Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God
—Matthew 5:9

Peace Center Leadership

• Louis Samuel, Chairperson
• Barbara Talley, Executive Director

Vision Statement

The Peace Center envisions a global community and pluralistic society where people co-exist, interact peacefully, and work together for the advancement of humankind and its environment demonstrated by God’s love for all.

Mission Statement

To have a positive impact on the promotion of peace, understanding, and justice in all areas and levels of the West District church and the larger community, fostered by tolerance, non-violence, and respect for and among diverse cultures and religions based upon God’s principles of love, reconciliation and forgiveness. To provide leadership in Peace With Justice transformation to the Detroit West District church through the implementation of appropriate United Methodist Church Social Principles and Discipline, and appropriate Detroit and General Conference Resolutions.

Areas of Concentration

1. EDUCATION

• Design and develop curricula that embrace the principles of Peace in all West District UMC teachings, programs and activities;
• Encourage and strengthen the church and community to engage in peace- making efforts through study and interaction with others;
• Provide resources (both physical and e-mail/web), sponsor workshop, lectures, training on the UMC social principles and other peace/justice issues; and 4) Provide training and opportunities in advocacy and provide quarterly mailings to each church, and help to identify and prioritize Peace With Justice issues.

2. SOCIAL

• Provide leadership in the implementation of the United Methodist Social Principles;
• Design a reconciliation, mediator and non-violence program to equip church members and the community to deal and respond individually and collectively to conflict and disputes using biblical principles of love and peace;
• Encourage church members to analyze basic causes of injustice and study possible solutions and advocate corrective measures; and
• Act on social and political processes and policies that promote and/or impede peace in the world community.

3. OUTREACH

• Engage in outreach activities locally and abroad to foster respect, appreciation, communication and dialogue among various interfaith religious groups and other Christian church denominations;
• Evangelize and witness about the need for peace in the larger community using Jesus Christ as an example; and
• Have every church and community a peace church/community.

Examples

Education

• Tools for Peacemaking, and Reconciler Training classes for adults and youth and community certification

Social

• Have at least one yearly interfaith dialogue forum
• Encourage local churches and networking organizations to recognize International Day of Peace, September 21

Outreach

• Actual participation in advocacy both locally and globally (Liberia, West Africa, Mexico and Israel)
• Network with other peace organizations

Meetings

First Tuesday of March, June, September, December

6:30 P.M. Peace Center