September 12, 2005

Dear Peacemaking Friends,

The body of Christ responds to the world's pain with empathy and anguish, one part for another, in our time.

— Peacemaking: The Believers' Calling

As the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program commemorates 25 years of work by countless peacemakers across our denomination, we give thanks to God and live in gratitude for this amazing witness. Your contributions to the Peacemaking Offering have encouraged and supported this effort. We are grateful for your generosity.

Our brothers and sisters, seeking to restore lives and land wounded by Hurricane Katrina echo the cry of people throughout the world for healing and peace. They provide a reminder that much work remains for those who seek peace in the name of Jesus Christ. The Peacemaking Program will dedicate a portion of its share of this year's Peacemaking Offering to working for wholeness and wellbeing with those touched by Katrina. We will work in partnership with peacemakers in the affected region to identify and support appropriate ministries.

As we worship on World Communion Sunday we remember our brothers and sisters in Sudan, Israel and Palestine, Iraq, Colombia, Northern Ireland, Cuba, the Philippines, Niger, the Korean Peninsula and other places across the globe. We join them in offering thanks to God whose love will not let us go. The Peacemaking Program will also use its share of this year's offering to continue ongoing tasks of seeking peace through efforts to overcome racism, seek economic justice, care for God's creation, support family and intergenerational ministries, address domestic violence, help people live nonviolently, build relationships across nations and faiths, and nurture and develop peacemaking leaders. As God's people we are called to bear witness to the Peace of Christ by seeking justice and wholeness for humanity and this fragile planet. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has acknowledged this call, affirming that peacemaking is a central declaration of the gospel and an integral part of the mission of the church on all levels and at all times.

With your continued prayers and support, the Peacemaking Program will support Presbyterians in ministry to pressing peacemaking efforts and ongoing peacemaking tasks to which we are called as followers of Jesus Christ.

In Christ's Peace,

The Staff of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program