Just Peace

On October 31, 1985, the United Church of Christ (UCC) General Synod made a powerful pronouncement, declaring our denomination a Just Peace Church. This wasn't just a political statement; it was an affirmation of our faith, a deepening of our commitment to God's vision for the world. At its heart, this pronouncement calls us to move beyond traditional thinking about war and peace and to fully embrace the vision of shalom—a Hebrew word for a peace that is holistic and complete, encompassing justice, well-being, and wholeness.

This historic decision built on insights from various faith traditions, including pacifism and the “just war” theory. The pronouncement acknowledges that under modern conditions, the criteria for a “just war” can't be met. As a result, we are called to move beyond simply opposing violence to actively building a world where peace is possible. This isn’t a passive act; it's an active, daily practice rooted in our belief that God desires to sustain the world, not destroy it.

For us at Robbinsdale Parkway UCC, this pronouncement is a guiding light. It reminds us that our faith isn’t just about what we believe, but about how we live. It calls us to seek out and address the root causes of injustice and violence in our community and in the world. It’s a call to be partners in creating a more just and sustainable world for all.

We believe that building a Just Peace is a shared journey. It’s something we do together as a community, through our worship, our service, and our advocacy. This pronouncement is a beautiful and challenging invitation to all of us to live out our faith in a way that truly reflects God’s love for all creation.