Risking Peace In A Violent World: Five New Peacemaking Affirmations

The five affirmations that frame the Risking Peace report come out of a discernment process begun in 2010 that involved about 100 congregations and presbyteries. The affirmations increase the PCUSA’s teaching of nonviolence for social transformation, while also recognizing how implicated most US citizens are in structural violence (the “isms”) and the violence of several long-term wars. The report includes a careful reassessment of Jesus’ nonviolence in relation to the Reformed tradition, Just War, and Just Peacemaking approaches. It is recommended for congregations renewing their commitments to peacemaking in light of the increase in military and surveillance activity and spending since 9/11/01.