Peacemaking in a Culture of Violence

This dove graces the side of a small shop on the outskirts of Bethlehem. The anonymous painters responsible are a part of a larger movement of artists raising questions of peace in a place of great violence.

Violence permeates the soul of our nation. In 1968, the Kerner Commission called violence as American as apple pie.

Violence, the Commission claimed, was imbedded in our culture. The range and intensity of violent behavior contained within our borders is surpassed only by those nations toiling in war or massive social upheaval. Day turns to night and still the daily body counts rise to the point where the chance of being killed by a gun is lower for a U.S. soldier in Iraq than for a student in the Chicago Public Schools.1 Violent behavior infiltrates our homes, our workplaces, our televisions, our streets and our cities.

Ripley, Amanda. Is Baghdad Safer Than Chicago? http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1645301,00.html Page accessed: 2/8/10

The church is uniquely situated to be a force of peacemaking in this culture of violence.

The church, especially in many under-resourced and underserved urban areas, is frequently the impetus for social transformation since it often serves as both the spiritual and social services center of the community. The potential for Christians to harness the great social energy and resources that lie within the vast, diverse network of congregations in communities around the world is enormous. Inspired ministries around the nation have shown how a small group of committed individuals can stir a communitys conscience and arouse hope towards lasting change.

What is the Congress on Urban Ministry?

The Congress is a premiere urban ministry conference, organized biennially, by SCUPE in partnership with organizations, agencies, and denominations doing urban ministry. Over its 30 year history the Congress has proven itself one of the best resources for pastors, students, academics, church and community leaders. This diverse group of participants is committed to finding creative ways to prepare and resource individuals so that their ministries may better confront the issues and needs of their communities.

On March 1-4,
Christians who care about violence in the city will gather at the Hyatt McCormick Place in Chicago to equip ourselves to: Analyze the culture of violence in our cities. Assume responsibility for transforming the culture of violence in our cities. Actualize peace in our families, our communities, and our cities.

CongressOnUrbanMinistry.org
The Congress on Urban Ministry is convened by SCUPE the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education which has over 30 years of experience bringing innovative theological education to urban ministers, pastors, seminary students, community developers, and people who care for the city and city dwellers. For more information, visit SCUPE.com