Presbyterians, along with other Christians from across the country, will gather in Washington in this month for Ecumenical Advocacy Days, an annual event that mobilizes participants around a central issue through worship, education and lobbying.
The theme of the March 21-24 event is Jesus Weeps — Resisting Violence, Building Peace.
This year, the event focuses on Luke 19:41-42 (“As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.’”).
“Guided by the image of Jesus weeping over a capital city that turned from the true way of peace, we will expose the violence that pervades our culture and world,” states Ecumenical Advocacy Days’ website.
Participants will gather for a weekend of worship, theological reflection and education on just peace and active hope. On the concluding Monday, some will meet with their state’s senators and representatives to advocate for policies related to the conference’s theme.
In addition to the event’s scheduled activities, Presbyterians will have special opportunities for education and fellowship.
On March 21, the PC(USA)’s Office of Public Witness will offer a training event to address the causes of violence and seek hopeful solutions. Plenaries and workshops will feature topics such as intimate partner violence, nonviolent direct action and how violence is used as a weapon in the global marketplace.
The training event is $50 for registered EAD participants and $70 for those not attending EAD. Students and young adults under 30 can register for $30. Registration is now open online. Registration will also be open on site the day of the training.
Registration for Ecumenical Advocacy Days is also available online.