just the one required by the Roman law. The point is well understood, if we are to seek out peace the road will be a long and demanding one. Our commitment, as a community, must be prepared to go those extra miles to accomplish the great reward of a peaceful society, a world of peace.