Mennonites counter military recruitment with gospel non-violence

-07/11/06

Christian p


Mennonites counter military recruitment with gospel non-violence

-07/11/06

Christian peace and justice workers held the latest in a series of ëcounter recruitmentí conferences in Texas, USA, from 3-5 November 2006, encouraging people to seek job and vocation opportunities based on ìgospel non-violenceî rather than war and conflict.

The event took place at the San Antonio Mennonite Church. Mennonites, along with Quakers and Brethren in Christ, are one of the ëhistoric peace churchesí who believe that all killing is contrary to the way of Jesus.

American Mennonites are descended from those persecuted during Europeís religious wars on account of their refusal of state imposed faith and communal, pacific values.

The conference brought together youth and adults to learn how to counter the lure of United States military recruiters who promise money for college or job training. There was a special focus on areas which are heavily ërecruitedí, such as communities of colour and settings of poverty.

The aim of the event was to provide reliable information on the realities behind military advertising and recruitment. Speakers and workshops also challenged and equipped congregations to help youth find meaningful non-military opportunities for education, job training, employment, and leadership development.

There was discussion of strategies for counter-recruitment work in public schools and other public settings. Participants related this to their commitment to Christís way of peace and reconciliation through worship and biblical study.

The gathering had intended to make ìJesusí path meaningful and accessible to youth in our highly militarized worldî, an organiser explained.

Mennonites are among the backers of Christian Peacemaker Teams, whose non-violent interventions to ëget in the wayí of war-making and injustice have involved work in Iraq, occupied Palestine, Colombia, the USA and Canada.

It was reported recently, through investigations carried out by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), that the US government has been spying on church and peace activists.

A commentator told Ekklesia: ìOften the churches have been seen as allied to the status quo. But now many are standing for a Gospel alternative to the way of conflict and suffering. It opens up an intriguing new discipleship question: ëIs your congregation really worth spying on?íî


Mennonites counter military recruitment with gospel non-violence

-07/11/06

Christian peace and justice workers held the latest in a series of ëcounter recruitmentí conferences in Texas, USA, from 3-5 November 2006, encouraging people to seek job and vocation opportunities based on ìgospel non-violenceî rather than war and conflict.

The event took place at the San Antonio Mennonite Church. Mennonites, along with Quakers and Brethren in Christ, are one of the ëhistoric peace churchesí who believe that all killing is contrary to the way of Jesus.

American Mennonites are descended from those persecuted during Europeís religious wars on account of their refusal of state imposed faith and communal, pacific values.

The conference brought together youth and adults to learn how to counter the lure of United States military recruiters who promise money for college or job training. There was a special focus on areas which are heavily ërecruitedí, such as communities of colour and settings of poverty.

The aim of the event was to provide reliable information on the realities behind military advertising and recruitment. Speakers and workshops also challenged and equipped congregations to help youth find meaningful non-military opportunities for education, job training, employment, and leadership development.

There was discussion of strategies for counter-recruitment work in public schools and other public settings. Participants related this to their commitment to Christís way of peace and reconciliation through worship and biblical study.

The gathering had intended to make ìJesusí path meaningful and accessible to youth in our highly militarized worldî, an organiser explained.

Mennonites are among the backers of Christian Peacemaker Teams, whose non-violent interventions to ëget in the wayí of war-making and injustice have involved work in Iraq, occupied Palestine, Colombia, the USA and Canada.

It was reported recently, through investigations carried out by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), that the US government has been spying on church and peace activists.

A commentator told Ekklesia: ìOften the churches have been seen as allied to the status quo. But now many are standing for a Gospel alternative to the way of conflict and suffering. It opens up an intriguing new discipleship question: ëIs your congregation really worth spying on?íî