What We Do
About the International Peacemaker Program
SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 17, 2016
DATES for THE 2016 PEACEMAKERS
Peacemakers will be available for visits this year between September 23 - October 17. Before and after their itineration they will gather in Louisville at the Presbyterian Mission Agency for orientation and debriefing.
Visits from International Peacemakers to hosting mid-councils and institutions generally last 3-5 days, excluding travel days. Not all visits must or may include a weekend. Midweek visits can be ideal for colleges, universities or theological institutions.
Peacemakers for 2016
Visit the Meet the Peacemakers page for photos and bios of all the peacemakers. This year they come to us from the following countries/regions
- COLOMBIA
- CUBA
- GHANA
- HUNGARY
- IRAN
- ISRAEL/PALESTINE
- KENYA
- NIGER
- SOUTH SUDAN
- SYRIA
- URUGUAY
An overview OF THE PROGRAM
In an increasingly conflict-ridden and fragmented world, the God who grants peace and wholeness calls Christians to understand and address the root causes of violence and injustice so that we may share in mending the brokenness that exists in our world. Peacemaking is the human response to God’s gift of peace giving.
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program makes it possible for leaders from our partner denominations and partner organizations around the world to visit the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) each year to interpret issues of peace and justice. Since 1984 over 220 International Peacemakers from more than 57 countries have been hosted by Presbyterians. These visits have informed Presbyterians, opened hearts and minds, touched lives, established relationships and inspired new ministries. By sharing stories of their work and witness, they help us to understand peace and justice concerns around the world and they provide insights that can inspire us to greater faithfulness. Their visits broaden our sense of God’s inclusive family and help equip us to build a culture of peace and nonviolence for all God’s children.
Areas of focus for our peacemakers
In their presentations, we ask our peacemakers to help the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) address some or all of the following five focus areas:
- Address the root causes of poverty, particularly as it impacts women and children
- Work for healing and reconciliation in cultures of violence and brokenness
- Share the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ
- Respond to natural and human-caused disasters
- Embody and advocate for God’s vision of a just and peaceful world
International Peacemakers / Mission Co-Worker Partnership
Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and World Mission, International Peacemakers who require translation assistance are often accompanied by PC(USA) mission workers. This partnership allows Presbyterians to hear first hand from both a peacemaker and a mission worker who represents the PC(USA) in the region. Together the peacemaker and mission co-worker share stories of connection and partnership between the PC(USA) and our ministry partners.
REQUEST AN INTERNATIONAL PEACEMAKER
International Peacemakers are available to mid-councils and Presbyterian colleges and theological institutions for itineration through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications must be completed in full and made in consultation with your mid-council's peacemaking or mission committee. Please ensure that your middle governing body is involved in this application and included in the planning of the International Peacemaker’s visit.
Application Forms
The 2016 application form is on line until July 1. After July 1, a number of peacemakers with open times in their itineraries may still be available. Consult the Peacemaking Program.
