Hello!

In 2023, we gather virtually during a time of fear and uncertainty. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands of deaths and created 12 million refugees. Newly-empowered populist regimes violate human rights and flout international law. Unnumbered conflicts rage in every corner of the globe. These wars—and the looming threats of others—are used to justify increases in military spending, investments in more efficient tools of destruction and death. Meanwhile, every four seconds someone dies of hunger.

Through the prophet Micah, God declares, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” But God also tells us why: “They shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid.” God intends that we should enjoy our time, move about without fear, and participate in sabbath rest. In this holy Shalom, our portions will suffice, and all will have enough. 

Having spent so long running in every direction but peace, it’s easy to forget there’s another way. No one can serve two masters; we cannot excel in both war and justice, both wealth and mercy. We cannot take by force what is intended to be shared. Let us heed Christ’s call and gather as one body to discern how we can reforge weapons of destruction into tools of growth, cultivate healing throughout God’s creation, and pursue systems that empower each person to thrive. Join us at Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2023, a conference to worship, educate, and advocate for the innovative and courageous policies needed to realize God’s promise.