2014 Peace and Global Security Workshops

Shared Security: A Faithful Approach to Reimagining U.S. Foreign Policy

Saturday, Mar 22, 2014, 11:00 am

What’s your vision for the U.S. role in the world? Should the United States invest most of its time and treasure in a bigger military and higher walls around our borders, or focus on greater cooperation with other nations to address our common concerns? Military power and isolation may offer some protection for people within our national borders for a short period of time, but this protection comes with serious long-term costs to our country and world. Building on a platform for inspiration, critical thinking, and action developed by the American Friends Service Committee and the Friends Committee on National Legislation, this workshop will offer opportunities for people of all faiths to explore the possibilities for new approaches to U.S. foreign policy grounded in our shared security as global community.

Speakers:

  • Bridget Moix, Research Fellow, George Mason University
  • Ruth Flower, Legislative Director, Friends Committee on National Legislation
  • Aura Kanegis, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, American Friends Service Committee
  • Alissa Wilson, Public Education and Advocacy Coordinator for Africa, American Friends Service Committee

 

Protecting the Path to Peace With Iran

Saturday, Mar 22, 2014, 2:45 pm

A series of historic diplomatic steps are underway to peacefully resolve the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program. But some in Congress have sought to undermine negotiators and take the United States and Iran off the path to a final diplomatic solution. Expert panelists will provide an update on the state of implementation of the initial deal reached in November, the potential impacts of this agreement, and ways members of the faith community can help to support meaningful, effective diplomacy.

Speakers:

  • Negar Mortazavi, Director of Persian and New Media, National Iranian American Council
  • Stephen Miles, Coalition Coordinator, Win Without War.

Moderator:

  • Mark Harrison, Director, Peace with Justice Program, United Methodist General Board of Church and Society

Sowing Seeds of Shalom: Congregations Building Peace and Working for Justice

Saturday, Mar 22, 2014, 2:45 pm

Many local congregations have engaged in inspiring efforts to integrate justice and peacemaking though frameworks such as Just Peace on both the local and global level. Come and hear more about these efforts and related resources and see how your congregation can get involved.

Speakers:

  • Marie Dennis, Co-President, Pax Christi International
  • Rev. Chip Jahn, United Church of Christ pastor, Lamar, Indiana
  • Nate Hosler, Advocacy Officer, Church of the Brethren

Moderator:  

  • Rev. Michael Neuroth, Policy Advocate, United Church of Christ

Moving Beyond “Support the Troops”: How Congregations Can Offer Healing and Compassionate Welcome to Those Returning from the Trauma of War

Sunday, Mar 23, 2014, 1:30 pm

As the war in Afghanistan continues to wind down, thousands of people will return to our communities and congregations from war. Come and hear how your church can extend a compassionate welcome to those returning from war in ways that addresses the trauma and moral injury of war experienced by many.

Speakers:

  • Rev. Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, Co- Director, Soul Repair Center at Brite Divinity School
  • Rev. Stephen Boyd, Minister for Chaplains and Specialized Ministers, United Church of Christ

Moderator:

  • Rev. Michael Neuroth, Policy Advocate, United Church of Christ

Not in Our Name: Contemporary Issues of War

Sunday, Mar 23, 2014, 1:30 pm

Join in a facilitated discussion on contemporary issues of U.S. security and how you can be involved in effective advocacy. Discussion will include exploration of policies on drones, surveillance, Guantanamo, torture, and the terrorist watchlist; and how those policies relate to national and international law and conscience and moral law.

Speakers:

  • Nate Hosler, Advocacy Officer, Church of the Brethren
  • Ron Stief, Executive Director, National Religious Campaign Against Torture
  • Christina Warner, Campaign Director, Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Standing with American Muslims, Upholding American Values

Contributing Sponsors & Partner Organizations