How can our Christian communities contribute to peacebuilding in a world so deeply marked by conflict and division? David Miller, Professor of Theology at one of MCC Québec’s partner organizations, ETEQ, proposes that our communities can indeed make a substantial contribution to the mission of Christ-led peacebuilding. MCC Québec is currently working on developing a migration and resettlement program based out of Montréal rooted in advocacy and peacebuilding. As David writes, our contributions towards greater peace in our communities can be made in three ways: by remaining open to the biblical call to live in the peace of Christ, by adopting a theological approach intimately linked to mission, and by persevering in our commitment to be of service to God wherever we find ourselves.
The Church, in its local expression, is a place for receiving and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and prompts us to reflect on Jesus' call to live as peacemakers in a world marked by conflict. Our communities of faith can seek to better understand the nature of the peace proclaimed by the Risen Lord, and the ways in which this peace can transform relationships between us in our daily lives. In addition, in allowing itself to discover and be challenged by the realities of peacebuilding, the local church will seek to implement it into its environment through concrete actions.
For this reflection, we can draw inspiration from the words of Paul in his letter to the Church of Ephesus: “His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” (Ephesians 2:15-16). Seized by the power and beauty of God's work in Christ, we who are currently experiencing growing cultural diversity within our faith communities, are called to exercise welcome, listening, and collaboration as expressions of Christ's peace. The local Church that allows itself to be transformed in this way brings a fresh perspective to the tensions generated in society in reaction to diversity. It thus occupies an advantageous position as a community of peacemakers within local communities.
Theology and mission
In addition to this openness to the Bible's message of peace, there is a theological dimension for the local church in terms of its participation in building peace in the world. Nourished by biblical challenges, it reflects on its reception of this message. In building peace, it can recognize itself as a theological community, charged with receiving the proclamation of peace in Christ and seeking its significance for its life and commitments. In this movement, it is important not to reduce theology to a mere articulation of concepts in relation to one another. Theology, known and practiced in the local Church, aims to better prepare the church to respond to Christ's calls.
Theology is always linked to mission. According to theologian John Franke, the aim of theology is to "cooperate with the Spirit of God to form witnessing communities that participate in the divine mission by living God’s love in the way of Jesus Christ for the sake of the world". René Coste, for his part, sees in the Church's theological project the development of a "catechesis of peace" that prepares the whole community to adopt practices that will enable it to build. This "catechesis of peace" can include a written reflection that takes into account the context of the local Church, and it can also find expression in the desire to integrate the theme of peace in Christ into all areas of Church life.
Necessary steps
Is it absolutely necessary to listen to the biblical call and take a theological approach? Couldn't we just move straight on to service? Maybe so, but the stages of biblical and theological reflection remain important, because they help members of the Church, individually and in community, to act in faith and love. Without taking these steps, we run the risk of trying to build peace out of our own desires and aspirations, failing to see the realities of the broken world around us. So, in the biblical movement, the Church is invited to respond to the call to "let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15). In the theological movement, we can refer to Stanley Hauerwas' wish for the Church: "May it be a community that strives to develop the resources needed to stand in the world as a witness to the Kingdom of peace".
Peace through service
It is then through service that this biblical and theological testimony can be realized. In his book Théologie de la paix, French theologian René Coste speaks of the "diakonia of peace". The local Church plays a crucial role here. It helps to build harmony in its environment by adopting an attitude of service and collaboration. Its specific context - urban, suburban or rural - presents a range of challenges and needs. To respond to those needs adequately, a network of community resources can provide support, compassion, and renewal. The local Church, rooted in the peace of Christ can support local organizations with a listening attitude. A relationship can be built, for example, through financial and material support and, above all, through the personal commitment of Church members. Living this "diakonia" builds peace through solidarity, in places where the Church is sometimes perceived as irrelevant. It can act as a peacemaker through its commitment to living in openness to others, and to serving as a team with people of great diversity of experience and culture. There is here a demonstration of Christ's peace that can advance mutual welcome and collaboration in the local context.
From the local church to the global stage
Seeking to build peace where we are, engages us in a transformative journey. This journey, which focuses first and foremost on local action, also prepares Church members to look beyond the limits of their own milieu, towards movements that are helping to build peace and justice on a planetary scale.